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Former South African President Nelson Mandela will not attend the rugby World Cup final to support the Springboks on Sunday (NZT) but will try to inspire them to win back the trophy via a recorded video message.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation said he would not be able to accept an invitation from the Springboks to attend the match against England in Paris because he needs to rest after recent travels, Sapa news agency reported today.
He will fire up the team to play "hard and honestly ... and hold your heads high whatever the outcome," the foundation said.
His message will be broadcast by South Africa's SABC television before the Springboks take the field.
In one of South African sports' most moving images, Mandela presented the Webb Ellis Cup to captain Francois Pienaar after the Springboks won the 1995 World Cup final against New Zealand.
In what served as a lasting symbol of reconciliation, Mandela wore a replica Springboks jersey emblazoned with the same number six that Pienaar had on his back.
"We know that our boys have the ability, strength and determination to be victorious once more, because we are a winning nation. I do not doubt for a moment that the Springboks can win back the trophy," Mandela says in the recorded message.
- REUTERS
