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Madiba thanks the Boks
27/10/2007 12:00 - (SA)
Johannesburg - Former President Nelson Mandela on Saturday thanked the Springboks for their outstanding performance in France and for bringing the Webb Ellis trophy home.
"Thank you very much, you have really put us on the map," he said.
The Springboks visited Mandela at his foundation in Houghton following their victory parade in Soweto.
Wearing his green and gold Springbok jersey, he smiled with pride when presented with the trophy by coach Jake White.
White thanked Mandela for his support over the past four years and said that every time he had come to deliver a message, they always won.
His recorded message, which had been delivered to the team in Paris, had inspired the team a lot, said White.
Mandela and White then held the cup aloft together for the photographers.
Outside the foundation, about 50 people, including children, had gathered in the rainy weather to show their gratitude and support for the national team. Springbok flags flew, people screamed and blew vuvuzelas in celebration.
"We feel very proud and we came all the way from Lenasia to see the Springboks, despite the weather," said a child.
People ran cheering after the bus when the Springboks left in it.
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