It’s not over until the ref blows the whistle
In a game shortly into this season, Smith obtained a serious injury to his knee, which finished his playing career.
Benoni North resident Keith Smith, known for his refereeing and playing of football locally, arrived in South Africa in 1975 and was dropped off in Benoni.
Coming from a football culture in England, Smith found his way to Willowmoore Park to play for Benoni FC, or as they were known back then, the Benoni Callies.
“At the end of the football season in 1976, I was selected to play for Easterns in the Currie Cup and the following season a new league was formed called the Transvaal Central League. Old Bens approached me to play for them within this league and I agreed,” he said.
In a game shortly into this season, Smith obtained a serious injury to his knee, which finished his playing career.
“After a break from the sport, I returned to Benoni FC as their first team coach,” he said.
“I spent many successful years with them. We had four senior teams, an u-19 Colts team, as well as a strong junior section, bringing us to about 28 teams in total.”
Smith was also appointed chairperson of the club, but after a few years in this position, he felt the workload was too demanding.
“This was the start to my refereeing career,” he explained.
“In those days, the majority of the top Transvaal League refs were immigrants. I was soon accepted into their circuits and learned so much.”
This football lover spent almost 40 years as a senior referee, with his last game being the local derby between Northerns and Old Bens.
“I also spent many years running referee courses at the Benoni Moth Club,” he explained.
“I became the chairperson of referees for several years, giving me the chance to impart my knowledge onto others. I was also responsible for appointing the refs for the Super League, working closely with Manny Ferreirinho (well known in Benoni for starting the first football section at Benoni Northerns Sports Club).”
Unfortunately, during this time, Covid hit.
“Manny called me to ask if I would ref junior games at Benoni Northerns,” he said.
“I was more than happy to oblige, not only because I enjoy football more than I can explain, but also because it’s rewarding to be able to ref the children of former players.
“I will be 72 in December, but I still get excited to ref these games, so I hope it continues.”
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