The South African Football Association has heaped praise on referee Victor Gomes and assistant Zakhele Siwela following their performance in the Caf Champions League final on Monday evening.

Gomes, who has been labelled as one of the best referees on the African continent, officiated the Champions League final alongside South African Siwela as Wydad Casablanca ended Al Ahly’s dominance in the competition by claiming a 2-0 win in Morocco.

The pair also recently handled the Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Egypt in Cameroon early this year and they are now on course to officiate at the upcoming Fifa World Cup in Qatar, which kicks off from 21 November to 18 December.

Safa president Dr Danny Jordaan commended Gomes and Siwela for their performance at the Stade Mohamed V, while also reswrving special praise for Ahly duo Pitso Mosimane and Percy Tau.

“I want to congratulate Victor Gomes on a strong performance in the Caf Champions League in Casablanca,” Jordaan told Safa.

“While speaking to many people here, the consensus was his performance confirmed him as one of the best two referees on the continent. We congratulate him. The same goes for Zakhele Siwela, who also delivered another sterling performance as an assistant referee.

“The other South Africans who were also involved in the Champions League final, Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane and striker Percy Tau, unfortunately could not repeat last year’s performance. But they still gave a good account of themselves.”