Nelson Mandela will come to enjoy opening ceremony of Fifa World Cup 2010

Nelson Mandela will come to enjoy opening ceremony of Fifa World Cup 2010

African National Congress spokesman Jackson Mthembu said the former president will make a rare appearance for both events, which will be held in Johannesburg.

"Madiba will grace both the opening and the closing of the World Cup," Mthembu said, using Mandela's traditional clan name, as many South Africans do. "We are very honoured to have an icon of Mandela's calibre to grace this important event. We are very happy that Madiba will come. The Madiba magic will add to the excitement."

A spokesman at Mandela's foundation would not confirm the report, saying they do not disclose Mandela's schedule ahead of time for security reasons.

The 91-year-old former president retired from public life in 2004, but made a surprise appearance last year at an ANC rally before the national election.

Mandela has been credited by Fifa officials as being one of the architects of Africa's first World Cup. In December 2009, he recorded a video message on the importance of Africa hosting its first such international event.

"We feel privileged and humbled that South Africa has been given the singular honour of being the African host country," Mandela said in the message. "We must strive for excellence in our hosting of the World Cup while at the same time ensuring that the event leaves a lasting benefit to all our people."

South Africa will play Mexico at next week's opening match. The opener and the July 11 final will be held in Johannesburg.

Mandela has strong links to sport in South Africa after he famously appeared at the 1995 rugby World Cup final wearing the jersey of the Springboks, the country's national rugby team.

He also wore a South African soccer shirt when the national team won the 1996 African Cup of Nations in South Africa.

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