SAFA joins the world in mourning for Pele as PSL pay respect

Following the passing of football icon Pele after a long battle with colon cancer, the South African Football Association (SAFA) joined the world in mourning the passing of the Brazilian legend.

The 82-year-old passed away on Thursday and SAFA President Danny Jordaan said the world has lost one of the greats.

"We are saddened by the passing of this icon," said Jordaan in a statement.

"He was a supporter of African progress in football and supported the FIFA World Cup in South Africa in 2010.

"Years ago, he predicted that an African nation would win the FIFA World Cup before the year 2000 and while it is yet to happen, the performances of the African teams at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar must have put a smile on his face."

READ | 'Pele transformed football into an art': Neymar, Ronaldo leads tributes to Brazil legend 

Morocco became the first country from Africa to qualify for the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup and the North Africans eventually exited the global showpiece following a 2-0 defeat to France in the last four in Qatar.

Jordaan said the Brazilian icon is the only player to win the FIFA World Cup three times after lifting the title in 1958, 1962 and 1970.

"He was here in South Africa during the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and supported us. We remember him not only as the greater footballer he was but also as a great ambassador of the sport.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to his entire family, friends, Brazil and the football family around the globe. May Pele's soul rest in peace."

The DStv Premiership announced that they would honour Pele by having a moment of silence in this weekend's upcoming PSL fixtures.

A moment of silence will be observed at all #DStvPrem fixtures this weekend in his honour. May his soul repose