WHEN he was still a youngster growing up in Meadowlands, Kgalema Motlanthe was a creative midfielder who went as far as the semi-professional ranks.

Known as "Wizard" in soccer circles, Motlanthe played for Meadowlands Spa and later went on to play for Pretoria Spa before venturing into politics.

The man who is now the country's deputy president will lace up his boots once again in a historic match at Alexandra Stadium on Sunday at 1pm to celebrate the township's centenary.

Motlanthe will serve as captain of the ANC Centenary Aces team that will play the Reggio Emilia Legends led by Giuseppe Dossena, a member of the 1982 Italy World Cup-winning squad.

"One of the historical relationships that (the late ANC president Oliver) Tambo initiated and sustained was with the Italian city of Reggio Emilia, which played a material role in supporting the ANC during the apartheid struggle," the ANC's Gauteng branch said.

"The city has a history in the struggle against colonialism and racism."

Other politicians invited to feature in the match include Fikile Mbalula, Tokyo Sexwale, Paul Mashatile, Lebogang Maile, David Makhura, Feroz Cachalia, Derek Hanekom, Nkosi Molala and Mathews Phosa. The ANC Centenary Aces have roped in Jomo Sono to serve as their coach.

Soccer legends and administrators who will play include Kaizer Motaung, Irvin Khoza, Nelson Dladla, Thomas Ngobe, Pepe Dire, Jingles Perreira, Doctor Khumalo, Mark Tovey, Roger de Sa, Webster Lichaba, Computer Lamola, Ace Mnini, Shakes Mashaba, Kirsten Nematandani and Stanley "Screamer" Tshabalala. Khoza, Maile and Mashatile were born and bred in Alexandra.

PSL and Orlando Pirates chairman Khoza started getting involved in soccer administration as a youngster in Alexandra. Veteran soccer bosses Leepile Taunyane and Dan Leboa are also from Alexandra.