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Johannesburg, It's Nelson Mandela Challenge time and the recently-upgraded Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Phokeng, near Rustenburg, is destined to be a hive of activity on Saturday March 28 when Bafana Bafana host Norway.   Bafana Bafana will have fond memories of their last visit to Rustenburg which saw them register a 3-2 win over the highly-ranked Cameroon in last year's Nelson Mandela Challenge fixture, and with the hosts having had a successful end-2008 stint which has seen them climb the FIFA (74th) and African rankings (17th). The visiting Norway national team is ranked 59th in the world.

SAFA CEO, Raymond Hack, said: “The Nelson Mandela Challenge has become a much anticipated football spectacular, both locally and internationally. The hosting of the Peace Conference before the match adds a special ingredient in bringing hope to the troubled parts of our world. We look forward to witnessing 90 minutes of action-packed football which will yet again showcase our country's passion for the Beautiful Game.”

The 2009 edition of the Nelson Mandela Challenge is the third year that Royal Bafokeng Holdings has sponsored the event. Royal Bafokeng Holdings CEO, Niall Carroll said: “Following Bafana Bafana's success over Cameroon late last year in Rustenburg, we are delighted to celebrate the reopening of the Royal Bafokeng Stadium with this match, which will be attended by a number of global dignitaries. The reopening of the stadium marks an important milestone in our preparations for the FIFA 2009 Confederations Cup and FIFA 2010 World Cup, both as a community and as a country. We call on the people of South Africa to join us for a day of family fun and entertainment.”

Nelson Mandela Children's Fund Trustee and CEO, Sibongile Mkhabela, said: “The Nelson Mandela Challenge represents a growing support of the football's community to a cause that is most dear to our Founder, Nelson Mandela. At the heart of that cause is the championing of a safe, bright and common future of our children. The Fund is delighted to join hands with SA2010 World Cup LOC Chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza's commitment, to explore additional opportunities to extolling our Founder's legacy which strengthens our belief that the future foundations of societies lies with its children. This annual soccer showpiece represents a vote of confidence in that direction.”

Match tickets will be on sale from Monday, 2^nd March at Computicket, Shoprite, Checkers and Checkers Hyper outlets at a cost of R30 (Grand Stand) and R20 (Open Stand). Tickets will not be on sale at the stadium on match day and supporters are urged to purchase their tickets well in advance to avoid the disappointment on missing out on witnessing world class soccer action played in the spirit of promoting peace.

Nelson Mandela Challenge results