Freeman, Theron among celebs to attend World Cup final
Johannesburg, July 10: Nelson Mandela's attendance at the World Cup final in Johannesburg is uncertain but his double, US actor Morgan Freeman, will be ther, so will South African-born actress Charlize Theron and a host of other celebrities and VIPs.
Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg's Soweto township is sold out for the final between Spain and the Netherlands, which kicks off at 8:30 p.m. (1830 GMT).
Fifteen African heads of state, including Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki, are expected to join President Jacob Zuma at the game and preceding closing ceremony.
Colombian popstar Shakira has been called on to sing out the World Cup with her tournament anthem "Waka Waka." Hundreds of South African and African musicians and dancers will also draw the curtain on the first World Cup in Africa.
Celebrities flocked to the World Cup in the latter stages, attracted by the scenes of celebration across South Africa and the continent.
Morgan Freeman, who was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of former president Mandela in the rugby movie Invictus last year, is returning to South Africa for the final.
It is unclear whether the 91-year-old anti-apartheid icon would himself be present.
Joseph Blatter, president of world football governing body FIFA, said Thursday that he hoped the frail statesman, who missed the opening ceremony to mourn the death of his great-granddaughter in a car crash, would make at least part of the event.
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