Mandela in mourning, to miss WC opening match

Johannesburg, Jun 11: After the tragic death of his 13-year-old great grand daughter, Zenani Mandela, the anti-apartheid icon and the former South African President Nelson Mandela has decided to give the opening ceremonies and first match of the 2010 World Cup a miss.

A spokesman for the Nelson Mandela Foundation on Friday, Jun 11 informed that Mandela has decided against appearing at host South Africa"s Group A match against Mexico.

“It would be inappropriate for him to personally attend the 2010 World Cup opening celebrations. We are sure that South Africans and people all over the world will stand in solidarity with Mr. Mandela and his family in the aftermath of this tragedy," the foundation said in a statement.

Mandel's great grand daughter was killed in a car crash in the wee hours of Friday, Jun 11 while she was returning home after attending the opening concert kick starting the 19th edition of the FIFA World Cup.

“We continue to believe that the 2010 World Cup is a momentous and historic occasion for South Africa and the continent and we are certain it will be a huge success," the statement added.

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