Johannesburg-Former Bafana Bafana national coach Augusto Palacios has described the late statesman, Tata Nelson Mandela as the greatest leader to have lived on this planet.

“To me, the death of this icon has robbed me of the greatest inspiration to have lived on this universe.

“When I was appointed Bafana Bafana coach late in 1992 after we were massacred by Zimbabwe (4-1) and Nigeria (4-0); my first assignment was the return leg against the Super Eagles in January 1993 at FNB Stadium.

“Mr Mandela came to our camp in Helderfontein for lunch and his inspiring words led us to holding Nigeria to a famous goalless draw although I think we could have won that match had the linesman not denied us a genuine goal by Doctor Khumalo.

“The visit by Tata to the Bafana Bafana camp was his first visit to any national sporting code after his release from prison. He told the players to forget about the 4-0 drubbing in Lagos and to know that they are representing the entire country and the flag.

“I have never seen the impact that statement made to the playing personnel. That was the birth of the Madiba Magic.

“The country has lost an icon whose influence in society reached four corners of the universe. I join the country in mourning this great man.”-TDN
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