George Weah, Roger Milla, Abedi Pele and Tony Yeboah, four of the brightest luminaries in the African soccer firmament, were nowhere in sight on Friday only 24 hours before they were due to play against a team of former European stars in ”The Battle of the Legends” at Ellis Park.
Bemused and bewildered organisers belatedly confirmed that Ghanaians Pele and Yeboah would not be joining the squad of former African stars for Saturday night’s game because of commitments relating to the 2006 World Cup in their own country.
Former world footballers of the year Weah and Milla were said to be due at Johannesburg International airport on Saturday morning, but indications were officials would be worrying about whether they would arrive.
Meanwhile, former Mamelodi Sundowns and Malawi midfield supremo Ernest Chirwali and ex-Bafana stalwart Helman Mkhelele will replace Pele and Yeboah in the African squad for the match, which is in aid of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.
In contrast to the Africans’ last-minute reshuffle, the European squad have been ensconced at their Johannesburg training camp since Thursday — with Ruud Gullit, Brian and Michael Laudrup and Hristo Stoitchkov among the conglomeration of former World Cup players.
The European side will be coached by Holland legend Johan Neeskens and Jomo Sono will be in charge of the African squad, whose South African contingent includes Lucas Radebe, Mark Fish, Philemon Masinga, Doctor Khumalo and Mkhelele.
Kick-off is at 8.10pm. — Sapa