The 1994 election that made Nelson “Madiba” Mandela the first ever black President of South Africa marked the end of the apartheid. And soon after his election, Mandela tried to heal and unite a racially divided South Africa by way of Rugby. Mandela’s support helped say the South African Rugby Team won the World Cup by beating the then favorite New Zealand. The victory was seen of unity, a message that South Africa has a future as a multi-racial democracy. This is the power of symbolism in sports. The power that Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo could use to his advantage by reforming the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI). But can he succeed?To subscribe please click here
