Soccer’s ‘mini-greats’ cheered on by Madiba
Bree Primary School boys have earned the honour of meeting Nelson Mandela by winning the Danone Nations Cup.
“I believe that you are champions in soccer, is that so?” the former president asked the boys at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Houghton on Wednesday. “That is good.”
Each boy went to Mandela, shook his hand and told him his name and the grade he was in.
Always the joker, Madiba asked one of the boys, Njabulo Magubane, whether he knew famous photographer Peter Magubane. He didn’t.
Another of the players, General Maphumulo, said when the principal called his name to go and shake Mandela’s hand, he was nervous.
“I asked myself whether it is me who is going to touch him. I am happy and will tell my parents, friends, teachers, siblings and school mates that I saw him and shook his hand,” said the 12-year-old striker.
General, from KwaZulu Natal, was discovered by Orlando Pirates talent scouts during trials in 2007 and brought to Johannesburg.
He scored the winning goal that will see his team jetting off to France.
School principal Dave Kaliharran was proud of his boys who did so well.
“They went through the preliminary and the nationals. The cherry on top was winning. However, education plays a big role and we are pushing them to work hard,” he said.
On September 3, the youngsters leave for France to take part in the Danone Nations World Cup. Forty teams will compete. A perk will be meeting soccer star Zinedine Zidane.
Returning from France, they fly to Spain on September 12 to play against Barcelona under 13. They will rub shoulders with Barcelona FC players and watch them practise.
This trip is their reward for scooping another prize - the Milo Cup.
On Wednesday, as Mandela left, he wished the boys luck.
“I am confident you will do well, I will be thinking of you,” he said.
Source: IOL
admin @ August 28, 2008