/ 30 March 2013

Sunderland and Man United to play in honour of Mandela

Sunderland And Man United To Play In Honour Of Mandela

Sunderland was celebrating its recent collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, according to the report by the Saturday Star.

The event would have even more meaning as messages of support and prayers poured in for the former president who had been admitted to hospital with a recurring lung infection earlier this week.

Sunderland's players would wear T-shirts for the pre-game warm-up, bearing the foundation's logo and a special "text to donate" message in support of the foundation.

Nelson Mandela Day would see the launch of a special text number which would allow fans to pledge their support by donating R28 in support of the foundation.

Sunderland and Manchester United will take to the field through a guard of honour of young fans wearing Nelson Mandela Foundation T-shirts, along with 11 specially chosen mascots.

A flag bearing the foundation's logo will also be displayed and African-musicians, the Abatimbo Drummers of Burundi, will play before the match and at half-time.

The presidency said Mandela was "in good spirits" and making steady progress on Friday after a second day in hospital.

He spent Friday night in hospital as well.  – Sapa