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When Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe prematurely blew the final whistle during the group match between Mali and Tunisia at the Covid-delayed 2021 Afcon tournament in Cameroon, the first reaction was that he was such an incompetent ref.
Sikazwe ended the game early not once, but twice - in the 85th minute and in the 89th minute - when he, in fact, should have played added time.
READ: Daniel Mothowagae | Afcon refs aren’t the palookas you may think they are
The match official became an overnight internet sensation because of the mishap.
The overused meme was back in the timelines this week thanks to the officiating in the Uefa Champions League semifinal match between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
okay but Janny Sikazwe is a legend ???? https://t.co/0lTBFQldwQ
— Lord Bish ???? (@nondeThecreator) May 10, 2024
City Press caught up with the retired 44-year-old Sikazwe, who was among the guests at the inaugural Cosafa awards ceremony in Sandton, Johannesburg this week.
He said instead of people making fun of his blooper at the Afcon in Cameroon two years ago, people should rather spare a thought as he could have died on that afternoon of 12 January 2022 in the Limbe Stadium.
READ: WATCH | Farewell, Rose of Soweto - Dingaan Thobela given a hero's funeral
He shared that he was overcome by a heatstroke and was actually hallucinating when he blew for full time. His decision invoked fury and sparked fun alike.
Recalling the incident, Sikazwe said:
"A lot of people were saying, no, even at the World Cup, we won’t be selected and stuff like that. Fifa is not like that. Everybody can get sick. If a player can get sick and die in the field, you say a player is normal. What about the referee? You don’t want it to be normal? I guess, it’s part of life. I thank God that I’m here."
A teacher by profession, specialising in mathematics and physical education, Sikazwe is a CAF referees’ instructor these days.
Sikazwe is also one of a handful of few accredited video assistant referees in southern African.
He said:
