South Africa’s arguably greatest soccer player, Jomo Sono has described the late Nelson Mandela as an equal of the great biblical prophets.

“I know some will consider this as profane but this is my honest opinion. This man was Africa’s Jesus Christ,” said Sono of the late Tata Mandela.

The former Orlando Pirates striker who was popularly known as Trouble Maker during his heydays said Mandela might have been born of an ordinary human being but God sent this man to free our African continent from bondage.

“He did what Moses did to the Sons of Israel when he led them from the Egyptian bondage. What Mandela did was a miracle right in front of our eyes. He was like those great biblical prophets.

“I feel blessed and a sense of fulfilment for having lived during the times of this extraordinary man. I shared a few breakfasts, lunches and dinners with him. This is a privilege enjoyed by the ‘chosen few’ and I am glad I was one of those few.”

Sono said unknown to most South Africans, Madiba and the current SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan had appointed him to be the national team coach in 2002 during the World Cup in Korea and Japan.