In honour of the late global hero Nelson Mandela, Afrik-Foot revisits his most significant moments related to football, along with his famous words about the beautiful game.
Born on 18 July 1918, Madiba lived a remarkable life that extended to 5 December 2013, when he passed away at the age of 95.
As the world commemorates Nelson Mandela Day by performing 67 minutes of good deeds, his passion for football remains among his many legacies.
According to the world’s football mother-body, FIFA, Mandela was instrumental in securing the 2010 FIFA World Cup for South Africa. His joy was palpable when South Africa's bid triumphed over Egypt and Morocco.
MANDELA’S WORDS WHEN SA WERE AWARDED 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP
“While we were on Robben Island, the only access to the World Cup was on radio. Football was the only joy to prisoners,” said Mandela as per FIFA.com.
“I feel like a young man of 15.
“I want to thank you for your courage and support against racism at a time when many were still hesitant. Thank you for making Africa a cornerstone of FIFA’s activities.
“Sport has the power to inspire and unite people. In Africa, soccer enjoys great popularity and has a particular place in the hearts of people. That is why it is so important that the FIFA World Cup will, for the first time ever, be hosted on the African continent in 2010. We feel privileged and humbled that South Africa has been given this singular honour of being the African host country.
“Who could doubt that sport is a crucial window for the propagation of fair play and justice? After all, fair play is a value that is essential to sport.”
MANDELA LIFTING AFCON WITH BAFANA BAFANA
During the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, Nelson Mandela wore the South African jersey as he watched Bafana Bafana lift the trophy for the first time ever in front of a home crowd to wrap up the championship on home soil under the guidance of the late coach Clive Barker and captain Neil Tovey, who led South Africa to victory.
STADIUMS NAMED AFTER MANDELA
In honour of the South African struggle hero there are stadiums named after Nelson Mandela in cities around the world such as Port Louis in Mauritius, Kampala in Uganda, Torrevieja in Spain and Baraki in Algeria.
There is also Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, Madiba's home province in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa which hosted three FIFA World Cup matches in 2010, including the third-place game.
MANDELA MEETING SIR ALEX FERGUSON
Mandela met extended a warm welcome to Manchester United during their inaugural tour of South Africa back in 1993.
Ferguson, who was the Red Devils manager at the time, said, “(Meeting) lasted for 20 minutes, but for me it lasted a lifetime, it was fantastic,” he told The Sun.
“The remarkable thing about Nelson Mandela was his complete lack of bitterness at being imprisoned for 27 years.”
MANDELA’S SPECIAL BOND WITH PELE
In 1971, upon arrival at Johannesburg airport, Pelé was reportedly denied entry by South African authorities enforcing apartheid policies. This incident led him to vow not to return to South Africa until Nelson Mandela was released from prison.
After 1994, they met and developed strong relationship.
When Mandela passed away, Pele said, “my friend and my idol.”
“He was my companion in the struggle for the popular cause and for world peace,” Pelé added. “Let us carry on his work. He was one of the most influential people in my life.”
MEETINGS WITH OTHER FOOTBALL ICONS
Football legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, and Samuel Eto'o all expressed jubilation after meeting Nelson Mandela.
