South African Football Association (SAFA) President Dr Danny Jordaan has lauded the late ANC struggle icon and former 2010 FIFA World Cup board member Essop Pahad as a true giant both politically and in sport.
The late Pahad passed away on Thursday (6 July 2023) aged 84.
He was a Minister in the President’s Office from 1999 to 2008 and was an active board member of the 2010 FIFA World Cup which the country hosted with aplomb.Dr Jordaan described the late Pahad as a dedicated and influential figure in politics and helped the country secure the 2010 bid where he continued working as a board member.
“We worked together from the 2006 bid as well as the 2010 bid. The country has lost an honest individual and a dedicated person,” said Dr Jordaan.
“I remember traveling with him to Brazil to convince former FIFA President Joao Havelange to vote for South Africa in the 2006 bid and we promised to support Brazil for their 2014 bid in return.
“Pahad was an excellent communicator and his marketing skills were brilliant,” added Dr Jordaan. “Today we mourn a selfless individual who put the interest of the country ahead of personal glory. May his soul RIP.
Source: South African Football Association