| Aaron Mokoena captain of Bafana Bafana and Portsmouth Football Club was presented with the Freedom of the City of London on Wednesday 10th November 2010, in front of invited guests from South Africa and the UK. Mokoena was nominated for his services to football and charitable activity which he conducts under the Aaron Mokoena Foundation both in South Africa and England.
The award, one of the highest honours that can be conferred on an individual, took place in the Chamberlain's Court at Guildhall in London. It began with an oath of allegiance and was followed by Mokoena being greeted as a 'Citizen of London' and the presentation of a certificate.
The award is bestowed by some municipalities in Australia, Canada, Ireland, France, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK and Zimbabwe.
Aaron is the second South African do be presented with the Freedom of the City of London, the first being Nelson “Madiba” Mandela. Aaron said; “I am honoured to receive this fantastic accolade. It is a very proud day for me and my family. It has been an fantastic year for me professionally and personally and this is a great way to end a perfect year” “London is such a fantastic city and to be presented with this award as a South African playing football in the UK is a very proud moment for my country, my family and myself.”
The ceremony was attended by a small delegation from the Sedibeng District Municipality headed by the Executive Mayor, Cllr. Mahole Simon Mofokeng, who said; “Your exemplary contribution on and off the field, has been recognized and we will continue to encourage our young stars to look up to you, learn from and emulate you. We are very proud about your recognition and achievement and all the people of Sedibeng are happy as are all South Africans. May you see many more accolades and congratulations Mbazo!”
Mokoena has now become even more of a role-model by signing up for a three-year university degree in Sports Business Management at Portsmouth University.
"I left South Africa when I was 17 to pursue a career in football, but I've always wanted to finish my studies," Mokoena said.
"It's never too late to learn. It won't be easy balancing training with studies, but when there's a will there's a way."
Mokoena claims that he is not interested in a career in football management when he hangs up his boots, but acknowledges that by studying he will open up a world of opportunities.
"I would like to be able to move into business and know how to manage finances and teams, but at the moment there are no concrete plans," he said.
"I've achieved a lot as a footballer and I've made a lot of money, but winning the Freedom of the City of London is a new chapter for me.
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