The Nelson Mandela Challenge was officially launched in Joburg today with the SA Football Association (Safa) pledging R1 million towards the Children’s Fund.
The 18th edition of this annual event will see Bafana Bafana hosting current African champions Zambia at Soccer City on November 14.
Interestingly, the two countries contested the inaugural challenge in 1994, which Bafana won 2-1.
Safa president Kirsten Nematandani said they could not have asked for a better opponents than the reigning African champions.
He said South Africa would use the game to prepare the team for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
MEC for sport and recreation in Gauteng Lebohang Maile said it was befitting to play the African champions in “the home of champions”, Gauteng.
