Ghana/South Africa: Good Luck, Mandela Tells Black Stars

2 July 2010

In a rare public message, Nelson Mandela has wished Ghana's Black Stars success in today's World Cup clash with Uruguay.

The 91-year-old former president rarely issues statements or makes public appearances. However, his foundation said in a statement released today that he had sent a letter to the president of the Ghana Football Association, Kwesi Nyantakyi.

In the letter, Mandela wrote:

“On the historic occasion of the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted in Africa, it is a great pleasure to see that Ghana has reached the quarter-finals.

"We join everybody on the continent and in the diaspora in wishing you success in the tournament going forward.”

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