Kaizer Chiefs Executive Chairman Mr Kaizer Motaung has on behalf of the Club in its entirety expressed sadness at the death of the Global Icon, South African Former State President and humanitarian Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

"I wish to express our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Mandela family, relatives, friends, South Africans and the World at large. Madiba was an icon and revered for his contribution to the anti-apartheid struggle which saw South Africa attaining freedom and the first democratic election in 1994;" lamented a visibly sad Motaung.

"We thank the Almighty for having afforded us and the entire World an opportunity to live in his times. In this time of God, our thoughts goes to his family. We would like to thank the family, his wife Mrs Graca Machel and his former wife Ms Winnie Mandela. The Mandela family has sacrificed and endured suffering for the freedom of the people. May the family find solace in God, for He is the beginning and the end;" expressed Motaung.

"There are many memories to share and no single event can describe Madiba. Madiba has earned himself among many accolades a Noble Peace Prize in 1993.

As for Kaizer Chiefs, 05 April 2002 will forever be engraved in the minds of many of the staffers at Naturena as the date when Madiba officially opened the Kaizer Chiefs Village.

On that day, Madiba who had already stepped down as the President of the Republic took time to spend an afternoon at Chiefs Village meeting the staff and the entire team;" Remembered Motaung.

"The sporting World will never forget his inspiration that saw South Africa triumph in both Afcon and Rugby World Cup. Wearing a replica of Springbok captain Francois Pienaar's No 6 jersey, Madiba encouraged the Springboks ahead of their do or die June 24, 1995, game against the All Blacks. After the final whistle, Mandela shook Pienaar's hand and presented him with the William Webb Ellis trophy, punching the air as Pienaar held it aloft. He celebrated the win alongside the team.

Less than a year later, on February 3, 1996, Mandela appeared in a replica of Bafana Bafana captain Neil Tovey's No 9 jersey at FNB Stadium. Inspired, the national soccer team went on to beat Tunisia 2-0 and claim the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations title;" a sad Motaung concluded.

Mandela is survived by three daughters, 18 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. He had four step-children through his marriage to Mrs Graca Machel.

“I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” Nelson Mandela during the Rivonia trial, 1964

May your soul rest in peace.

God Bless Africa.

Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika.