Kaizer Chiefs partnered up with main sponsor Vodacom in Port Elizabeth and contributed their 67 Minutes of Mandela Day by packing food parcels. The Team broke the record by packing more than 2 000 food parcels in 67 minutes. The parcels will be distributed to more than 50 000 families as part of Vodacom’s Food Security Programme. The team spirit was high among the Glamour Boys during the packing at the basement of the Vodacom’ PE Regional Office in Greenacres.

The 2014 Mandela Day is unique as it’s the first one since Mr Mandela passed away in December 2013. It is the first one without him. The Amakhosi in its entirety are encouraged to do their part for Madiba in their different spheres of life as Mandela Day not only celebrates the Iconic late Statesman but it also resonates with the Love and Peace slogan of the Club.

Speaking on behalf of the players Captain Itumeleng Khune said; “We are still here in camp in Port Elizabeth preparing for the start of the PSL season and we are conscious of the significance of today as Mandela Day globally. As the players from a big Club, we know the contribution that Madiba has made is unparalleled. We had an opportunity today to do it for Madiba. We joined our main sponsor Vodacom and packed more than 2 000 food parcels that will be distributed to more than 50 000 families in PE. We are blessed to be part of such a great initiative of giving back. This action has made the players realise the importance of this day and the act of giving back to the communities. There was an added value of team building that will go a long way in making us play better as a team this coming season.”

Coach Stuart Baxter expressed words of support for this significant Day in the world history. He said, “I think all around the world every country have their significant days that mean more than everyday life. Madiba has affected the world. We are committed as a Team to make a contribution. Our contribution must be coupled with everybody starting to refocus in recognition of the hard work and Madiba’s way of selflessness in what we do. The activity with the whole squad will go a long way to bring these values to the pitch. We are happy to be part of it.”

Assistant Coach Doctor Khumalo also expressed the Amakhosi connection with the Day. He said, "In the morning I visiting Kwa-Nobuhle in Uitenhage. We played soccer with the kids, doing face painting and giving out some food. This is a clarion call and it required all of us to make a contribution. Now here at Vodacom, it is like a cherry on top, we showed our commitment with Vodacom that indeed we care."

Back home the Staff at the Club headquarters contributed their 67 Min of Mandela Day by taking to the streets and cleaning around The Village and the neighbourhood. Remarkably, the Staff picked up a total of 53 bags of rubbish!

The message from Nelson Mandela Foundation: “Mr Mandela is gone, but his legacy lives on; Mr Mandela is gone, but the work he started will continue.”