Bloemfontein Celtic's number one supporter, Botha Msila, has revealed the impact Nelson Mandela had on his life.
The 39-year-old attends as many games as possible in the PSL and is known as one of the most passionate supporters in South Africa. He told the Siya crew that the loss of the revered former South African president, who passed away at the age of 95 last Thursday night, is a big one not only for the country but the whole world.
"As football fans, silahlekelwe. He played a very influential role when we were bidding to host the World Cup. He kept on saying that sport has the power to unify people from different racial backgrounds. He was a boxer and was involved in all sporting codes. Remember that in 1995 when the Springboks won the World Cup, he was there, as well as when Bafana Bafana won the Afcon in 1996," said Msila.
He added, "He was always encouraging people to take sports seriously and make a difference. He played a key role as well in ensuring that we were readmitted into international football and that's why everywhere you go people are celebrating his life. He had a special love for kids. That's why I also make sure to take kids out of the streets and to the stadium when Celtic are playing. I sing with them and I excite them.
The passionate man concluded, "He was everything to us and he flew the South African flag. People know South Africa because of Tata Mandela. If you went to Germany, they'd ask you, 'Where is the old man Madiba?'"To his family, I can only say we are with them in this period and we love them. The spirit of Tata will live on.
