South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana (“The Boys”) were given a boost of “Madiba Magic” ahead of tonight’s Confederations Cup semi-final clash with the Samba Kings, Brazil, when they met with Nelson Mandela at his offices in Houghton, Johannesburg, on Wednesday, June 24.

Wearing Mandela Day T-shirts in support of the initiative, the team were given words of encouragement by Mr Mandela.

South Africa is hosting the Confederations Cup, ahead of next year’s Fifa World Cup, and the hopes of the home nation rest on the shoulders of South African captain Aaron Mokoena and his team.  It will be a tough test against a Brazil team brimming with talent – including a former World Player of the Year, Kaka.

“Meeting the Old Man [as he affectionately calls Mr Mandela] was incredible,” Mokoena told Khaleej Times Online, “and one thing about the Old Man, he always has belief in us, not only in current squad, but in all squads.

“He gave us a message of good luck and told us that he believes in us. His presence is unbelievable and the calmness that he shows when he approaches people – that is something that we should take into the game tomorrow.”

While star striker Bernard Parker is out for tonight’s clash due to injury, the home side will have been boosted by the USA’s courageous 2-0 win over European Champions Spain in yesterday’s other semi-final.