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SAFA mourns Mandela passing

Johannesburg - The SA Football Association (SAFA) says it is in deep mourning following the death of Nelson Mandela.

QUIZ: How well did you know Nelson Mandela?

Mandela died at his home in Houghton around 20:50 on Thursday.

"Madiba was responsible for lifting the spirits of our football nation from the talks to unite the Association to victory at the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations," SAFA president Danny Jordaan said in a statement on Friday.

"He served as the catalyst in our bid for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup."

Jordaan said while they had been watching Mandela's deteriorating health over the last year, they were all still shocked by his passing.

SAFA called on the entire football community to observe a moment of silence before every match they play in honour of this hero who inspired our nation to achieve in our sport and to work to emulate his example.

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