Jacob Zuma’s soccer moments
Outgoing South African president Jacob Zuma showed a lot of love to the beautiful game during his time in office.
President Jacob Zuma greets Itumeleng Khune and South Africa and Cape Verde Islands with Standard Bank player escort during the 2013 Orange African Cup of Nations match between South Africa and Cape Verde Islands at the National Stadium on January 19, 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa.Photo by Lefty Shivambu / Gallo Images
The former president attended Absa Premiership football matches when Kaizer Chiefs went up against Orlando Pirates in the Soweto derby.
On one occasion the controversial president donned an AmaZulu jersey iat media briefing organised by Usuthu, when asked which team he support he suggested Orlando Pirates but quickly said AmaZulu was from his province of birth.
Zuma playing football (Unity Cup Coca cola)
Zuma once came on as a substitute in a charity game held ahead of the World Cup. The game was between two teams that had former soccer players from around Africa and the world in preparation for the first World Cup on African soil.
Jacob Zuma foundation organises soccer tournament in KZN
The former president has hosted annual soccer tournaments in KZN organised by former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Derrick Spencer. The Jacob Zuma foundations funds football tournaments that run annually in the Kingdom of the Zulu.
Close ties with Khoza and Orlando Pirates (Team he supports)
It is a known secret that Zuma is a supporter of Orlando Pirates along with a number of ANC ministers. Economic Freedom Fighters Commander in Chiefs Julius Malema explained that he started supporting Pirates because he was told that Irvin Khoza gave Oliver Tambo a place to stay during the struggle.
Vocal on Bafana Bafana matters
Zuma defended the Bafana Bafana squad when they received a tongue lashing from then Sports minister Fikile Mbalula after a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Nigeria in Cape Town. The side was made up of local based players with the goalkeeper on the day, Moeneeb Josephs taking all the blame.
“The fact that the team lost, that doesn’t mean anything as other teams lost as well. “Some want the team disbanded. It has improved greatly and needs support.”
