Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has revealed that he was inspired by Nelson Mandela after reading books about South Africa when he was younger.

City are currently in Durban on their pre-season tour and will face AmaZulu next Thursday - Mandela's 95th birthday.

"I happened to read a lot about South Africa when I was younger and followed with a passion what happened in South Africa," Kompany told reporters.

"Nelson Mandela was one of my heroes. He was one of my examples and I carry a lot of what he taught me and my family through the books I read on him."

Kompany also said that he and the City players hope to sample a small piece of the atmosphere that surrounded the 2010 World Cup that was held in South Africa.