Gabriel De Bruin, Head of Referees at the Mitchells Plain LFA, says he could not be prouder of the new kids on the block who are starting to make their mark with a whistle in their mouths.
Gabriels has lauded two up and coming assistant referees, Ethan Swartz (18) and Lincoln Perrang (25), for making the list of officials included for the finals of the Bayhill Premier Cup which kicks off at the Erica Park Sportsfield in Belhar from the 27 March to 31 March.
The final of this tournament, with the slogan “Where Stars are Born” is scheduled for 1 April at the Home of Football, the Athlone Stadium.
This spectacle is indeed not just the pinnacle for football players, but officials and referees as well.
Swartz and Pirang are two of five members of the MPLFA who have been selected for the Easter Spectacle, along with Donovan Stemmet, Ulfat Daniels and Shavano Daniels.
“Well, I’m extremely proud of them,” De Bruin told No Bones with Jones. “They have been improving in the past LFA season and I always tell the young boys to keep focusing and always listen to the experienced officials for advice as it will make them successful. These two have been doing just that and this is their reward. I am very happy for them,” De Bruin added.
Swartz, a matriculant at Glendale High School in Rocklands, said he initially took up officiating just to make a buck on the side.
“As time went on I started feeling it and I can now say that it is my hobby and a passion,” Swartz said to No Bones with Jones. “It gives me a lot of joy and I must say there are plenty of opportunities for me to grow. I feel so proud to be part of the Bayhill Cup and it is a big deal, you know,” the Stanturf FC official added.
He said that he looks up to referees such as Abongile Tom who officiated at the past African Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast. Tom also started at grassroots level at the Bayhill tournament and is now on the FIFA panel
According to Pirang, a member of Juventus FC, his lifelong dream of being part of the Bayhill Cup has eventually come true.
“I always said that when I become an assistant referee I would like to officiate at the Bayhill and now my dream has come true,” Pirang told our website. “I feel that hard work has paid off. What you put in you will get out and it is proven now with us going to the Bayhill tournament.
De Bruin also shared some words of encouragement with those unlucky officials who did not make the cut.
“Use this as motivation for next year as all is not lost,” ‘Gabi,’ as De Bruin is better known, said. “There are a few more young referees at the LFA and my aim is to equip them with all the knowledge and guidance, so they can achieve their goals to become successful in the next few years.
My advice to them is just be patient and keep on doing what you are doing as your time will come. I wish all the officials that will be part of the Bayhill everything of the best and urge them to make a name for themselves,” De Buin concluded.
