( CNN ) -- Former South African president Nelson Mandela will attend the World Cup opening ceremony on Friday , according to his grandson . Nkosi Mandela said his grandfather would be on hand to greet the crowd at the Soccer City Stadium , but that he would n't stay for the entirety of the opening game between South Africa and Mexico . He told a press conference : `` The current discussion is that we afford him time to come in whether it is ten minutes or 15 minutes to walk around the stadium and wave at the crowd . `` But I think to have him sit there an entire 90 minutes of soccer would really impact his state of health because it is winter after all , so we have to guard against that . `` As South Africans we wish him to live for many more years to come . '' The 91-year-old played a pivotal role in bringing the World Cup to South Africa but has made limited public appearances recently . However , he did meet the South Africa squad last week . Current president Jacob Zuma paid tribute to Mandela at an event to mark the opening ceremony of the 60th FIFA Congress . `` Nelson Mandela worked hard that we should win the right to host this tournament . We dedicate the World Cup to him , '' he was quoted as saying by the UK Press Association . `` There are a few moments that define a nation 's history . We stand on the threshold of one as we draw closer and closer to Friday , June 11 when the World Cup officially begins . `` What an honour and what a privilege for this 16-year-old democracy . Our country has become a stage for the international community to celebrate humanity , achievement and friendship . '' As World Cup fever grows in South Africa , thousands of South Africans poured onto the streets of Johannesburg on Wednesday as the national team paraded through the city .
Nelson Mandela will attend the World Cup opening ceremony says his grandson . Former South African president will greet the crowd at Soccer City Stadium . Current president Jacob Zuma dedicates the World Cup to Mandela .