No Bafana, but referee Gomes set to fly SA flag at World Cup

Bafana Bafana may not be present at the FIFA World Cup, but there will at least be some South African representation at the tournament. 

Local referee Victor Gomes will take charge of the match between France and Australia at the Al Janoub Stadium on Tuesday evening.  

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It will be the veteran official's maiden World Cup match. He will be partnered by countryman Zakhele Siwela and Lesotho's Souru Phatsoane, with Rwandan Salim Mukansaga the fourth official.

Gomes has been the referee of many important matches throughout his career, including the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final between Egypt and Senegal as well as the latest Soweto derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. However, being on the same field as reigning champions France will surely be his biggest one yet.

The 39-year-old Gomes has a reputation of being a "card happy" referee, but he will look to fly the South African flag high at the World Cup.

Kick-off is at 21:00 (SA time).