Excitement levels for the big international friendly, on Thursday 18 July 2013 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in honour of former State President Nelson Mandela, is gaining momentum and soccer fans are in for a super soccer treat.

Organisers of the ”Let’s play for Madiba” Match between local soccer stars AmaZulu (the home team) and English soccer stars Man City (the visitors) that takes place on Mandela Day, are encouraging fans to take advantage of the drop in ticket prices from 150 to R95 in honour of Madiba’s birthday.

“Let us show South Africa and the world our support for Madiba and fill up the stadium. Let us also show the visiting soccer teams that Durban and KZN has what it takes to host big soccer events. We gave our visitors a resounding welcome at the airport when they arrived, now let us go to the stadium and show our support,” says Dr Musa Gumede, Deputy City Manager of the Community and Emergency Services Cluster.

He also encouraged fans to get their signature on the giant Birthday Card for Madiba â€" an attempt that organisers of the Man City Tour are hoping will make a world record in the Guinness Book of Records, with 10 000 signatures. The current record is 5400 signatures.

AmaZulu and Man City players have committed to doing their 67 minutes in honour of Madiba and will engage in programmes that help develop our community and future soccer stars. Man City players will also engage in three public appearances for their fans:

• An autograph signing session at the Suncoast Casino on 16 July 2013 from 16h30 â€" 17h30.

• A private soccer clinic for 24 upcoming soccer stars at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont on 17 July 2013 at 11h00;

• An open training session at Moses Mabhida on 17 July 2013 from 17h30 â€" 20h00, at a cost of R20.

• Players signing of the giant Birthday card for Madiba which will be on display at the signing session and stadium on Match Day.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize also encourages soccer and Madiba supporters to head out to the stadium in support of the match. “Let’s show our support for a leader, visionary and icon, Who has done so much for us. Let us celebrate Mandela Day by going to our stadium in numbers. We wish Madiba well and want him to know that he is in our hearts, always. He is our inspiration. Our province has shown that it can do great things and this is a moment in our history when we can come together and celebrate the life of a world legend of peace and reconciliation. We love you Madiba”

EThekwini Mayor, Cllr James Nxumalo says the City has a proud history of hosting big events. “We again are doing everything humanly possible to show that we have earned the status of being the best host City for major events in our country. Let us gather together to celebrate Madiba’s 95th birthday.”

Tickets are on sale at Computicket and prices range from R95, R250 and R350.

Ends

For more information contact the Deputy City Manager of the Community and Emergency Services Cluster, Dr Musa Gumede, on 031 311 4636.

Email: musa.gumede2@durban.gov.za

Issued by Football Invitational 2013 Media and Communications Sub-Committee. Contact Vuyo Gwala on 031 311 4838, 073 250 5704.

Email: vuyo.gwala@durban.gov.za.

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