When referee Zolile Mthetho blew the final whistle at the Carling Black Label Cup on Saturday, it signalled the end of a career spanning 13 years.
Mthetho yesterday confirmed his retirement, a few hours hours after he handled the fixture where Kaizer Chiefs beat Orlando Pirates 2-0.
The 46-year-old primary school principal from Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape won't be considered for the elite refereeing panel ahead of the new Absa Premiership season after accepting a new role as a national instructor.
Although Fifa abolished the 45-year age limit for match officials, Mthetho said his move had nothing to do with the "retirement age" but he was passing on his vast experience to the next generation.
"It was so hard to let go because I was supposed to leave at the end of the new season," Mthetho told Sowetan yesterday.
"I was so emotional before, during and after the game but I can say I bowed out in grand style officiating in the Soweto derby, in front of a capacity crowd. Safa has already requested me to take over as the national instructor in my region. I'll be more focused on the development of referees."
Zorro, as the married father of three is known to his peers, is rated among the top PSL referees. He was nominated for PSL referee of the season for the 2015-2016 season, having won the award in 2014, a feat that he said it rated among his career highlights.
"Being voted the best ref in 2014 is high up there, as well as being handed the honour of officiating in three Nedbank Cup finals in a row - 2012, 13 and 14."
Mthetho said his lowlight was being out for four weeks after the Safa referees' review committee sanctioned him and seven other match officials for poor performances last season.
He said that while it's difficult to bid his favourite past time goodbye, he would spend quality time with his family.
He has travelled the length and breadth of the country since his first PSL match in charge in 2006.
The derby on Saturday followed on the Nedbank Cup last-32 match that Mthetho handled between the two Soweto giants, which Pirates won 2-0, in March.
Ref Mthetho hangs whistle
When referee Zolile Mthetho blew the final whistle at the Carling Black Label Cup on Saturday, it signalled the end of a career spanning 13 years.
Mthetho yesterday confirmed his retirement, a few hours hours after he handled the fixture where Kaizer Chiefs beat Orlando Pirates 2-0.
The 46-year-old primary school principal from Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape won't be considered for the elite refereeing panel ahead of the new Absa Premiership season after accepting a new role as a national instructor.
Although Fifa abolished the 45-year age limit for match officials, Mthetho said his move had nothing to do with the "retirement age" but he was passing on his vast experience to the next generation.
"It was so hard to let go because I was supposed to leave at the end of the new season," Mthetho told Sowetan yesterday.
"I was so emotional before, during and after the game but I can say I bowed out in grand style officiating in the Soweto derby, in front of a capacity crowd. Safa has already requested me to take over as the national instructor in my region. I'll be more focused on the development of referees."
Zorro, as the married father of three is known to his peers, is rated among the top PSL referees. He was nominated for PSL referee of the season for the 2015-2016 season, having won the award in 2014, a feat that he said it rated among his career highlights.
"Being voted the best ref in 2014 is high up there, as well as being handed the honour of officiating in three Nedbank Cup finals in a row - 2012, 13 and 14."
Mthetho said his lowlight was being out for four weeks after the Safa referees' review committee sanctioned him and seven other match officials for poor performances last season.
He said that while it's difficult to bid his favourite past time goodbye, he would spend quality time with his family.
He has travelled the length and breadth of the country since his first PSL match in charge in 2006.
The derby on Saturday followed on the Nedbank Cup last-32 match that Mthetho handled between the two Soweto giants, which Pirates won 2-0, in March.
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