A former England goalie remembers meeting Madiba 20 years ago

 David James, a former goalkeeper for England, recalls meeting late Mzansi leader Nelson Mandela in 2003 and described him as "a nice guy."

David James explores why England have only ever had one Black senior goalkeeper | Football News | Sky SportsDuring their 2003 tour of Mzansi, the England football team was given the opportunity to participate in the annual Nelson Mandela Challenge at King's Park Stadium in Durban.

Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville, Gareth Southgate, and Danny Mills comprised the starting back-four for the England team that Sven-Goran Eriksen brought to South Africa.

Paul Scholes and Steven Gerrard formed a double-six in the middle of the field, and David Beckham, the captain, and Trevor Sinclair played as wingers in the 4-4-2 formation.

England defeated Ephraim 'Shakes' Mashaba's team 2-1, with former Liverpool forwards Emile Heskey and Michael Owen directing the attack up front.

What We Can Learn From Nelson Mandela Today | Time

The visitors scored early after Beckham's ferocious free-kick was blocked by Lucas Radebe, Aaron Mokoena, Mbuleo Mabizela, and Thabang Molefe. Southgate was unmarked at the back post and beat goalkeeper Brian Baloyi to the ball in the first minute.

However, Benni McCarthy scored the equalizer in the 18th minute from the penalty spot after Danny Mills was called for handling the ball in the box.

Frank Lampard's shot was parried into Heskey's path in the 64th minute, giving England, who were considered the favorite for the 2004 Euros due to the so-called "golden generation," the victory.

James, who was a member of the England team that competed in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, nevertheless, was profoundly affected by his encounter with the late Tata Madiba.

Through TalkSPORT, James revealed, "I actually wrote about Nelson Mandela in my history school test.

Benni McCarthy described as Manchester United's best signing

"He was a wonderful man who accomplished some excellent things... I didn't pass that test (laughs). Such a legend was Nelson Mandela.

The visit, however, will always be remembered for the photo of Beckham clutching the number 03 shirt while Marina noticed his cornrows. Beckham, a former England captain, later admitted that he regretted having that hairstyle and meeting the renowned icon.

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