Beckham in SA to inspire local stars

Johannesburg - Former Manchester United and Real Madrid star David Beckham will be in South Africa on Monday to speak at the 2016 Discovery Leadership Summit in Johannesburg.

The 41-year-old, who retired from football in 2013 after a spell at France's Paris Saint-Germain, is expected to deliver a message of inspiration to Mzansi's next generation of young footballers and future leaders.

Beckham will join a number of other leaders in industry as a keynote speaker at the event in Sandton. The midfielder, who also spent five seasons in America with LA Galaxy, is one of the star attractions at the summit this year.

The former England captain, who played against Bafana Bafana in 2003 and claimed an assist in the 2-1 victory, made nearly 850 career appearances for club and country.

He said: "I'm pleased to be attending. It's always great returning to SA, where I have always felt the warmth and passionate spirit of its people."

Beckham will only be in Mzansi for a matter of hours to deliver the speech before jetting out again soon afterwards.