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Bafana to honour Madiba

Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana will play two friendly internationals within the space of four days in August, in honour of former president Nelson Mandela, the SA Football Association (Safa) confirmed on Friday.

South Africa would face African champions Nigeria in the annual Nelson Mandela Challenge in Durban on August 14, Safa said in a statement.

On Thursday, the Sports Ministry had confirmed that Bafana would face Burkina Faso at FNB Stadium on August 17, as part of Nelson Mandela Day, which would be held in honour of the former statesman.

Safa president Kirsten Nematandani said the football body was delighted to be able to honour Madiba in both matches.

"When we got the invite to be part of this venture, we did not hesitate as Madiba has made a selfless sacrifice for the nation," Nematandani said.

"We are obviously mindful of the fact that the former president is not well in hospital.

"We can only wish him all the best for him to come out and be among us so he can continue to inspire us as he has done for many years.

"This event shows that no one can unite the country quite like he has, and we are proud to be taking part."

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