By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Brazilian football superstar Pele, who has died at the age of 82, was “a unique inspiration to the African continent” who will “forever live in the hearts and minds of football lovers”, the continent’s football chief said on Friday.
“His death is a huge loss for supporters and football fans,” said Patrice Motsepe, the president of the Confederation of African Football (Caf).
Motsepe also hailed Pele’s “commitment to improve the living conditions of the poor and marginalised”.
The three-time World Cup winner, widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, died Thursday after a long battle with cancer.
His passing sparked a wave of emotion and tributes across the world as Brazil began a three-day national mourning.
Meanwhile the English Premier League will honour Pele before each of its matches in the upcoming round of games, it was announced on Friday.
“In tribute to Pele, Premier League clubs will remember his contribution to football during matchweek 18 (30 December – 1 January) by holding a minute’s applause prior to kick-offs,” said a statement on the English top flight’s Twitter feed.
“Players and match officials will wear black armbands,” it added.
A similar announcement was made by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
“On the occasion of all the friendly matches scheduled for today, Friday 30 December, and on the 16th day of the Serie A on Wednesday 4 January, the FIGC has arranged a minute’s silence to remember Pele,” it said in a statement.
Brazil started three days of national mourning Friday for Pele, the three-time World Cup winner widely regarded as the greatest player of all time.
The death of “O Rei” (The King) triggered a wave of tributes from around the globe to the man who both transformed football and transcended the sport.