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Patrice Motsepe confirms Barcelona v Sundowns match
Patrice Motsepe, Mamelodi Sundowns chairman
Thursday May 10, 2018. 15:35
Mamelodi Sundowns president Patrice Motsepe has confirmed that Spanish giants Barcelona are on their way to South Africa.The Spanish La Liga giants are set to face the eight time Premier Soccer league champions on Wednesday at the FNB Stadium.
Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, Motsepe said his club and his foundation, Motsepe Foundation are proud to bring the Catalans in the country.
Barca are coming to South Africa for the second time after playing the Brazilians in 2007 and they emerged as victors following a 2-1 win.
Moreover, the friendly will also form part of the former president Dr. Nelson Mandela Centenary celebrations, but it was clouded by uncertainty as Barcelona had not confirmed their participation.
They were even quoted as denying the existence of such a match as they are focusing on finishing their season unbeaten.
"Mamelodi Sundowns and the Motsepe Foundation are honoured to play a humble role in the Nelson Mandela Centenary celebrations in honour of our icon, Dr. Nelson Mandela who was respected and inspired people throughout the world," Motsepe said.
"Dr Nelson Mandela often referred to the power of sports and football to unite people from different races and different backgrounds.
“We want our youth who love football to believe that they have the potential to be as good as the best in the world and those who want to be doctors, engineers, technologists or any other professional or entrepreneur to be inspired by the successes of those in football and other sport and to believe that through hard work and sacrifice their dreams can come true."
La Liga Africa Director, Antonis Barradas, announced that the Catalan giants are set to bring their star players including Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta in the match billed as Champions versus Champions.
Tokyo Sexwale, representing the Nelson Mandela Foundation, talking about how the foundation believes, as Madiba put it, that sports can change the world. “This is Champion Vs Champion. Barca, welcome to South Africa!” #Sundowns #DownsBarca pic.twitter.com/Kv3pqINYuO
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 10, 2018
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