By David Gold
September 25 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) has announced the creation of a fund to help victims of famine in Somalia.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Issa Hayatou has called upon African countries to help the victims of the drought that has struck East Africa, with Somalia particularly badly hit.
A Committee which aims to raise R1 million (£79,000/$123,000/€91,000) is headed by SAFA vice-president Mandla Mazibuko, Kaizer Chiefs chairman and Premier League (PSL) finance chairman Kaizer Motaung.
The PSL has already pledged half of the amount, and 10 per cent of the gate receipts from South Africa’s next African Nations Cup qualifier with Burkina Faso will also go towards the fund.
“Football in this country is responding to the call made by CAF to contribute in this heart-touching call,” Mazibuko said.
“The continental body appealed to all its 52 members to organise matches, the proceeds of which will be donated to the East-African country.”
South Africa confirmed it would set up the fund due to the difficulties of setting up friendlies to raise money.
The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) has applauded the generosity, with President Gideon Sam saying: “My take on issues involving the African continent is that Africans must help themselves, and that it is within our power to help ourselves.
“If SAFA comes to us, we will not hesitate to send letters and spur all our federations to assist.”
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