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Karl
Senior Member
USA
914 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 10 2006 : 7:48:15 PM
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published: Sunday | July 9, 2006
FORMER PRESIDENT of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Captain Horace Burrell was humbled by his appointment as an ambassador for South Africa leading up to the 2010 football World Cup.
Burrell was named on Friday as one of 11 ambassadors at the launch of South Africa's takeover from 2006 hosts Germany in Berlin.
"It is a tremendous honour as a Jamaican to be involved in one of the greatest moments for Africa especially in light of the fact that people such as Marcus Garvey, Michael Manley and Bob Marley played a great role in bringing an appreciation of Africa to Jamaica and bringing Africa closer to Jamaica," said Burrell who was the only person of African ancestry from outside of the continent to be so honoured.
"Marcus Garvey played a major role in breaking the colonial hold on Africa and breaking the bonds of mental slavery, while Manley and Marley were in the forefront of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa," added Burrell, who has been in Germany on FIFA duty for the duration of the World Cup.
Also appointed were former world footballer of the year and one of the greatest African players ever, Ghana's Abedi Pele, the oldest man to score in the World Cup, Cameroon's Roger Milla, who did so at the age of 42.
Also appointed were former South African internationals Phil Masinga, Mark Fish, Lucas Radebe and former South Africa coach Jomo Sono. Mustapha Hadji (Morocco), Hossam Hassan (Egypt), Kalusha Bwalya (Zambia) and Emmanuel Maradas of Chad.
Burrell, who was presented with a gold medal at his appointment, said he was embraced warmly by both President Thabo Mbeki and the United Nation's Secretary-General, Kofi Annan.
"Mbeki and Secretary-General Annan highlighted the fact that I am from Jamaica in the African diaspora. Mbeki also acknowledged the role Jamaica played in the anti-apartheid struggle which made me feel really proud," he said.
As ambassador, Burrell said his job had begun upon appointment and that it will involve him and the others travelling around the world spreading the good news about South Africa and its ability to host the World Cup.
© Copyright 1997-2006 Gleaner Company Ltd. |
Karl |
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Burrell named ambassador for South Africa
