Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially welcomed the FIFA World Cup Original Trophy to South Africa, a moment that drew attention across Southern Africa, including in Eswatini, where football fans closely follow regional milestones on the global stage.
The ceremony took place on Friday at the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre at the Union Buildings in Pretoria during the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca Cola. Invited guests, football legends, government leaders and members of the Bafana Bafana World Cup squad gathered as the iconic trophy was unveiled.
President Ramaphosa was handed the trophy, placing him among a small group of people worldwide 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 to the Union Buildings… We have unveiled and touched it. It feels very good. It’s got a nice touch and feel to it,” the President said to applause.
The FIFA World Cup Original Trophy is presented to the tournament winners before it is returned to the FIFA Museum in Zurich. Outside the World Cup itself, the only time it leaves Switzerland is during the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca Cola, the sole FIFA partner authorised to take the Original Trophy around the world.
For South Africa, the visit carries particular significance. After first qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in 1998 and hosting the 2010 tournament, the country has secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending a 16 year absence from the competition.
President Ramaphosa described the moment as symbolic of renewal and belief ahead of the tournament to be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
“We are going to lend it out, but it’s going to come back. We’ll allow it to go for a while, and then after the FIFA World Cup, the boys are going to bring it back, and we will have it here at the Union Buildings again,” he said.
Addressing the Bafana Bafana squad, Ramaphosa offered words of encouragement and national support as they prepare for the competition.
“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.
“We are going to fill your sails with a great deal of luck, confidence and best wishes as you go out to represent the country and when you are there, just know that you are representing the 62 million people of South Africa,” he said.
The President also spoke about the symbolism of hosting the event at the Union Buildings, the seat of South Africa’s government.
“This is a beautiful, sunny day in Pretoria. This is the seat of our government, and this is where we make things happen,” he said, while thanking Coca Cola for bringing the trophy to the country.
The event included photo sessions featuring President Ramaphosa, FIFA World Cup winner Marcel Desailly, South African football icons including Siphiwe Tshabalala, members of the Bafana Bafana squad, senior government officials and Coca Cola system executives.
Discussion about this post