How Pele was a ‘supporter of African progress in football’

The South African Football Association [SAFA] president Dr Danny Jordaan has revealed how the Brazilian football icon Pele was a “supporter of African progress in football” as he joins the world to mourn the passing the legend. 

This comes after Pele passed away on Thursday at the age of 82. 

The world football icon lost his battle with cancer and the SAFA president has since come forward to send his condolences to Pele’s family, citing that the “world has lost one of the greats.”

Dr Jordaan divulged that Pele was one of the people who supported the FIFA World Cup held South Africa back in 2010 and was in the country when the tournament took the centre stage.

SAFA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 

“We are saddened by the passing of this icon,” Dr Jordaan told SAFA Media department. 

“He was a supporter of African progress in football and supported the FIFA World Cup in South Africa in 2010.

“He was here in South Africa during the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and supported us. 

“Years ago he predicted that an African nation would win the FIFA World Cup before the year 2000 and while it is yet to happen, the performances of the African teams at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar must have put a smile on his face.”

Morocco became the first African country to reach the semifinal of the FIFA World Cup and Pele also congratulated the North African side for their good run in the competition a day after the conclusion of the prestigious tournament and he said: “And I couldn’t fail to congratulate Morocco for the incredible campaign. It’s great to see Africa shine.”  

HOW SAFA WILL REMEMBER PELE… 

“We remember him not only as the greater footballer he was, but also as a great ambassador of the sport,” he added. 

“We extend our deepest sympathies to his entire family, friends, Brazil and the football family around the globe. May Pele’s soul rest in peace.”

Pele remains the the only player to have won the FIFA World Cup on three occasions, having lifted the title in 1958, 1962 and 1970.

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