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Madiba lights Springbok spark
06/07/2005 21:41 - (SA)
Hennie Brandt, Beeld
Sydney - He will not be there in person to support them, but Madiba magic may just be the spark the Springboks need against Australia in Sydney on Saturday.
John Smit and his team-mates, the holders of the Mandela Cup, will defend the trophy in the first of two matches against the Wallabies on Saturday.
The Bok squad received a letter from South Africa's former president, Nelson Mandela, on Wednesday.
The Boks will wear Madiba's jail number - 46664 - on their jersey sleeves in the Test on Saturday.
Madiba wrote in his letter: "I am proud that you have agreed to wear my number on your sleeves.
"As you know, I was the 466th prisoner to be admitted to Robben Island in 1964. I was stripped to a number and apartheid South Africa thought by giving us numbers, the world will forget about us. This number is now used by my foundation to make sure people do not become numbers in the struggle against HIV/Aids.
"By wearing the number, you become ambassadors in the struggle against the greatest catastrophe ever faced by man.
"You are telling the world, your country and continent that we are all fighting the pandemic," Madiba said.
He said the Mandela Cup should remain in South Africa.
"Without adding to the pressure, we hope it remains in South Africa.
"I have previously told you that it is not just about winning, but how you compete and how you represent your country. I wish you well."
Mandela, who won the hearts of Bok supporters by wearing a Bok jersey with Francois Pienaar's No 6 on the back at the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, ended his letter with the following words:
"We are proud of you and are looking forward to your performance at Ellis Park on July 23" (when the second match in the series will be played).
- Beeld
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