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New Zealand's greatest footballing export, Wynton Rufer, says he was humbled by some of the best footballers in the world - but not as much as he was humbled by Nelson Mandela.
The Oceania Footballer of the Century was one of many greats, including the likes of Pele and Ruud Gullit, invited by Fifa to be a part of a charity game commemorating Nelson Mandela's 89th birthday in South Africa.
"It was honestly the best experience of my life," said Rufer. The 44-year-old, who considers Mandela a hero after reading his autobiography Long Walk To Freedom, said the highlight of his trip was a tour of the Robben Island jail where Mandela was imprisoned.
Being surrounded by the limestone walls of the prison confines brought Mandela's 27-year ordeal to life.
"I was close to tears when we were in the prisons on Robben Island," said Rufer, who took his brother Shane along to share the experience.
"I visited South Africa in 1988, when Mandela was still in prison, and apartheid was in full effect. There were 'Whites Only' signs up at the beach and on the drinking fountains. It was pretty frightening. So to visit the place where he suffered and to play in a game that honoured what the great man has done for this country, it was truly something special."
Tokyo Sexwale, a prisoner of 13 years with Mandela and now a leading South African presidential candidate, guided the former and current football legends on their prison tour, explaining the hardships he and other inmates endured. Mandela and Sexwale were among the Makana FA while in captivity.
Occasional football games provided the prisoners with a form of escape from gruelling labour camps in stiflingly hot conditions in the limestone quarry where many prisoners lost their sight and died.
The footballers' experience on the island was complete when they witnessed the Makana FA receiving honorary membership of Fifa. And the game that followed, where an African XI took on a World XI, also proved special.
Rufer arrived at the Newlands rugby ground in Cape Town to sit alongside Pele in the changing shed.
"I couldn't help but laugh as I was surrounded by some of the best players who have ever played the game," said Rufer.
"It was amazing to see the likes of Ruud Gullit and Patrick Mboma acting like excited kids around Pele, jumping up and down and asking for photos. It was an amazing time."
Pele didn't play in the match but Rufer came off the bench. The New Zealander, who pointed out that most of the legends of football are strikers, found himself playing at left back - and marking the Cameroon and Barcelona superstar Samuel Eto'o.
"It was brilliant," Rufer enthused, admitting that his legs were weary and he was running on adrenalin for the hour he played.
"They [Eto'o and Portsmouth striker Lomana LuaLua] went by me like I wasn't even there. They used all the party tricks and with so much speed, it was great to watch. I loved being part of the occasion."
The match was drawn 3-3 with the 35,000-strong crowd treated to a fine array of skill and showmanship.
After the game, Rufer swapped shirts with Eto'o, the Barcelona striker who is a three-time African Player of the Year, and the shirt holds a high place in his sporting memorabilia collection.
He believed the game showed South Africa will be a magical host of the 2010 World Cup.
For every white South African, there are nine black South Africans and Rufer said it was clear that football is the game of the people.
Following the end of apartheid, South Africa's success hosting and winning the 1995 Rugby World Cup united the nation like never before. Rufer believed the next football World Cup, the first to be staged in Africa, will create even more unity.
"They are crazy on the game. They are absolutely fanatical and can't get enough of it. I'm sure it will capture the whole nation."
The German FA, who staged one of the most successful World Cups in 2006, is assisting the South Africans organising the event.
"It is not going to be like Germany as they surprised even themselves with how much they enjoyed the event as it was so well organised. But South Africa should be a great host."
Rufer explained his visit to the Republic could also see Pele and Eto'o visiting New Zealand.
"Every time I see Pele, I always ask him to come to New Zealand and he told me he is coming soon."
Pele's wife Assiria, a gospel singer, describes New Zealand as the place she would most like to perform of all the countries she has not visited. So Rufer's friend, considered by many the greatest footballer ever, could visit this year.
Meanwhile, New Zealand's greatest striker, who runs his successful youth academy, is hoping to bring Eto'o to New Zealand to help raise the profile of the game.
But for all the time he spent with the world's best footballers, it was the experience of honouring Mandela that left a lasting impression.
"Because of Mandela, I have a new appreciation of forgiveness and reconciliation. The way he has lived his life after such hardship, without any bitterness, really is inspiring.
"I won't ever forget what I experienced on this trip."
