New York Cosmos have announced that the clubs honorary president Pele will be in attendance at their first home game of the 2014 North American Soccer League.
The Brazilian great will attend the April 13 meeting with Atlanta Silverbacks at Hofstra University's Shuart Stadium as the 2013 NASL champions look to kick off the new campaign in style.
Apart from attending the season opener, Pele will be awarded an 'honorary degree by Hofstra for his humanitarian work and contributions to the sport'.
Hofstra University president Stuart Rabinowitz said: "Pele transformed and transcended the game of soccer.
"While the world first came to know him for extraordinary athletic feats, his soccer career was, in many respects, simply a prelude to an extraordinary life of service as a philanthropist and advocate. He understands the power and responsibility his soccer legacy carries, and has used it to improve the lives of others."
