The “90 Minutes for Mandela” soccer match at Newlands to honour former president Nelson Mandela on his 89th birthday on 18 July was a “milestone in preparation for World Cup 2010”, says Mayor Helen Zille. (view video)

The match showed that “with little advertising and a short lead time, Capetonians can unite and fill a stadium”, she said.

She thanked FIFA, SAFA and the Local Organising Committee for bringing the event to Cape Town, and said: “This match has vindicated their trust, as well as the allocation of nine World Cup matches to Cape Town’s new Green Point stadium.”

The match had been described by 2010 Local Organising Committee CEO Danny Jordaan as a “litmus test” to gauge the City of Cape Town’s ability to organise an international match.

Zille said the game was enjoyable, safe, and “a great success”.

She added that it will be treated as a test-run for 2010, and an extensive de-brief will be held to build on the successes and make improvements where needed.

A near-capacity crowd filled the stadium to see international and local soccer stars playing in Cape Town to honour Mandela.

The African XI, featuring stars such as Samuel Eto'o, George Weah and Doctor Khumalo, drew 3-3 with the Rest of the World XI – which included local stars Lucas Radebe and Mark Fish, as well as other international players such as Ruud Gullit and Julen Guerrero. Soccer legend Pele was part of the pre-match ceremonies, but did not play.

Although he was not personally present, Mandela appeared on the stadium’s big screen before the start of the match. Led by Tokyo Sexwale, the crowd also sang “Happy Birthday” to Mandela after the game. Some fans expressed disappointment at not seeing Mandela, but said spotting a host of soccer stars on the pitch made up for that. The City of Cape Town provided a special birthday cake for Mandela on the pitch. After the ceremony the cake was delivered to 3 children's homes.

Before the match, FIFA honoured the Makana Football Association, a soccer league formed by Robben Island prisoners, at a ceremony on the island, making it an honorary member of the association.

The match was also part of FIFA’s “Say No to Racism” campaign, which is headed by Sexwale.

"They (Makana FA) are a strong symbol of Fifa's fight to eradicate racism and all forms of discrimination from football and sport," said FIFA President Sepp Blatter in a statement.

Players wore Mandela’s prison number 46664 on their shirts. The proceeds of the match will be donated to the Mandela Foundation.