It’s just 2 days away from the opening of the world’s biggest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa. Vuvuzelas are abuzz, spontaneous displays of diski and waka waka dances abound, and the Nelson Mandela bridge in Johannesburg is draped with a gigantic banner of a smiling Madiba. Football Fever is everywhere as national pride explodes across South Africa.
But what has been missing for the last few weeks? Absolute confirmation that South Africa’s most famous citizen, former president Nelson Mandela, would be at the Soccer City stadium’s opening ceremony. A “will he, won’t he?” rumble rippled across the internet as people held their breath, waiting to hear whether the 91-year-old inspirational leader would make an appearance.
Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg June 8, 2010 Photo: GETTY
Today, a collective cheer could be heard around the world as Nelson Mandela’s family announced that he would be in the audience at the opening ceremony. His grandson, Mandla Mandela, said his grandfather “will come and greet the fans”, then will watch the rest of the game from his home. Nelson Mandela Foundation spokesman, Sello Hating, confirmed the statesman’s attendance but said a final decision will only be taken on the day.
FIFA President, Sepp Blatter, has described Mandela as “the architect of World Cup 2010” and a major influence in bringing the World Cup to the African continent for the first time. Nelson Mandela is a global icon for human rights, reconciliation, diversity, respect and freedom – all of which are powerful qualities to add to the excitement of World Cup 2010 through his presence on June 11th.
