Mandela Brought Africa First World Cup, Made Last Public Appearance for South Africa During 2010 Final

On Friday, the draw for the 2014 World Cup was announced a day after the passing of Nelson Mandela, who brought South Africa–and Africa–its first World Cup in 2010. He made his final public appearance for the nation during the 2010 World Cup final in Johannesburg 

Tragedy struck Mandela during the 2010 World Cup when his great-granddaughter was killed in a car accident after the opening festivities. 

Mandela always understood the power of sports, which was made most evident when he donned the Springbok rugby jersey, once loathed and reviled by the country’s blacks as symbol of apartheid, to heal and reconcile the nation in 1995.

Below is a photo of Mandela’s appearance at the 2010 World Cup final.