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South Africa ’s ruling party says Nelson Mandela will attend the opening and closing matches of the World Cup.
According toAfrican National Congress (ANC) spokesman Jackson Mthembu, Mandela’s office confirmed the South African legend will be present at both events.
A spokesman at Mandela’s foundation however could not confirm the report, saying the foundation does not disclose Mandela’s schedule ahead of time for security reasons.
The 91-year-old former president retired from public life in 2004. He however made a surprise appearance last year at a rally before the national election.
Mandela has strong links to sports in South Africa after he famously appeared at the 1995 rugby World Cup final wearing the green and gold jersey of the Springboks, the country’s national rugby team.
He was also very active in 1996 when the country hosted and won the Africa Cup of Nations.
The “Kaizer” as he is affectionately called, played an integral role in South Africa’s campaign to host the World Cup which is now a reality.
His participation in this summer’s World Cup is much in doubt due to his fragile health.
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