Pistorius in Afcon opener

DOUBLE-amputee Oscar Pistorius has been given a rare opportunity to feature in the Africa Cup of Nations opening ceremony at the National Stadium tomorrow where he will deliver a special torch carrying a message of hope and peace for the continent.

Pistorius is the ambassador of peace for the African Union, which has teamed up with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Nepad to use the 29th edition of the finals of this prestigious tournament to promote peace.

The Blade Runner will be joined by 22 boys and girls chosen from schools around Gauteng to deliver the message to the 16 nations participating in the tournament.

The event was launched at Alexandra Stadium yesterday with CAF secretary- general Hicham El Amrani in attendance.

One of the 22 youngsters who will assist Pistorius in carrying the torch is Oratile Phiri, the son of former Bafana Bafana, Moroka Swallows and Ajax Cape Town midfielder Maimane Phiri.

The 10-year-old said it was a dream come true for him to meet Pistorius and to go to the Afcon opening ceremony.

"This is just the beginning because I will be rubbing shoulders with my favourite players like Bernard Parker, Thulani Serero, Lehlohonolo Majoro and Siphiwe Tshabalala when Bafana Bafana play Cape Verde on Saturday," Oratile said.

"It is my dream to play soccer one day and represent my country at the World Cup like my father did."