FIFA President Gianni Infantino rubbed shoulders with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa while attending two major footballing events in the country.
One of, arguably, football's largest figures was on a two-day stay in Mzansi where he witnessed the Soweto Derby and Mamelodi Sundowns lift silverware after beating Wydad Casablanca in the final of the inaugural African Football League tournament.Read: Parker shares his favourite Soweto derby memories
Speaking to FIFA, he described one of the fiercest footballing rivalries South Africa has to offer as an "incredible experience" after Orlando Pirates edged Kaizer Chiefs by one goal to nil.
He also hailed the AFL as a "great event" that plays a role in uniting the world through football.
However, as iconic as the football was over the weekend, Infantino and Ramaphosa met in what can be described as a meeting between two Goliaths.
The pair are said to have discussed the development of the sport in Mzansi as well as the continent at large.
"I had the pleasure of meeting the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, ahead of the final match of the African Football League 2023, to discuss football development and the opportunities this special competition will provide to those with a football dream in South Africa and all of Africa," he wrote in a social media post.
"Thank you very much to President Cyril Ramaphosa as well as to CAF President Patrice Motsepe and South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, for all your support so far and I look forward to continuing our work in building a more inclusive world through the power of football."
[WATCH] FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe meet President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of #AFL final between Mamelodi #Sundowns and Wydad Casablanca. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/pGLcw7WHGu
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) November 12, 2023
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