The 10th edition of the annual Nelson Mandela Challenge will go ahead with or without a sponsor.
This bold statement came from the CEO of the South African Football Association, Albert Mokoena, at the official launch of the high-profile event on Thursday, which was introduced in 1994 to commemorate former president Nelson Mandela.
”We approached Sasol about the event and we have not heard anything from them yet, but if they do not buy into the idea, we will look for an alternative.
”But I must state clearly that the 2004 Nelson Mandela Challenge will go ahead with or without a sponsor.”
Attempts to get the fuel and oil manufacturer to comment were to no avail. The company is the only sponsor for the country’s under-23 soccer team, AmaGlug-Glug.
Mokoena also announced that Bafana Bafana will host the Super Eagles from Nigeria in the challenge. He said the Nigerians have committed to bring their best available team, including star midfielder Austin ”Jay Jay” Okocha.
Mokoena added that the initiatives are unprecedented regarding this year’s challenge for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.
He said the 2004 event carries more weight than the previous ones, taking into consideration the role that Mandela played for South Africa to be awarded the rights to host the World Cup final in 2010.
Bafana Bafana, yet to beat Nigeria who boast three wins and a draw against South Africa, have previously played against Zambia, Argentina, Brazil, The Netherlands, Egypt, Sweden, France, Senegal and Costa Rica in the challenge.
”We believe that all these countries provided our players an opportunity and platform to showcase their skills and improve where needed,” said Mokoena.
Archie Tsoku, who represented the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund at the briefing, announced that Madiba has committed to be at the game, where some of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the fund.
Ticket sales start on Monday. Ellis Park CEO George Stanton said there will be a limit of six tickets per person. — Sapa