Football match for Nelson Mandela's 89th birthday · 2007-07-18 19:39
Some of the world's best ever football players are to take part in a match for Nelson Mandela's 89th birthday later.
Brazil's Pele and Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o are to play as an African team takes on the Rest of the World to raise money for the fight against HIV/Aids.
Fifa is also due to confer honorary membership on the Makana FA ??“ set up by prisoners on Robben Island.
Mr Mandela spent 27 years in prison, before becoming South Africa's first black president in 1994.
The birthday of one of the world's most respected political leaders is a major national event every year in South Africa.
According to BBC, Mr Mandela, fondly known by his clan name Madiba, is spending the first part of his birthday at home with friends and relatives.
Former US President Jimmy Carter and UN chief Kofi Annan are also due to join the veteran anti-apartheid campaigner to launch a council of global "elders" to try to find solutions to “some of the world’s toughest problems” such as poverty and conflict.
• "Big Brother" "never-ending" party
• Angelina Jolie is jealous over Brad Pitt
|