Jason seeks the golden whistle
Jason went to the land of the Colchi in search of the golden fleece. Jason Jaftha is off to the land of the Namibians in search of the golden whistle – his very first Test match.
In Windhoek, starting this Saturday, there is a Tri-Nations tournament involving Namibia, Spain and Zimbabwe, though there is a doubt about Zimbabwe's attendance because of financial constraints. Jaftha will referee the middle match of the tournament, Spain vs Zimbabwe.
When he does so, he will become South Africa's 66th Test referee, following Jaco Peyper. A week later Lourens van der Merwe will become Number 67 when he referees Canada vs Russia in Wales.
Jaftha, who is just 27, has had an excellent ending to the 2012 season. He had two excellent Premier Division Currie Cup matches and then the Final of the First Division of the Currie Cup, a thriller between Eastern Province Kings and the Pumas.
Talking about Jaftha's appointment, André Watson, South Africa's refereeing boss, could not hide his delight.
Jason Jamaine Jason, born in the lovely town of Prince Albert at the foot of the Outeniqua Pass, on 4 May 1985, will have good company for his first Test. The reserve referee is highly experienced Test referee Marius Jonker and he has Jonker's younger brother Tiaan as an assistant.
