SAFA referee dies after 'freak' car accident

SAFA and FIFA assistant referee Shaun Olive has passed away following a car accident earlier in the week.

South Africa's football governing body said in a statement that Olive "sustained serious injuries after being involved in a freak motor accident in Mondeor on Thursday".

He succumbed to his injuries on Saturday morning.

"We are gutted as the association. Here was a young man, taken away at the prime of his career. Shaun was among the rising young officials and his passing on is a huge blow to the country, the continent and world," SAFA president Danny Jordaan said.

According to The South African, Olive was leaving his home in Mondeor, Johannesburg when his car rolled over him and dragged him across the road.

Natasha Tsichlas, chairperson of the SAFA referees committee, said she was shocked to hear of Olive's passing.

"We extend our most sincere condolences to Shaun’s family, his fiancé, friends and the refereeing family as we come to terms with his tragic passing. We pray that they will be comforted and experience deep peace today, and the days hereafter.

"Shaun's bubbly presence and amiable character will be sorely missed among us. He showed so much promise and was at the cusp of a flourishing career," added Tsichlas.

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) said a minute's silence would be held in honour of Oliver ahead of matches this weekend.