This Week in History: Bafana's Thabang Molefe Breaks David Beckham's Wrist, Aston Villa Beats Manning Rangers

• The week of 22 to 29 May is an interesting one as far as South African football is concerned, going back into the 00s and 90s
• Bafana Bafana took on England in an international friendly in 2003, a match that will be remembered for an incident involving David Beckham and Thabang Molefe
• In 1994, the now defunct Manning Rangers took on Aston Villa in a friendly, which formed part of the popular but short-lived United Bank International Soccer Festival

The last week of May occupies an interesting place in South African footballing history for those who might remember.

On 22 May 2003, South Africa met England in an international friendly at the Kings Park Stadium in Durban. This was part of SAFA's campaign to try and bring the 2010 FIFA World Cup to South Africa, using the glitzy fixture to cast worldwide publicity on the country's bid.

As reported by BBC Sport, the Three Lions defeated Bafana Bafana 2-1. Gareth Southgate opened the scoring from a trademark David Beckham free-kick in the first minute, before Benni McCarthy pulled one back for the hosts in the 18th minute. Goalkeeper Brian Baloyi fumbled a shot by Frank Lampard, which was pounced on by Emile Heskey in the 63rd minute for the winner.

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The encounter will be remembered for Bafana defender Thabang Molefe's robust but fair challenge early in the second half on captain Beckham, who days earlier had signed for Real Madrid after departing from Manchester United. Beckham suffered a broken wrist, which forced his substitution in the 49th minute.

Referee Lim-Kee Chong somehow punished Molefe with a yellow card for the tackle. Days later, he apologised for the collision, as reported on IOL.

Manning Rangers takes on Aston Villa

Nine years earlier, on 24 May 1994, Aston Villa defeated former National Soccer League and Premier Soccer League team Manning Rangers - now no longer in existence - 2-1 in the short-lived but popular United Bank International Soccer Festival.

Wikiwand describes the festival as a "tournament that was sponsored by the South African bank United Bank and organised by the South African Football Association. The likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Crystal Palace took on teams like Rangers, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs between 1993 and 1995.

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David Beckham urges Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Manchester United for at least another season

Retired footballer and superstar David Beckham has asked Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Manchester United for at least another season.

As reported by Sports Brief, rumours have continued to swirl around that Ronaldo could possibly consider his future elsewhere, noting United’s shambolic season.

The Red Devils missed out on the Champions League.