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DISKI, the official mascot of the South African Football Association (SAFA) made his debut public appearance as cheques totaling two hundred rand (R200000) were donated to four recipients from the United 4 Bafana Bafana Wristband initiative at CHOC (Childhood Cancer Foundation) House in Bloemfontein on Monday, November 16.

Money has been raised through retail and public purchases of the United 4 Bafana Bafana Wristband which was launched in collaboration with Pick n Pay in July this year.

CHOC was one of four recipients of a cheque for 50-thousand rand, which was handed over by Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Parreira accompanied by captain Aaron Mokoena at one of their nationwide homes in Bloemfontein. CHOC is a countrywide voluntary organisation that brings together the parents of children who suffer from all varieties of cancer or life threatening blood disorders.

Aside from DISKI, Parreira and Mokoena, also present were Macbeth Sibaya, Teko Modise, Rowen Fernandez as well as Kagisho Dikgacoi – all received a tour of the facility and met the children in the care of CHOC.

“The United 4 Bafana Bafana Wristband Campaign is very close to our hearts because it enables us 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 presence here today and donation can assist in improving this safe haven for these little heroes” said Sipho Nkumane, Bafana Bafana team manager.

The wristbands made available through Pick n Pay stores nationwide will also benefit the following recipients of R50 000 each: The Igugu Primary School in Mofolo, Soweto, and two charities involved in soccer development. The charities fall under the umbrella of The Trust.

”We are honored to have been the first retailer to support this campaign and to have contributed to the raising of R200 000 for these incredibly worthwhile organizations as well as for the development of the football stars of tomorrow. Today's handover proves that Bafana Bafana, together with all South Africans can make a tangible difference,” says Malcolm Mycroft, Group Marketing General Manager of Pick n Pay.

Football supporters will also have plenty to look forward to when South Africa take on Jamaica at the Vodacom Park in Bloemfontein on Tuesday night, not least the appearance at halftime of DISKI.

“The Official SAFA Mascot called DISKI, was conceptualised and registered in 1998 and with the FIFA World Cup on our doorstep, we thought it only fitting that our favourite Bafana Bafana supporter be brought to life and introduced to South Africa. DISKI embodies the true spirit of all South African soccer loving people and we are proud of the footsteps that he will leave in our local communities and in the hearts of every person who meets him,” says SAFA CEO Raymond Hack.

Meanwhile Parreira has requested the players and the technical team to dig into their pockets to make a donation to the centre.

His words were echoed by captain Mokoena.

“As players it's something that we can help with. Some of us are earning good money and it would be wonderful to help, it was really touching – these kids need us,” said Mokoena.