A TOTAL of 1 200 young South Africans will be afforded the rare opportunity of rubbing shoulders with some of the best soccer players in the world during the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

A TOTAL of 1 200 young South Africans will be afforded the rare opportunity of rubbing shoulders with some of the best soccer players in the world during the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

Fast-food chain McDonald's is embarking on a campaign to recruit young children between the ages of six and 10 to serve as player escorts during the tournament. The youngsters, who walk hand in hand with the players on to the soccer pitch before each game, will be joined by 200 youngsters from the rest of the world.

Former Bafana Bafana star John "Shoes" Moshoeu will once more be involved in the campaign, as was the case during the Confederations Cup in June last year.

"This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is available to South African children between six and 10 years," the company's 2010 sponsorship head Nozipho Jafta said. "In order to qualify, you have to buy something from McDonald's.

"Entry forms are available at restaurants countrywide. The escorts will be selected at a random draw in March.

"The children will go to matches accompanied by a parent or guardian."

Teko Modise, the official ambassador of the Player Escort programme, said: "The programme gives me the opportunity to inspire young children, encourage them to believe in themselves and their dreams."