Bhaichung Bhutia

Srinagar: India’s football ace Bhaichung Bhutia will join stars of world football in an exhibition match next month to raise funds for African children.

In a match to be played at Munich’s Allianz Arena on July 12, Bhutia will figure alongside the likes of Kaka, Fabio Cannavaro, Frank Lampard, Paolo Maldini, Robin van Persie, Gianluigi Buffon, Emmanuel Adebayor, Gennaro Gattuso, Steven Gerrard, Samuel Eto’, Didier Drogba and Michael Essien among others.

The unique congregation of world football’s who’s who would be part of “Goal 4 Africa”, which will be kicked off by football legends Pele and Michael Platini.

The invitation to Bhutia has come from the “Goal 4 Africa” ambassador and Dutch star Clarence Seedorf. The unique event has been inspired by Nobel laureate Nelson Mandela’s dream of “education for all — all for education”.

As a tribute to Mandela, the match aims to raise 90 million Euros and will be held before the anti-apartheid hero’s 90th birthday, which falls on July 18. Celebrities from other walks of life, world leaders and corporate bigwigs will play along side the galaxy of football stars.

The “Goal 4 Africa” global foundation aims to utilise the fund for education through sport and social development projects in Africa. The two-year programme will begin with the friendly tie on July 12 and conclude with the final of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The Indian captain sounded exited about the prospect of playing alongside the world stars.

“It’s an honour to be teamed up with top names of world football,” he told The Telegraph from Male.

“It gives me great pleasure to join a cause for the children. I am looking forward to the match,” he added.

“Football has given me a lot of honour but this is really something to cherish,” said Bhutia.