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THE Athlone Stadium in Cape Town was once again adorned in Palestinian flags and banners as Palestine beat an SA Invitation XI in the final match of their South African tour. FEROZ SHAIK reports.
The Palestinian national team’s positive ending to their tour of South Africa, courtesy of a one-nil win over a SA Invitation XI at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town, is notable not just for the on-field success but also for the strong show of solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The atmosphere in the packed stadium, filled with chants of ‘Free free Palestine’ and ‘From the river to the sea Palestine will be free’, reflected the deep support and empathy of the South African community towards the Palestinian people. Even the Mexican wave made an appearance!
The symbolic nature of the Freedom Cup and the messages from officials like Bennett Bailey and Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Nocawe Noncedo Mafu, was clear. The event went beyond sports. The emphasis on solidarity and love for the people of Palestine rather than the outcome of the match highlights the broader social and political context in which the game took place.
Bailey, who is the President of SAFA Western Cape said, ‘It’s not about winning or losing but about showing solidarity with the people of Palestine’, while the Deputy Minister, Ms Mafu’s message was clear: ‘Tell the people of Palestine that we love them’.
In the end, the five-man defence of Palestine held on right to the end to see them home. The players fell to the ground on the final whistle to give thanks and then walked around the ground, thanking the Cape Town community for the love and support. Some players even took Palestinian flags from the crowd while others handed over their shirts.
While the sun set on a successful tour, it serves as a reminder that the struggles and uncertainties in Palestine persist, and global attention and support are essential for addressing these issues.
See also: A show of solidarity: Cape Town welcomes the Palestine national football team
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