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Rugby football

Bryan Habana to Play in Soccer Aid 2025 Alongside Footballing Legends

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Rugby icon Bryan Habana will join an array of footballing legends, including Leonardo Bonucci, Nemanja Vidic, and Edwin van der Sar, for UNICEF's Soccer Aid charity match at Old Trafford in Manchester this weekend. The 42-year-old Springboks legend will be the only rugby player on the pitch and will be coached by Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bryan Habana, the 42-year-old rugby legend, will participate in Soccer Aid 2025 alongside footballing legends like Leonardo Bonucci and Nemanja Vidic.
  • Habana, who was the second top try-scorer in Test rugby history, will use his speed to help World XI against England on Sunday evening.
  • In his post-rugby career, Habana has pursued entrepreneurship, co-founding Paymenow, a financial wellness company, and Matchkit, a DIY website builder.
  • He founded The Bryan Habana Foundation 10 years ago and serves as the Chairman of Laureus Sport for Good South Africa, using sport to drive social change in South Africa.
  • Habana also works as a TV pundit for international rugby matches on Sky Sports, ITV, and TNT Sports.
  • He was clocked at 10.4 seconds over 100 meters, making him the fastest ever South African international player.
  • Habana's 2007 World Cup performance, where he scored eight tries in seven matches, matched All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu's record.
  • The former winger was named after Manchester United legends Bryan Robson and Gary Bailey due to his parents' admiration for the team.

Statistics:

  • 10.4 seconds: Bryan Habana's 100-meter time, the fastest ever recorded by a South African international player.
  • 8 tries: The number Babana scored in the 2007 World Cup in just seven matches.
  • 69: The number of tries Japan's Daisuke Ohata has scored in Test rugby, making him the top try-scorer in history.
  • 2007: The year Habana scored eight tries in the World Cup, matching Jonah Lomu's record.
  • 2019: The year Habana co-founded financial wellness company Paymenow.
  • 2023: The year Matchkit, Habana's DIY website builder, was last active on social media.

Sources:

  • Enterprise Africa (co-founder interview with Bryan Habana)
  • Rugby Centurions (interview with Bryan Habana about Matchkit)
  • Paedia News archive (Bryan Habana's 2007 World Cup performance)

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