Capello takes charge

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On their final day in Lesotho, Fabio Capello and Ray Clemence took part in the Kick 4 Life Festival of Football at the Maseru Club Grounds - with Capello in charge of one team, and Clemence the other.

Both gave inspirational team-talks prior to the game, but it was Clemence's side who took the lead only for Capello's players to level it up and send the game to a penalty shoot-out.

It was a typically nervy affair as both sides stepped up to score from the spot, but Clemence's side came up trumps as their captain fired home the winning kick to the delight of the jubilant crowd.

It was a joyful part of a trip that has highlighted both the tremendous enthusiasm and appetite for football that exists in Southern Africa, and also the incredible hardships that people are forced to overcome.

In addition to the football tournament, the school teams, made up of Under-14s boys and girls, took part in the learning and testing activities. Points were awarded for their participation in the HIV education sessions and went towards the sides' final placings, with The Three Lions' Manager presenting the Trophy to the winners at the end.

The most poignant part of the day came when Capello and Clemence sat in as a young boy was tested for HIV. After a counselling session with the doctor, and a nervous wait, the test came back negative, but it was an emotional experience for all.

Capello said: "It was tense, it was a few very long moments in that tent waiting for the outcome of the test. Fortunately the test was negative and everyone was very relieved.

"This was a very good experience, very good for our soul because it makes you understand what hardships there are in the world."

Clemence added: "To sit in the tent and to see the doctor consulting with the boy, the first time he’s ever been tested, he doesn't really know what’s going on, it was very emotional. We were all so pleased that when the test was done it did turn out negative for him."

Kick 4 Life has been operational in Lesotho since March 2007 and has focused its efforts on implementing a pioneering series of ‘Test Your Team’ events. In a country with an HIV prevalence of 23%, work like this is highly important.

Less than 10% of males and only 11% of females actually know their HIV status and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare estimates that close to 18,000 children are HIV positive.