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Zuma dedicates 1st world cup in Africa to Mandela

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-06-10 15:40

JOHANNESBURG - South African president Jacob Zuma has dedicated the first World Cup on African soil to his predecessor Nelson Mandela at the opening ceremony of the 60th FIFA Congress here Wednesday.

South African President Jacob Zuma poses with South Africa's team members during his visit to a training session in Johannesburg, to wish the team well, June 9, 2010. The 2010 Soccer World Cup kicks off on June 11 at Soccer City stadium with the match between South Africa and Mexico. [Agencies]

The 60th FIFA Congress will take place on Thursday and an opening ceremony was arranged a day before.

During the ceremony, South African president Zuma said: "Nelson Mandela worked hard that we should win the right to host this tournament. We dedicate the World Cup to him."

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"There are a few moments that define a nation's history. We stand on the threshold of one as we draw closer and closer to Friday, June 11 when the World Cup officially begins," he added.

There has been a tug-of-war in recent months as whether Mandela will be present at the opening match between South Africa and Mexico between FIFA local organizing committee and Mandela's family because 91-year-old Mandela is too frail to be present. However, his grandson Nkosi said Tuesday that Mandela will greet players and fans briefly at the opening match.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter said the World Cup was a love story between him, his organization and the African continent and the love story will culminate at Friday's opening game.

Two hundred and eight memeber associations of FIFA made their appearance at the congress, which will talk about the 2009 activity results, FIFA Financial Report and budget estimates for 2011-2014.