Edited – A strong sense of pride and joy filled the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre at the Union Buildings yesterday on 30 January as SA President, Cyril Ramaphosa, officially welcomed the FIFA World Cup Original Trophy to South Africa, marking a historic and emotional moment in the country’s football journey.
After 16 years, South Africa qualified again for the FIFA World Cup, marking a powerful return to the global football stage. South Africa’s football story is rooted in defining moments, from first qualifying in 1998, to hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup. President Cyril Ramaphosa received the FIFA World Cup Original Trophy during the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour at the Union Buildings, Pretoria.
The atmosphere was jubilant as the trophy, rarely seen and even more rarely touched, was revealed and handed to President Ramaphosa – one of the few individuals globally permitted to physically handle the Original Trophy.
The occasion at the seat of government marked the symbolic beginning of South Africa’s return to the FIFA World Cup, a moment in which the future of South African football is placed physically and emotionally into the hands of its people. Invited guests, football legends, government leaders and members of the Bafana Bafana World Cup squad gathered in anticipation as the most coveted prize in world football was unveiled during the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola. The Trophy’s arrival represents hope, pride, memory, and momentum.
“It’s really a joyful moment to be here at the Union Buildings. I’m rather glad
we brought the cup here to the Union Buildings… We have unveiled and touched it. It feels very good. It’s got a nice touch and feel to it,” President Ramaphosa said, drawing warm applause from the audience.
The FIFA World Cup Original Trophy is the one presented to the winning team at the conclusion of the tournament, before returning to the FIFA Museum in Zurich. Apart from the tournament itself, the only time the trophy leaves Switzerland is during the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, the only FIFA partner authorised to activate the Original Trophy globally.
Addressing the Bafana Bafana squad, Ramaphosa offered words of encouragement and national backing as they prepare to compete in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
“I want to applaud you and wish you well on your journey to go and do battle in the United States, Mexico and Canada, and we do have full confidence that you’re going to bring the cup back. The South African public – the entire population – wishes you well, and this is the one moment when you must feel the full support of South Africans behind you.”- source: gov.za
St Francis Chronicle 