Moment of Silence Held for Pele Before Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns

• There was a significant event before the Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates match
• The DStv Premiership match saw a moment of silence in honour of the late footballer Pele
• The Premier Soccer League had revealed that all matches this weekend would show respect

The DStv Premiership has started paying tribute to the late footballing great Pele after his passing.

Ahead of the blockbuster clash between defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, a moment of silence was held in the Brazilian legend's honour.

The match took place at Loftus Versfeld in Tshwane, the capital of South Africa.

The Premier Soccer League had informed the public of this gesture ahead of all matches this weekend, stating:

"The PSL is saddened by the passing of Brazilian football icon, Edson Arantes do Nascimento (known mononymously as Pelé). The League sends condolences to his family, friends, and the global football community. "

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The statement also confirmed a moment's silence at all Premiership fixtures over the weekend.

"May his soul repose peacefully."

SAFA president's tribute to Pele

The South African Football Association - SAFA has paid tribute to Pele after news of the Brazilian football legend's death broke.

Born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, the 82-year-old went on to become one of the all-time greats of the sport. He passed away after a long battle with cancer, News24 confirmed.

Speaking about Pele's passing, SAFA president Dr Danny Jordaan said the world had lost one of the greats of the sport.

Pele and Mandela: two greats

The great Pele is no more. Edson Arantes do Nascimento - better known by his nickname - passed away on Thursday in Sao Paulo after a long battle with cancer.

The news was met with shock and sadness, with tributes pouring in from all corners of the planet for football's king, Sports Brief reported.

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Pele transcended the Beautiful Game, earning respect and admiration across the world. This saw him and the late president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela cross paths regularly in the latter stages of Madiba's life, after his release from prison in 1990.