Mandela sends each Bafana Bafana member a good luck note

JOHANNESBURG, June 9 (AFP)

President Nelson Mandela has sent each member of the Bafana Bafana squad and coach Phillipe Troussier a personal note of encouragement ahead of their World Cup opener against France on Friday. Since Mandela will be unable to watch "The Boys" in their opening match in Marseille due to various meetings, he sent all 22 players and their French coach a personal note to wish them well, The Star newspaper reported Tuesday. "He wanted to give each player a feeling of his presence. He wrote the letters himself last week," Mandelas aide told the newspaper. "The letters were written to give the players a lift," he said. Mandela wrote to team captain Lucas Radebe: "I am particularly proud of you as captain, and of the South African soccer team." To Troussier he wrote: "I am impressed with your training methods and the vision you have outlined for the team." Deputy President Thabo Mbeki, set to fill Mandelas shoes when the president steps down after the 1999 elections, will officially represent South Africa at the opening game. Mbekis wife Zanele, Sports Minister Steve Tshwete and Mbekis deputy minister Essop Pahad will also be there to root for the South African team.

© - AFP - 1998