Sports stars remember Madiba
The former Springbok captain Francois Pienaar was among the famous sports stars who attended Madiba's memorial service at the FNB Stadium. He described Mandela as an "inspiring leader".
Scores of people and various dignitaries from across the country and the world converged on the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg for the memorial service for late former president Nelson Mandela.
The event, which took place on Tuesday at the stadium famously known as the calabash of Africa, not only attracted various head of states and politicians but also other sports stars from the country.
Among the famous personalities that attended the fallen hero’s memorial service were the country’s former rugby captain Francois Pienaar and Jean de Villiers.
Pienaar, who donned the Springbok blazer, said he attended the event to pay his last respects to the world’s greatest man.
During his talk with the media at the stadium, Pienaar said that Madiba took the Springboks on as his own boys. The 1995 World Cup captain also described Madiba as an inspiring leader. He added that the youth of the country reminded everyone of what Mandela stood for.
“We have bright, young people that are up-and-coming and they need to ensure that Madiba’s legacy is maintained. People have a responsibility to uphold it,” he said.
The former captain, famous for the number six jersey he shared with Madiba, also said that he trusted in the leadership of the country. “Everybody has got a vote in the country,” he said.
Pienaar gained prominence after sharing a moment with Madiba when his World Cup-winning team was presented with the trophy after beating New Zealand at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
Madiba surprised everyone when he went to the stadium wearing the Springbok jersey during the final, which the country eventually won.
Other prominent sports leaders at the ceremony included the current South African Football Association president, Danny Jordan.
noweto@rekord.co.za
