I knew it was going to be a special day when we walked in the door and some of the most beautiful little children I have ever seen greeted us with big smiles and even bigger hugs.

Reporter Allison Langdon, cameraman Ben Williamson and I were at Cotlands — which, in a country where AIDS delivers such misery, is a true sanctuary of hope.

It was "Football Friday" — the day that wherever you go in South Africa, you are virtually an outcast if you don’t wear the jersey of the beloved "Bafana Bafana".

"Bafana Bafana" translates to "The Boys, The Boys" and even at Cotlands, the children were proudly showing their colours.

In each room, the affection for the special visitors from Australia was replicated, reaching fever pitch when we brought out more than a dozen soccer balls especially for them.

Ally took them on in a game — as did I — both wearing our Socceroos tops. I did my best to stay out of Ben's shot but freely admit I was caught up in the fun and work took a back seat as we soaked up a rare experience...

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These children are so loving, and loved, by the staff who care for them and it is wonderful to see they are getting the best chance in life despite their difficult start.

As a father of three young girls aged between six months and four, it was difficult to hear stories of HIV babies being dumped in rubbish bins and at train stations.

Or the eight-year-old girls forced to raise their younger siblings because both parents died of AIDS.

The statistics on HIV and how it has ravaged this country are terrible but, in Cotlands case, the life expectancy is improving thanks to antiretroviral drugs and the devotion of the amazing people who work there.

There is also a special link to Australia: Sydney woman Despina Voudouris set up ozcots.org.au after visiting Cotlands and falling in love with the kids. She now works tirelessly to raise money back home to send over here and every cent goes towards whatever the children need.

We were brought to South Africa to cover the World Cup and there is little doubt the as yet unknown moments, good or bad, to be delivered by the Socceroos will be etched in our memories for some time.

However, in terms of courage, commitment and achievement, Allison, Ben and I have already met some of this planet’s greatest champions.

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* Jamie Aldridge is a producer in South Africa working on Nine News’ coverage of the World Cup.