Former South African president Nelson Mandela met the Springboks in Paris on Thursday, his office announced.
”Mr Mandela wished the Springboks well after receiving a Springbok jersey from the team,” said Mandela’s spokesperson, Zelda la Grange, in a statement.
She said Mandela reminded the players that sporting events address communities and issues far better and more effectively than any other events.
”He further encouraged the team to do their best, but also reminded them that like in any other sport, losing is as much a part of the game as winning.
La Grange said he nevertheless wished them luck and a triumphant return to South Africa.
The South African Broadcasting Corporation reported that the International Rugby Board (IRB) honoured Mandela for his efforts in uniting South Africa during Thursday’s meeting with the Boks at Mandela’s Paris hotel.
IRB chairperson Syd Millar gave Mandela a crystal trophy in the form of a rugby ball with an inscription saying: ”For what you have done during the 1995 World Cup to unite your nation under the banner of rugby.”
Mandela is in Paris raising funds for his Nelson Mandela Foundation. — Sapa