Mashikwa is delighted to see how some of the up-and-coming referees are progressing as match officials in the topflight of South African football.
Despite a penalty call that fell on death ears after Orlando Pirates captain Happy Jele brought down Khama Billiat of Kaizer Chiefs, referee Eketsang Setloboko did a good job in the Derby.
His team of assistants, Lalelani Mngadi and Elphas Sitole, and fourth official Cedrick Muvhali deserve credit for also ensuring the Derby is remembered for its entertainment on the pitch and not for controversial refereeing decisions.
Match officials had come under fire for some poor decisions, especially offside calls, early in the season, but SAFA feel there's an improvement.
“We have received massive positive feedback from all corners of the country including outside people who watched this Derby across the world. It was refreshing to see even the spectators applauding the good work of our match officials. It is rare to see referees getting such positive feedback from the public,” Masikhwa told SAFA's website.
The chair of referees, Natasha Tsichlas, says there will be more young referees coming through.
“People will continue seeing more and more young referees coming into the fold in the coming weeks. These are products of the Young Talent or the Youth Development Programme which the association is driving vigorously,” said Tsichlas.