Chevrolet Manchester United mascots depart to Old Trafford to celebrate the new partnership

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Nokuthula (left) and Mfanelo at OR Tambo International airport moments before taking off to the United Kingdom.
Nokuthula (left) and Mfanelo at OR Tambo International airport moments before taking off to the United Kingdom.

Chevrolet South Africa today bid farewell to two youngsters as they departed for an unforgettable experience. As new shirt sponsors to a club that has over 659 million global followers, Chevrolet set out to create lifetime memories for two previously disadvantaged football lovers namely Nokuthula Nkabinde and Mfanelo Mabale.

Twelve year old Nokuthula enjoys her football on the dusty streets of Katlehong. This passionate individual shows great leadership amongst her peers as well as an eagerness to learn and will no doubt thrive from this experience. One year her junior, Mfanelo is a grade six learner at Bopang Kgotso Primary School in Vosloorus. He too has a promising football future and loves nothing more than to debate the game or partake in it.

As only the fifth shirt sponsor in 136 years, Chevrolet is set to ensure that the fan is valued in every step of the journey,

“A club would not exist if it weren’t for the passionate supporter, the individual who lives and breathes the beautiful game. These two youngsters have shown great promise both on the field and in the classroom which is why we wanted to give them a Chevrolet memory that will last forever,” said Tim Hendon, Chevrolet Brand Manager in South Africa.

Both mascots will arrive in the United Kingdom on 14 August, whereby they will be looked after by the Chevrolet team in Manchester. Two days later they will witness Manchester United’s 2014-15 opening Premier League match against Swansea City FC at Old Trafford. To sweeten the overall experience, the mascots will partake in a name swop with two MUFC players prior to the 14h45 (UK time) kickoff. The mascots will enjoy a stadium tour, fantastic hospitality and all round VIP treatment.

Nokuthula (left) and Mfanelo at OR Tambo International airport moments before taking off to the United Kingdom.
Nokuthula (left) and Mfanelo at OR Tambo International airport moments before taking off to the United Kingdom.

The two young South Africans join ten other children from around the world in Manchester as part of Chevrolet’s What do you #playfor campaign. Asked what do you #playfor, Nokuthala said, “I play for peace.”

Mfanelo, who was taught soccer by his grandfather said, “I play for the underdog.”

“It goes without saying that both these children have faced and continue to face challenges in their everyday lives. We are honoured to have the opportunity to allow both Nokuthula and Mfanelo to be treated like the special people that children are – even if it is for only one week,” said Hendon

The mascots return from Manchester on 19 August.

 

Nandi N. Matomela | Sub-Saharan Africa Communications Co-ordinator | General Motors South Africa  

1 COMMENT

  1. It should be mentioned the girl is Nokuthula Nkabinde from Sonqoba Primary Katlehong and boy Mfanelo from Bopang Kgotso Vosloorus both from Gauteng Soth Africa chaperoned by Mr Thulas Sibeko and their parents

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