Africa-Press – Namibia. PRESIDENT Hage Geingob on Friday joined the world in paying tribute to Brazilian soccer legend Edson Arantes do Nascimento, popularly known as Pelé.
Pelé died on Thursday night at the age of 82 after a long battle with cancer.
“I met the legend, Pelé and Eusebio (Eusébio da Silva Ferreira, Portuguese soccer legend) in 1967 in New York during an exhibition game. Pelé epitomised the uniting force of the beautiful game of soccer. His contributions in bringing people of different races together is a legacy to be cherished across generations,” said Geingob in his tribute to Pelé.
South African president Cyril Ramaphosa described the late Pelé as a campaigner for improved social conditions.
“During the eight decades of his life, Pelé not only filled football stadiums with exhilaration, but he filled hearts and homes with hope and the knowledge that adversity was surmountable,” said Ramaphosa.
Former United States president Barack Obama also hailed Pelé as one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game.
“And as one of the most recognisable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together,” said Obama.
Cameroonian soccer legend Roger Milla shared a photo together with Pele saying, “It was a pleasure to share this passion with you my friend, Pelé.”
Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo said, “A mere ‘goodbye’ to the eternal King Pelé will never be enough to express the pain that the entire football world is…”
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