BuaNews (Tshwane)
Professor Ndawonde
27 August 2008
Johannesburg — Budding soccer stars selected to represent the country in the junior soccer championships in France and Spain met with former President Nelson Mandela to have some of the "Madiba Magic" rub off on them.
Mr Mandela told the boys, aged between 11 and 13 from the Bree Primary School in Johannesburg, to remember that they were representing the country and must play to bring the trophies back home.
The 16-strong team met Madiba at the Nelson Mandela Children's Foundation on Wednesday.
"I wish you all the best in your future and as a country we will be behind you. You must play hard and show them you come from the country of heroes," said Mr Mandela.
The boys are to participate in the Danone Nations Cup in France from 3 to 9 September and proceed to Spain on 17 September to represent the country in the under 13 Nestle Championships.
The talented young boys won the Milo Champions Cup two weeks ago, securing their trip to Spain where they will be competing with 40 other schools from various countries in the under 13 Nestle sponsored tournament.
Captain of the school soccer team, Jabulani Mnguni told BuaNews that they have been working hard during their preliminary and knockout games and it was their dream to go overseas and represent the country.
"We are very excited to be the part of the tournaments and represent our country in these international championships."
The 12-year-old said he would love to see himself playing for the best teams in the world like England's champions, Manchester United or Spain's Real Madrid.
Grade 7 pupil, Lebogang Matakane, who is also part of the team going overseas, said it was like a dream come true to meet his role model Madiba and that he was happy to represent his country in this tournaments.
Dave Kalicharran, the school principal, told Mr Mandela that the school management was impressed by the talent and dedication shown by the young boys.
"The boys are not only exceptional in soccer but also in their studies, they are outstanding. We are proud of the boys and we also wish them all the best overseas."
The 16 young boys are also part of the Orlando Pirate Development Programme where they play for under-13 side.
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