South African History Online

Address by President Nelson Mandela at the opening of the African Cup of Nations Tournament

Johannesburg, 13 January 1996

Mr. Issa Hayatou;
Mr. Joao Havelange and other Guests of Honour;
Mr.
Solomon Morewa;
Players and Supporters.

The countdown is over.

For the next three weeks leading soccer nations in Africa will bless
liberated South Africa with the best display of skills our continent can offer.
Millions of soccer lovers throughout the continent, and further afield, will
join us in this festival of African friendship.

On behalf of all South Africans, I welcome you all. We embrace our brothers
and sisters across the continent, who will be with us in spirit during this
exciting period.

The decision of the Confederation of African Football to hold the 20th
Nations Cup Tournament in South Africa is the best gift Africa could present to
our sporting community and, in particular, to the soccer fraternity. For this,
we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You are once more affirming that our
young democracy has found a niche within Africa's family of nations, to learn
and to contribute her utmost.

Soccer is one of the sporting disciplines in which Africa is rising to
demonstrate her excellence, for too long latent in her womb.

We are certain that this Tournament will, by its artistry, its spirit of
sportsmanship, and organisation, justify the trust that FIFA is placing on our
continent. Its success will be measured not only in the number of goals scored:
but also in the way it draws our nations closer to one another, as our talented
youth add another brick on the edifice of Africa's renaissance.

It is now my privilege to declare this, the 1996 African Cup of Nations
Tournament open.

Issued by: Office of the President