Algeria did not want to host the African Championship for local players, which is being held on its soil during this period, except with revolutionary struggle symbols that left their mark on the African continent.
Algeria chose the name Nelson Mandela to launch on a stadium in the capital, in honor of a prominent figure in the struggle once morest the apartheid regime.
The Nelson Mandela stadium is located in the city of Baraki, in the center of the capital, and it can accommodate 40,000 seats, and contains a training annex, as well as many structures and halls designated for journalists and dignitaries.
Mandela Stadium, Algeria
Algeria has been trying for some time to draw the attention of tourists and foreigners to visit the country, by building and constructing several facilities and exploiting others that were in limbo. A video clip by the French rapper and record producer of Algerian origin, William Sami Grigsen, known as “DJ Snack”, who restored the headquarters of the rai star tapes production company in the eighties of the last century, “Disco Maghreb”, to the fore, and in a short time became a destination for dozens of young men and women. Who flock to take pictures in front of an old worn-out building.
Mandela and Algeria
Nelson Mandela had a “close and distinguished” relationship with Algeria, and he was greatly influenced by the history of the Algerian resistance once morest French colonialism, so that some historical references considered the Algerian revolution his inspiration in resisting the apartheid regime that prevailed in his country, which made him say one day : “The Algerian revolution made a man out of me,” an expression of eternal gratitude towards the country that received him during the period between 1961 and 1962, and therefore the relationship between Mandela, also known as “Madiba” (1918-2013), with Algeria was intimate and close.
A symbol of belonging
This relationship between Algeria and South Africa remained very good even following Mandela’s death, and Algeria chose to consolidate this relationship for future generations by inaugurating the stadium in the presence of Mandela’s grandson, Chef Zolivolil. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said in a statement to the media on the occasion: “Nelson Mandela always considered himself Algerian. He became an icon of the struggle following his release from prison, and it was his first visit to Algeria.”
He added, “We have proven our affiliation with the Mediterranean by organizing the Mediterranean Games with all merit. Likewise, our Arab affiliation by hosting the Arab Summit. Today, we will celebrate our affiliation with Africa by organizing this football competition.”
Nelson Mandela Stadium