Blatter Pray to see Nelson Mandela at World Cup Opening

Sepp Blatter Photo: Wikipedia

It is a prayer of FIFA President Sepp Blatter to see Nelson Mandela at the 2010 World Cup inauguration ceremony on June 11, 2010.

Mandela is now ageing and travelling for him is difficult but Blatter hopes former South Africa president will be able to attend at least one World Cup game.

“We are all wishing for this but he is at the stage where one day he really may no longer be with us,” Blatter was quoted in local newspaper, Daily Sun.

“I once had breakfast with him in Zurich and he said ‘My dream has come true’ and I told him: ‘You have to be there for it.’”

Mandela was present in May 2004 when South Africa won such a hard-hitting World Cup hosting bid against the rest of other African countries.

According to the newspaper, Blatter says he believes that Mandela was the true architect of the success of the bid. “His presence and commitment made it happen.”

World Cup is scheduled to start on June 11, 2010 with the opening match between South Africa and Mexico.