Pretoria - The South African women's senior rugby team paid a visit to the Medi-Clinic Heart hospital in Pretoria on Thursday where former president Nelson Mandela is being treated.
The Springboks, who are one their way to the United States for a tournament, arrived in a branded bus to lay long-stemmed roses at the wall where many had left messages of support.
Afterwards, they briefly sang the national anthem.
Coach Aslam Abrahams said the women were excited and felt it fitting to express gratitude to Mandela for all he had done for the sport.
“We drove from Johannesburg to Pretoria and the girls were very excited... They didn't expect to see Mandela himself, but to see the hospital where he is at was enough for them.”
The team of women, aged between 19 and 30, were heading to the US for the Nations Cup tournament. They would face the Americans in their first game. They would also play against England and Canada.
“We just want to say thank you for everything he has done for our generation and the generations before us,” said Abrahams.
Team captain Mandisa Williams said though she was young when South Africa won the IRB World Cup in 1995 against New Zealand, she appreciated what it meant for the sport.
“We want to say that Tata must get well and we want to thank him for his hard work. We are playing rugby because of his hard work,” an emotional Williams said.
The women were expected to depart for Colorado on Saturday.
Mandela was admitted to the hospital 48 days ago because of a recurring lung infection. According to the latest official update his condition was critical, but improving. - Sapa