Trophy News from South Africa
Mandela honored today at the Nelson Mandela Foundation event.
FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter today (Tuesday, 16 September) paid tribute to” his friend Madiba” at a private audience at the Nelson Mandela Foundation with a very special gift. To commemorate the historic moment on 15 May 2004 when the former President of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Nelson Mandela, emotionally raised the iconic Trophy right after the 2010 FIFA World Cup was awarded to South Africa, Blatter handed over a specifically manufactured replica of the FIFA World Cup. “You are the true architect of this FIFA World Cup; your presence and commitment made it happen. Now the first African FIFA World Cup is a reality and the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 – the dress re-hearsal – will already take place in less than ten months’ time,” explained Blatter on handing over the trophy to Mandela “I remember that moment back in Zurich. It’s an honour to welcome you here today. It was my desire to meet you and I am happy that we managed it. Thank you for this very special gift,” said Mr. Mandela, who assigned the Trophy a special place in his office. The FIFA President was accompanied by FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke and FIFA Ambassador Tokyo Sexwale.