RAMAPHOSA SHINES AS FIFA WORLD CUP TROPHY ARRIVES IN SA

President Cyril Ramaphosa officially welcomed the FIFA World Cup Original Trophy to South Africa, marking a historic and emotional moment in the country's football journey.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief, The Azanian

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A sense of pride, joy and quiet awe filled the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre at the Union Buildings on Friday, as President Cyril Ramaphosa officially welcomed the FIFA World Cup Original Trophy to South Africa, marking a historic and emotional moment in the country's football journey.

The trophy's arrival symbolizes South Africa's return to the global football stage after a 16-year absence, with the country having qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"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," President Ramaphosa said, drawing warm applause from the audience.

The ceremony also underscored the Union Buildings' symbolic role as the heart of South Africa’s democracy and leadership. "This is a beautiful, sunny day in Pretoria. This is the seat of our government, and this is where we make things happen," President Ramaphosa said, thanking Coca-Cola for bringing the global moment home.

Addressing the Bafana Bafana squad, the President offered words of encouragement and national backing as they prepare to compete in the United States, Mexico and Canada. "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".

The event featured key photo moments with the President, FIFA World Cup-winning legend Marcel Desailly, South African football icons Siphiwe Tshabalala, members of the Bafana Bafana World Cup squad, government leadership and Coca-Cola system executives, capturing a rare convergence of sport, State and history.

This moment comes amidst controversy surrounding US President Donald Trump's claims of "white genocide" in South Africa, which have been widely debunked by fact-checkers, human rights organizations, and South African crime statistics. Ramaphosa rejected these claims, stating that there's no genocide in South Africa and that the country's government policy is completely against such actions.

The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola is a significant event, marking South Africa's return to the world's biggest sporting stage. As the trophy was carefully returned to its case, one message resonated clearly - South Africa’s football story is once again being written, and the journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially begun.

President Cyril Ramaphosa with FIFA World Cup-winning legend Marcel Desailly, as he (SA President) officially welcomed the FIFA World Cup Original Trophy to South Africa, marking a historic and emotional moment in the country's football journey.