Bloemfontein - The United 4 Bafana Bafana wristband initiative, a social project of the national soccer team, has raised R200 000 to hand over to four projects.
The United 4 Bafana Bafana wristband was launched in collaboration with Pick n Pay in July this year. The initiative aims to raise money for projects through the retail and public purchase of the wristband.
According to a statement from South Africa Football Association (SAFA), the first cheque of R50 000 was handed over on Monday to the Childhood Cancer Foundation (CHOC) in Bloemfontein.
Bafana Bafana team representatives attended the event. They took a tour of the facility and met the children in the care of CHOC. The foundation is a countrywide voluntary organisation that brings together the parents of children who suffer from all varieties of cancer or life threatening blood disorders.
The other projects which will receive R50 000 cheques each are the Igugu Primary School in Mofolo, Soweto, and two charities involved in soccer development.
Bafana Bafana team manager Sipho Nkumane said the United 4 Bafana Bafana wristband campaign was very close to the national team's hearts because it enabled them to make a difference in communities and contribute to uplifting the lives of those less fortunate.
"We, as a team, are committed to earning the trust and respect of all South Africans both on and off the field, by playing the best game on the field and being the best role-model off the field.
"We hope that Bafana Bafana's donation can assist in improving this safe haven for these little heroes," said Mr Nkumane.
Group Marketing General Manager of Pick n Pay, Malcolm Mycroft, said they were honored to have been the first retailer to support the Bafana Bafana campaign and to have contributed to the raising of R200 000 for organisations as well as for the development of the football stars of tomorrow.
"The handover proves that Bafana Bafana, together with all South Africans can make a tangible difference in the country," said Mr Mycroft.
SAFA CEO Raymond Hack thanked all who were behind the national team and those who have bought the United 4 Bafana Bafana wristband.
Meanwhile, football fans are looking forward to seeing Bafana Bafana take on Jamaica at the Vodacom Park in Bloemfontein on Tuesday night.
