Cape Town, South Africa – President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend today’s “Football for Humanity” match between the Palestinian national team and a South African side at Athlone Stadium. This event, themed “Peace, Hope, and Solidarity,” symbolizes South Africa’s longstanding support for the Palestinian people.
The match offers Palestinian players a rare chance to compete in peaceful conditions with quality infrastructure. It comes during a significant period for the Palestinian solidarity movement, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s freedom and the anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison.
President @CyrilRamaphosa attends the Football for Humanity match between SAFA Third Division and the Palestine national football team at Athlone Stadium, Cape Town.
Convened under the theme: Peace, Hope and Solidarity, this event symbolizes South Africa's historic solidarity… pic.twitter.com/UcJMS2LxDt
— #SONA2024 | Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) February 11, 2024“It underscores our unwavering commitment to Palestine’s liberation and ending the conflict in Gaza,” the Presidency stated.
Football legends Boebie Solomons, Dr. Jomo Sono, and Farouk Khan will coach the South African team, adding a touch of experience and leadership. The Palestinian team, fresh from their Asian Cup run, aims to build on their recent success.
The second match, dubbed the “Freedom Cup,” will see a South African Invitational XI face off against the Palestinian visitors on February 18th.