Bafana maintain Tata’s legacy
PARKTOWN – It was excitement all around the hospital as Bafana Bafana visited ahead of the Nelson Mandela Challenge against Mali.
The joy and excitement of seeing the Bafana Bafana national football team could be felt from everyone throughout the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in Parktown.
The national team made its way to the hospital ahead of the Nelson Mandela Challenge match with Mali at Nelson Mandela Bay on 13 October. The team was also accompanied by members of the South African Football Association (Safa).
Marketing and communications director at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Nomthi Mnisi said the aim of the visit to the hospital was for the patients to meet the team and to celebrate the 25-year-old partnership between Bafana Bafana and the fund.
The CEO of the fund, Mandisa Maholwana said the special morning aimed to showcase the fund as a legacy which Nelson Mandela set up before he passed on. “He [Mandela] viewed children as needing special care and love. His dream was that no child should be turned away regardless of their social background. Part of the job of this environment is to make sure children interact without fear of being harmed,” Maholwana said.
She expressed her appreciation for the visit and encouraged the continuation of the partnership.
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The president of Safa, Danny Jordaan recalled how they started the partnership back in 1994 after Mandela’s inauguration with a match against Zambia. “We play the Nelson Mandela Challenge every year as part of our social contribution. I’d like to thank Bafana Bafana because they give their best during every challenge. I would also like to thank the hospital for giving players the opportunity to make a contribution to the lives of children,” Jordaan said.
He added that whenever countries were invited to play in the challenge, they always heeded the call and encouraged the legacy of giving to continue.
Head coach of Bafana Bafana, Molefi Ntseki commended the ‘brilliant idea’ which puts children first. He said, “Most of us here have children and we try to give them the best care possible. Thumbs up to the staff, doctors and parents for their contributions. We all have to look after our children well and give them love and care that will benefit the whole country.”
Ntseki said they were looking forward to the game with Mali. Some of the patients were given the opportunity to greet the players while they toured the hospital led by director of nursing, Jayson Gopiechand.
Details: Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund www.nelsonmandelachildrensfund.com
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