Quinton Fortune Meets SOS Children in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (WIC) – Quinton Fortune, Former Manchester United and South African Football Star, visited SOS Children’s Village Addis Ababa on 12 July 2013.
Fortune, who underlined the importance of family for any child development, played football with children in the children’s Village, and had a chat with one of the SOS families.
Following warm welcome and a brief tour to the village, Fortune joined two children’s football teams wearing sweaters that represent the Ethiopian National Team and Manchester United to have a 20 minutes match.
During the first half of the game, Fortune played for the team with Manchester United jersey while for the second half he joined the children that represent the Ethiopian National Team.
Both teams have shown good spirit and playing skills for the community in SOS Children Village Addis Ababa.
Responding to children’s question, Fortune advised the children how it is possible to become successful in life, by saying, “My advice for you guys is you need to work hard if you want to achieve anything in life. Anything you want in life is not coming easy. You need to work hard for it. You need to pay sacrifices. I left my family at 14 and work hard to reach where I’m now. You have a good foundation, family, and good support. You have a good opportunity to be successful in life.
He said that family is very important for the development of any child. Fortune further informed the children how difficult time he spent when he left his family at 14 for Europe.
He recalled to the children what his father and mother were advising him as,“Ever never give up in your life.
Fortune said that currently he is working as an ambassador for Manchester United-DHL partnership agreement.
He also still trained with Manchester United team, and spends some of his time working for media.
While playing for Manchester United, Fortune made 126 appearances, and scored 10 goals.
Born 21 May 1977, Fortune also represented Athletico Madrid and Bolton Wanderers.
According to ERTA, Fortune has earned 46 caps for South Africa, including playing in the 1998 and the 2002 World Cups.
