Mandela set for final appearance

Posted Monday, July 12, 2010 by teamtalk.com

Former South African president Nelson Mandela is set to make a brief appearance before the World Cup final on Sunday to meet and greet fans.

Mandela set for final appearance
Mandela: To make an appearance at final

It was thought that the 91-year-old would be presenting the trophy to the eventual winner of the tournament, but due to ill health, this is now not a possibility.

The iconic statesman has not been a presence throughout the tournament after failing to attend the opening ceremony due to the death of his great-granddaughter.

But his grandson Mandla stated that he will be at the final of the tournament he played a vital role in bringing to the country before coming to meet fans before the game between Holland and Spain.

"He said that he wants to come out and greet fans at the stadium," Mandla said, adding that the former president was now resting so he could be "fresh and energetic" for the appearance.

Mandla reserved criticism for governing body FIFA, however; who he stated applied "extreme pressure" on him to make an appearance at the opening ceremony on June 11 and were "inconsiderate".

"My grandfather has recently lost a great-granddaughter and the family is in mourning," Mandla said.

"They should be appraised of our customs and traditions."

There has yet to be an announcement of who will present the trophy to the winning captain, however FIFA president Sepp Blatter stated that it would be "wonderful" if Mandela could be at the final.