Published: Thursday, 11 October 2007 12:52
The 13th edition of the Nelson Mandela Challenge is set to provide SA’s soccer loving fans with a dose of world class, action-packed soccer entertainment when the Bafana Bafana host the United States of America, at Ellis Park stadium, in Johannesburg, on Saturday, 17 November 2007 (15h30 kickoff).
Johannesburg, Wednesday, 10 October 2007 – The 13th edition of the Nelson Mandela Challenge is set to provide SA’s soccer loving fans with a dose of world class, action-packed soccer entertainment when the Bafana Bafana host the United States of America, at Ellis Park stadium, in Johannesburg, on Saturday, 17 November 2007 (15h30 kickoff).
The American visitors are riding high on the FIFA World rankings currently positioned in 18th spot, compared to the 73rd place occupied by Bafana Bafana, but the hosts are expected to put in a passionate, whole-hearted performance as the Rainbow Nation unites behind their cause to mark this special occasion.
SAFA CEO, Raymond Hack said that the Nelson Mandela Challenge has become an institution in SA sport, and thanked Royal Bafokeng Holdings for providing financial support to an event of this magnitude.
“The Nelson Mandela Challenge presents the perfect platform for rising stars to make their mark in a Bafana Bafana jersey, as national coach Carlos Alberto Parreira gets the opportunity to continue building towards a successful unit that will do our country proud when the FIFA 2010 World Cup is hosted on SA and African soil,” said Hack
Royal Bafokeng Holdings Executive: Public Affairs, Mpueleng Pooe said that his company is delighted to be involved with an event of the calibre of the Nelson Mandela Challenge, that honours one of the world’s greatest ambassadors of democracy.
“Royal Bafokeng Holdings has embarked on this sponsorship which will provide an afternoon of world class soccer for the enjoyment of all South Africans, as well as providing financial support for the much needed development work of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund ,” said Pooe.
“We are pleased to be working in conjunction with SAFA and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and look forward to taking this internationally-renowned soccer showpiece to new heights.”
Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund Trustee, Victor Nosi said that the soccer spectacle is the perfect platform to raise the awareness of his organisation and the objectives that have been set.
“The overall goal for the Fund’s Strategic Period 2005-2010 is directed at improving the conditions of children and youth from impoverished backgrounds,” said Nosi.
This Strategic Goal will be achieved or substantially impacted via a concerted focus in Four Programme areas namely:
Match tickets are on sale at Shoprite, Checkers, Checkers Hyper or Computicket outlets at a cost of R 50 (Grand Stand) and R 30 (Open Stand). Tickets will not be on sale at the stadium on match day and supporters are urged to purchase their tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment of missing out on the great occasion.
Mandela Challenge results:
| Date | Venue | Team 01 | Team 02 | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 May 1994 | Ellis Park, Johannesburg | South Africa | Zambia | South Africa won 2-1 |
| 13 May 1995 | Ellis Park, Johannesburg | South Africa | Argentina | Match ended 1-all |
| 24 April 1996 | FNB stadium, Johannesburg | South Africa | Brazil | Brazil won 3-2 |
| 4 June 1997 | FNB stadium, Johannesburg | South Africa | Netherlands | Netherlands won 2-0 |
| 16 December 1998 | FNB stadium, Johannesburg | South Africa | Egypt | South Africa won 2-1 |
| 27 November 1999 | Loftus stadium, Pretoria | South Africa | Sweden | South Africa won 1-0 |
| 7 October 2000 | Ellis Park, Johannesburg | South Africa | France | Match ended goalless |
| 19 November 2002 | Ellis Park, Johannesburg | South Africa | Senegal | Match ended 1-all, Senegal won 4-1 on penalties |
| 11 October 2003 | Olen Park, Potchefstroom | South Africa | Costa Rica | South Africa won 2-1 |
| 17 November 2004 | Ellis Park, Johannesburg | South Africa | Nigeria | South Africa won 2-1 |
| 12 November 2005 | EPRU stadium, Port Elizabeth | South Africa | Senegal | Senegal won 3-2 |
| 15 November 2006 | Brentford, London | South Africa | Egypt | Egypt won 1-0 |