By Obakeng Maje

Sao Paolo-The South African Football Association (SAFA) will display FIFA Fair Play banners before kick-off  and during half-time of the forthcoming friendly matches involving both Bafana Bafana and the Under-20 Men’s National Teams as part of commemorating the FIFA Fair Play Week.

According to a Confederation of African Football (CAF) circular, the final preliminary round of the 

2013 AFCON tournament to be played from this weekend until 11 September 2012 should be marked by visible Fair Play activities including flags by flag bearers marking the start of each match.

Once the teams have lined up, the public announcer will read the following message:

Today the football family celebrates the worldwide FIFA Fair Play Day. FIFA and SAFA are proud to dedicate today’s match to Fair Play and encourage all players, coaches and officials, together with fans in South Africa to play fair, both on and off the pitch, leading by example and showing fairness, impartiality and solidarity in everything they do.

So let us all join the team captains in their commitment to Fair Play.

Once the announcer has finished reading the text, the two captains will also read their respective messages which underscore the Fair Play point.

Pre-match and post-match handshakes shall take place as usual.

SAFA President, Kirsten Nematandani, who sits on the Fair Play Committee, said the gesture was a reminder that football was a beautiful game which should be played within the confines of fairness.

“Winning is critical but that should not be done at all costs. This week’s gesture is a timely reminder that above all, soccer should be played to be enjoyed,” he said.

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