When I heard about the match to be played in a bid to end the xenophobic attacks, I was quite impressed because I believe at this moment all options must be explored. According to the CEO of SAFA, Dennis Mumble, they intend to use football to unite the people by organizing two high-profile friendlies against South Africa's neighbouring countries.
“We want to use the two high-profile international friendly matches as an instrument to unite this continent. What has been happening in the past few days have really left most people in a shock and dismayed,” Mumble said in a statement released by SAFA.
He further noted that they have decided to take the step (of playing two high-profile international friendly matches) as part of the fight against xenophobia. Madiba spoke of the power of sport in uniting people from different walks of life and we want to use the power of football to unite this continent and kick out this scourge within certain malcontents in our society.
Mumble feels that the recent violence has dented the image of the country. Most sporting personalities have had their say in denouncing these barbaric acts but we want to go a step further by playing friendly matches against neighbouring countries. We want to send out a message to those perpetrating these acts to sit back and realise what they are doing is wrong.
“We are one continent, one Africa, we are all Africans and we say no to xenophobia”, Mumble said. Details for the two international friendlies will be by SAFA in the next few days. According to the South African government, 307 people have been arrested in connection to the xenophobic violence and looters have been openly condemned.
I think this a big move because xenophobia is not an easy thing to tackle. You would have to keep arresting and arresting people. Making these South African citizens who share in these xenophobic ideologies realize that we are one, for me is a top priority.
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