Wednesday the 18th July rings in the 89th birthday of a father, and a true friend of the Amakhosi, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Today we are proud to state that we are children of an icon and a father that changed and restored our image as true and liberated South African citizens.

As for us at Amakhosi, our boardroom at Naturena boasts a player’s jersey that he autographed when he officially opened our premises on the 05th April 2002. The memory of that day still lingers in our minds as he sauntered into our hearts and those of the entire Amakhosi family, including its officials and supporters from all over the country.

Our recent visit to his home in Johannesburg was about receiving the famous Madiba magic shortly before we engaged and overwhelmed Manchester United in the Vodacom Challenge competition of the 2006/7 seasons. We are also proud to have honoured Madiba by being the first team to hoist the inaugural Nelson Mandela Cup, now known as the African Cup Winners Cup in 2001. Throughout all these tournaments, Madiba was at his usual best when all Amakhosi players and officials lined to shake his formidable hand of reconciliation as we all sought to heal from the painful political history of our country. To date the trophies rest majestically in our cabinet as proof of his humble contribution to our success.

We therefore join the millions of South Africans and the rest of the world in wishing Madiba a warm and hearty HAPPY BIRTHDAY. It has been gratifying to know him as a person and a statesman whose principles of love and peace are embedded in the philosophy and the character of Amakhosi.

With the 2007/8 Vodacom Challenge breathing close by, our lads would remember his smile and laughter to do everything in their might to lift the cup in his honour. May your day be filled with fun, and countless blessings.

LONG LIVE, MADIBA 4 LIFE!!