Under-13 team meets Madiba
2008-08-27 14:11
Johannesburg - Former president Nelson Mandela offered words of encouragement on Wednesday to an award-winning school soccer team.
"I believe you are the champions, is that so?" He asked the youngsters at Mandela House in Houghton, Johannesburg.
"That is good," he said, when they confirmed his assumption.
Mandela wore his signature Italian-cut jade green shirt for the occasion, and walked aided by his cream and silver walking stick.
Mandela told the team: "We wish you well, we are confident you will do well, we will be thinking about you."
The under-13 Nestle champions are expected to represent South Africa during the Danone Nations Cup from September 3 to 9 in France.
Captain Njabulo Magubane, 12, said he hoped the tournament would open doors for them.
- SAPA