A sense of pride and joy filled the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre at the Union Buildings on Friday as President Cyril Ramaphosa officially welcomed the FIFA World Cup Original Trophy to South Africa, marking a historic moment in the country’s football journey. The trophy’s arrival kick-starts the three-day tour of South Africa. Guests, football legends, government leaders and members of the Bafana Bafana World Cup squad gathered as the most coveted prize in world football was unveiled during the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola.
Among the dignitaries who attended the event were Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie, and former Bafana players Aaron Mokoena and Siphiwe Tshabalala. Current Bafana captain, Ronwen Williams, was also in attendance. The trophy was revealed and handed to President Ramaphosa, one of the few individuals globally permitted to physically handle the Original Trophy.
“It’s really a joyful moment to be here at the Union Buildings. I’m rather glad that we brought the cup here,” Ramaphosa said. We have unveiled it and touched it.
Read Full Article on The Witness
[paywall]
It feels very good. It’s got a nice touch and feel to it. The FIFA World Cup Original Trophy is presented to the winning team at the conclusion of the tournament before being returned to the FIFA Museum in Zurich.
Outside of 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. The trophy will be taken to the Pretoria State Theatre for the second leg. It will be at the Nasrec Expo Centre on Saturday before Sunday’s final leg in Cape Town.
[/paywall]
