Madiba: A global sports icon

Many of the world’s sporting icons have drawn inspiration from Nelson Mandela and have attributed their individual successes to him

“Nelson Mandela was the most extraordinary and incredible human being, not only because he united his country when such a task seemed impossible but also because, through his unique humanity, he inspired hundreds of millions of people across the globe.”

There is so much truth in these words that were uttered by the Springboks’ 1995 Rugby World Cup winning captain, Francois Pienaar. One way or another, Mandela had huge influence on sport; even on a global scale.

The many visits Mandela received from the various global sporting icons attest to this. From the English football icon, David Beckham, to American golf sensation, Tiger Woods, everyone simply wanted to meet Nelson Mandela.

The former South African president inspired sportsmen and women throughout the world and many have travelled to the Southern tip of the continent just to meet the ‘old man’, as many affectionately referred to him.
In the wake of his passing, sports icons across the globe used various media platforms to pay their respective tributes to the larger than life global figure.

Brazilian football legend and arguably the greatest footballer of all time, Pele, has endorsed Madiba’s influence throughout the world and further called the iconic freedom fighter his hero.
“(Mandela was) one of the most influential people in my life. He was my hero, my friend.”

Woods, on the other hand, has described Mandela as an intelligent man whose company he enjoyed a lot. He also acknowledged Mandela’s contribution to humanity at large.
“He was such an intelligent man and so well-balanced and so articulate that it was just a pleasure to be around him.

“You will always be in my heart Mr Mandela… You have done so much for humanity,” added Woods.

At the peak of his football career, Beckham also once visited Mandela when the English national football team visited the country for a friendly against Bafana Bafana in Durban. He even presented Madiba with a national team jersey, with Mandela printed at the back.

The ultimate impact Mandela had on sports, however, has to have happened on the domestic front.

The 1995 and 2007 Rugby World Cup tournament feats; the 1996 African Cup of Nation (Afcon) triumph as well as the hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup have all been attributed to his ‘Madiba Magic’.
Additionally, he has also been credited with so many national achievements across our country’s various sporting codes and many athletes affirmed that it was their emulation of his resilience that led them to their personal achievements.

For his love for sport and his unyielding resolve to lead South Africa towards the ideal of reconciliation, Madiba never did mind to get onto a gold cart and be around the sports field to greet the crowds in attendance. He particularly did this prior to South Africa’s crucial showdowns against fierce international opposition.

South African football legend and former Bafana Bafana captain, Lucas Radebe, said he had personally learned a lot from the former president.

“There is much I want to say to you, and regret I will no longer have the chance. Having said that, I feel privileged to have known you, and to have benefited from your wisdom and example. You taught me lessons of leadership, humility, generosity, courage and integrity.

“To say that you inspired me and my generation, would be an understatement. My career would not have been possible but for you,” added Radebe.

Major title-winning South African golf legends, Ernie Els and Gary Player, are also among the sporting greats that have acknowledged Mandela’s magnificence.
“The most amazing man I ever met. He was the father of our country and our continent,” said Els.

Mandela was a true inspiration to many people from many walks of life. What was more genius of him was that he utilised sport as one of the tools to effect unity. In so doing, he indeed helped position South Africa in the world of competitive sports.

Madiba will forever be remembered for all the sporting achievements he has led South Africa to and for the sporting spirit he infused within domestic athletes and global sports icons.
Thank you and farewell Madiba!