Barcelona, Sundowns In Friendly Match At FNB Stadium
By SA News
On the day which marks 24 years since the inauguration of the first democratically-elected President Nelson Mandela, it was announced that Barcelona FC and Mamelodi Sundowns FC will play a friendly match.
Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the centenary of Nelson Mandela, Jeff Radebe, made the announcement in Johannesburg on Thursday, saying the match forms part of events to mark what would have been Madiba’s 100th birthday.
The friendly will be played at 6pm at FNB Stadium on 16 May.
Minister Radebe said the two teams will follow in Madiba’s footsteps of uniting people across regions and continents.
“As the IMC, we would like to congratulate the cooperation that has been displayed in the hosting of this game between the football authorities of our country, and the management of the two teams,” he said.
The Minister believed Mandela would be happy where he is, that his name is being appropriately linked to an effort that united people across the oceans.
He said the celebration of such an icon as Madiba, should not be limited by costs factors. Tickets for the clash are on sale, starting at R40 up to R550.
“Both teams are recognized as champions in their continents and their leagues, and despite the misfortune that has befallen Barcelona to Roma last Tuesday, South Africans will be delighted to see their heroes in action. South Africans fall in love with and love their sports icons through thick and thin.”
On behalf of the IMC, he wished the teams well.
