The South African Football Association (SAFA) President, Dr Danny Jordaan has joined the world in mourning the passing on of the world’s greatest sportsman of the 20th Century, Muhammad Ali..

The South African Football Association (SAFA) President, Dr Danny Jordaan has joined the world in mourning the passing on of the world’s greatest sportsman of the 20th Century, Muhammad Ali who had been battling Parkinson’s disease for decades.

Ali passed away in a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, where he had been admitted earlier this week. He was 74.

Dr Jordaan said Ali was the most revered, greatest and most admired sportsman of the 20th Century and was an inspiration to people from all walks of life.

“He was an inspiration to both men and women and was an embodiment of excellence in sport. He overcame difficulties and several challenges in pursuit of being the best in the world.

Together with Nelson Mandela, Ali was a source of inspiration for those who pursue justice, those seeking equal opportunities, the down trodden and those seeking fairness in sport and society,” said the SAFA President.

“He was the greatest and most iconic sportsperson in the world and on behalf of SAFA, would like to express our sincere condolences to his family, friends and supporters around the universe. The world has lost one of the greatest icons ever.”