SA duo to play on world stage
2008-07-09 13:37
Johannesburg - Kaizer Chiefs strikers, Kaizer Motaung Jr. and Shaun Bartlett will participate in a global fundraising match, that features world stars, in Germany this weekend.
The match that takes place in the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany on Saturday, will inaugurate the launch of the Goal4Africa programme and will be in honour of Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday.
According to a report on the Amakhosi website, Motaung, Jr. and Bartlett will join a galaxy of stars that include AC Milan maestro Clarence Seedorf, German national team and Chelsea midfielder, Michael Ballack, AC Milan's Paulo Maldini, Arsenal's Robin Van Persie, Togo and Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor, Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, Real Madrid defender and captain of the Azzuri Fabio Cannavaro, Chelsea's striker and Ivory Coast captain, Didier Drogba, Ghana's Michael Essien and many more.
Michael Ballack and Clarence Seedorf have been appointed team captains.
Formula 1 legend, Michael Schumacher will join one of the two teams to kick some goals for Africa.
Goal4Africa is a fundraising mechanism and global awareness campaign. Its objective is to raise funds for educational and development programmes, and to promote the development of football, throughout the African continent.
'Universal language'
"The match is for a good cause and that is what makes it more important to me," says Motaung Jr. "I have always wanted to take part in events aimed at alleviating some of the challenges we are experiencing on the continent.
"The invitation to participate in this game gives me an opportunity to enhance the Club's commitment to giving back to less fortunate communities. Africa is struggling and through football we can assist in responding to some of the challenges we are confronted with, because football is a language that all of us can speak. It is a universal language," he says.
Motaung Jr. who spent time at 1860 Munich says the opportunity to go to Germany for this game will serve as motivation ahead of the Vodacom Challenge and what promises to be a gruelling 2008/9 season.
"We are all focused to the upcoming season. I am looking forward to learn from some of the best footballers in the world. I will bring back whatever I pick up from this experience to the team. Personally, this opportunity for me serves as motivation to do well in the up coming season," he adds.
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- Kickoff