The Nelson Mandela Challenge

The annual Nelson Mandela Challenge is one way of honouring the late father of the nation and the first democratic president of South Africa Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (Madiba’s) notion of Changing the Way Society Treats its Children and Youth.​

2018 Nelson Mandela Challenge: South Africa vs Paraguay - Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban

​In 2018, South Africa met Paraguay at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban and concluded in a one all draw. In keeping up with the tradition of bringing top sides, the Nelson Mandela Challenge match will this year feature, Mali (the Eagles) and South Africa (Bafana Bafana) will do the honours this year. South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (the Fund) are celebrating 25 years of partnership through the Nelson Mandela Challenge.
Bafana Bafana will go head to head with the Eagles in the 25th edition of the Nelson Mandela Challenge to be held at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday, 13 October 2019 and kick-off at 15:00.
“From the first game that South Africa played against Zambia at the FNB Stadium in 1994, to the very last one against Paraguay at Moses Mabhida Stadium last year, the Nelson Mandela Challenge has been a 25-year journey that has seen the Fund and SAFA being fellow travellers to raise awareness for the cause of children, bring cheer to the football-loving community and celebrating Madiba’s legacy,” said Ms Sibongile Mkhabela, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.
A nation that works, dreams, plays and fills sports fields with cheering fans and shining stars but never forgets to spare a thought for its children, is the one that Madiba established the Fund for. Every edition of the Nelson Mandela Challenge is a reminder that there is no better foundation for any nation than its children. We are deeply honoured that every stakeholder that never tires to make this tournament possible, subscribes to the joy of making children’s life a celebration.
This charitable event ties to the values Madiba lived for and the belief that: "Sport has the power to change the world, and the power to unite people in a way that little else does” – Nelson Mandela 
The Fund is thankful for the long standing relationship SAFA and support that contributed to Madiba’s dream to build a hospital for children dedicated to the wellbeing of all children regardless of background – the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital being a reality today.