FIFA hopes Mandela can present trophy
By Martin Rogers, Yahoo! Sports Friday, Jul 9, 2010
(AP Photo/Nelson Mandela Foundation)
Follow Martin Rogers on Twitter at @mrogersyahoo
JOHANNESBURG – Nelson Mandela faces a late fitness test to see if he is well enough to present the World Cup trophy on Sunday.
The beloved former South African president is now 91 and only makes limited public appearances due to health concerns. He has been seen little during the tournament, but it is hoped he will be well enough to attend the final between Spain and the Netherlands and hand over the gold prize to the champion.
FIFA is so keen to have the iconic image of Mandela presenting the trophy that it is taking the unprecedented step of waiting until the day of the match for final confirmation of his availability. Likewise, Mandela is determined to be there as the curtain comes down on the biggest event in South Africa’s sporting history.
“If he comes and stays to the end of the final then it is possible that he will present the trophy,” said FIFA president Sepp Blatter. FIFA historically guards the identity of the trophy-giver with secrecy. However, multiple FIFA and tournament sources confirmed there is no doubt that Mandela would be given the honor if he is there.
Mandela and his advisers have set his Sunday schedule in order to give FIFA maximum notice of his availability or otherwise. According to a FIFA source, he has told Blatter that he will rise, as usual, at 4.30 a.m. local time and embark upon a regime of very light exercise. Between 5-5:30 a.m. he will be examined by his personal physician, who will evaluate whether he is in good enough condition to manage the exertions of attending the final. FIFA has been told to expect notification by 6 a.m.
“Mr. Mandela and Sepp Blatter are very close and there is a huge level of respect on both sides,” a FIFA source told Yahoo! Sports. “They go back many years and this event means a great deal to both of them.
“That respect comes into play here. [Mandela] wants to give FIFA time to formulate their plans and it goes without saying that we would love to have him present the World Cup.”
Mandela has long been a believer in the power of sports to unify the South African population. The recent film “Invictus,” which drew heavily from his personal memoirs, revealed how he defied medical advice in order to attend the final of the Rugby World Cup in 1995, when he handed over the trophy to victorious South Africa captain Francois Pienaar.
The statesman has made only fleeting appearances during this tournament, partly due to his health and partly because of the tragic death of his great-granddaughter Zenani, who was killed in a car accident while traveling home from the World Cup kickoff concert in Soweto on June 10.
“We all know the reason why Madiba could not attend the opening ceremony also at Soccer City, due to sad bereavement in his family,” said Blatter, referring to Mandela by his honorary title. “But we hope he can attend the final. Presenting the trophy would be a fitting honor for South Africa and Africa as he was one of the driving lights to bring the World Cup to South Africa.”