Carteron and Keita show off the signed jersey gift to Mandela
Mali Captain - Seydou Keita and Coach Patrice Carteron have paid an emotional tribute to world icon, Nelson Mandela.
The duo took time during their official press conference in Durban to talk about the influence Madiba – (as Mandela is affectionately known throughout the world - his clan name) has had in Mali and the squad.
Carteron revealed that they had wanted to meet the elder statesman and former South Africa president. The Mali team have sent Madiba the number ‘12’ jersey of Keita that has been signed by all members of the Mali squad.
Madiba’s life story is well documented. As an activist against apartheid, he spent 27 years in Robben Island after being incarcerated for fighting racial segregation system. After his release, he became the first democratically elected President of South Africa.
“We are so glad to be here in South Africa – the country of Nelson Mandela, a man who inspired a generation of people throughout the world. He is an amazing man. The Mali team wanted to meet Madiba during our visit here in South Africa but we understand that we cannot see him because he is not well. We pray for Madiba to have a speedy recovery.
“We have decided to send him the jersey of our captain, Keita that has the signatures of all the players in our team as a gift,” Carteron said.