Katlego Moeng

Katlego Moeng

Bafana Bafana and the Springboks are the latest in a string of celebrities and VIPs to wish former president Nelson Mandela well as his 90th birthday celebrations continued.

The national football and rugby players gathered around Madiba during a photo session at the Nelson Mandela Foundation offices in Houghton yesterday.

Madiba arrived at noon in his usual cheerful self, sharing jokes with everyone on his way to sitting down. "I see all the teams are here," said Mandela before individually greeting all the players and their management.

Bafana, led by Mamelodi Sundowns striker Surprise Moriri, were the first to shake hands with Mandela and pose for pictures. The Springboks, led by captain Victor Matfield, followed before both national teams huddled together to sing happy birthday to Madiba.

Moriri and the Boks' Ricky January lit the birthday candles and blew them out after singing.

Addressing the players, Mandela said: "I believe you will be playing important teams shortly, good luck. I know almost everybody wants you to win every match and I am part of them. Good luck."