"FC Barcelona has always professed its admiration for Nelson Mandela, one of the greatest figures of the 20th century.
“He had after 27 years in prison went on to become the first democratically-elected president of post-apartheid South Africa from 1994 to 1999.
“Mandela represented the struggle for freedom and equality in the country, and played a huge role in unifying the racially-divided society.
“It is precisely this kind of spirit with which FC Barcelona has always been identified,” a statement on the club’s website said.FC Barcelona will play a friendly match against South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 23rd of May the club said on Thursday.
The match will be part of celebrations to mark 100 years since the birth of Nelson Mandela.
It will be played at the FNB Stadium, formerly known as the Soccer City Stadium, where Spain won the 2010 World Cup.
