Madiba loved sport in general and football was definitely close to the top of the list. His presence and aura helped us lift our first and only African Cup of Nations trophy, and in light of his one year anniversary yesterday, we have picked some things he had to say about the beautiful game.
Mandela on football during his years in captivity: "While we were on Robben Island, the only access to the World Cup was on radio. Football was the only joy to prisoners."
"I feel like a young man of 15," he said in reaction, at the age of 85, to South Africa being awarded the right to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup. "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."
Looking towards the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Mandela said: "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 added on the importance of sport
Mandela on former Bafana Bafana star Lucas Radebe: "This is my hero."
"The people of Africa learnt the lesson of patience and endurance in their long struggle for freedom. May the reward brought by the FIFA World Cup prove that the long wait for its arrival on African soil has been worth it." - Mandela on South Africa 2010
Do you have a special Madiba quote?
