Man U, Bucs oldies remember Senzo

Published Nov 8, 2014

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Johannesburg - Manchester Legends have finally received approval from the South African Football Association to play a friendly match against Orlando Pirates next week.

It was announced three weeks ago that a number of former Manchester United players including the likes of Paul Scholes would be travelling to South Africa to face Orlando Pirates Legends in an exhibition game at Ellis Park.

However, it was not until this week that they were given the go ahead from Safa for the match to take place, as the exhibition game is set for the same day Bafana Bafana take on Sudan in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

While Bafana’s game will kick-off at 3pm next week Saturday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, the exhibition match will be played shortly after at 6pm at Ellis Park Stadium in Joburg.

Fans are set to travel from all corners of the globe to see legends like Scholes, Lee Sharpe and Louis Saha (formerly with Manchester United) get back on the pitch.

Viv Anderson, former Manchester United player who will be travelling with the team, said he is delighted the game has been given the go-ahead.

“I’m excited to be joining some legendary players to take on one of South Africa’s oldest and best established football clubs, Orlando Pirates,” said Anderson.

“Ellis Park Stadium will provide a fantastic setting for this one-off match bringing together a truly memorable mix of players for one game only.

“It’ll be a treat for the players and the supporters alike - a truly special game played in a spectacular setting.”

Scholes said he, too, was looking forward to returning to the football pitch.

The organisers have also agreed to donate some of the proceeds of the match tickets to Senzo Meyiwa’s family following his tragic passing.

“We’ll be honouring the memory of Senzo and are proud to have the chance to help raise funds to support his family,” said Scholes.

The Legends will also be going head-to-head on the golf course at Sun City for a Corporate Golf Day on Thursday, followed by a series of gala dinners at both Sun City and The Maslow Hotel.

Floyd Mbele, Orlando Pirates Football Club Administrative Officer said the Soweto giants were looking forward to taking on the Manchester Legends.

“It’ll make for great football and will offer our fans the chance to see some of the game’s legendary names in action.

“We are overwhelmed at the support for Senzo, and the Manchester Legends and FC Tours kindly offering a percentage of the proceeds to his family. The game at Ellis Park will be special for many reasons.”

Tickets for the Manchester Football Legends v Orlando Pirates Legends match are on sale at all Computicket and Shoprite outlets for R40, R60 and R100.

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Saturday Star

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