By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GettyImages.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has added his voice to the chorus of tributes pouring in for Brazilian football legend Pele.
The three-time World Cup winner and social justice activist died on Thursday following a lengthy battle with cancer.
Edson Arantes do Nascimento was 82.
“Ramaphosa offers his deepest sympathy to Pelé’s family and friends and to the government and people of Brazil. The President has expressed his condolences in letters to President Jair Bolsonaro as well as incoming President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva,” said the Presidency in a statement on Friday.
The only three-time FIFA World Cup champion, Pelé dazzled both fans and competitors alike with a skillful and entertaining style of play that made him a global star and icon of excellence in football.
He was a campaigner for improved social conditions in his home country and internationally, and served as Minister of Sport in Brazil from January 1995 to April 1998.
“During the eight decades of his life, Pelé not only filled football stadiums with exhilaration but he filled hearts and homes with hope and the knowledge that adversity was surmountable,” said the President.
“He was a global inspiration who embodied the best that sport has to offer as an exhibition of physical endeavour and as a means to transform individuals and entire societies from within.
“His endurance and impact on the field of play inspired the resilience with which Pelé worked for peace and justice globally.
“Pelé will be missed by multiple generations of people worldwide who were touched by his life even if they never set foot in a stadium,” said President Ramaphosa.
Pelé visited South Africa in 1995 and met President Nelson Mandela.
According to the Presidency, the two global figures expressed profound admiration for one another based on their common social and political causes.
Jomo Sono has also paid an emotional tribute to Brazilian football legend Pelé, whom he described as his mentor, role model, friend and teammate.
Sono, who is widely regarded as the best player South Africa has produced because of his outrageous talent, played alongside Pelé at New York Cosmos in the US during the 1970s.
“It is difficult to describe the man. He is my mentor, role model, friend and teammate. We have known each other for a very long time and we shared a lot of good memories,” Sono told TimesLive on Friday morning as tributes continued to pour in for the legendary Brazilian who died at the age of 82 due to multiple organ failures resulting from the progression of colon cancer.
“One of the memories that will always linger in my mind was when we played against Seattle Sounders and we beat them 3-2 in the final. After winning that match and we got the trophy, he gave the strongest hug I have never had.
“It was an unbelievable hug. There I was from Africa and it was my dream just to see this man, but God made it possible for me to play with him and share an emotional hug with him.