World Cup 2010: Nelson Mandela expected at opening ceremony and South Africa's opener

High hopes: Nelson Mandela played a huge role in South Africa's World Cup bid and there is said to be a 'great chance' of his presence on Friday Photo: EPA

There have been doubts about whether the former president, 92 next month, would be able to attend the event at Soccer City, but his determination to see the start of a tournament he played a huge role in delivering for his country may see him appear in person.

Organising Committee chief executive Danny Jordaan said this morning that there is “a great chance” Mandela will attend for at least a short time