Heartbroken after their quarter-final exit from the World Cup, Ghana’s players did not only find solace by the enormous support from the rest of the continent but were fulfilled by the high-profile visits Saturday to the homes of former South African president Nelson Mandela and his ex-wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
Mandela's foundation on Saturday praised the Black Stars for their performance in the tournament.
"They represented the continent well and although they did not qualify for the semi-finals they can return home with their heads held high," it said in a statement.
The Black Stars enjoyed special moments with the two icons at their separate homes in South Africa, a day after losing to Uruguay in the last eight.
The climax of the days visit was the arrival at the Johannesburg neighborhood residence of Nelson Mandela where replica Ghana shirts and other items were presented to the revered leader.
Seated in the hall of his beautiful home, players and officials went in batches to shake hands with the 91 year-old Madiba and had the rare opportunity of group photo sessions with the former president.
“It’s a dream come true,” said midfielder Derek Boateng after the team met Mandela.
“He is a legend, you know, and everybody is talking about him,” Boateng said. “It is the first time we have met him.”
Earlier, Ghana’s team visited the Sowetan home of Madikizela-Mandela where the former wife of Madiba praised and encouraged the players for their wonderful performance.
“I am proud of you,” said Madikizela-Mandela as the entire Ghana delegation gathered at her residence.
“Your performance has really lifted our hearts and given us hope. We can always look to a better future.”
“Before the World Cup, I lost a great-grand daughter, Zenani Mandela, 13, in a car crash on her way home from a World Cup kick-off concert.
"I was a very sad moment but my sorrows have been replaced with joy due to your performance.”
Sowetans showed that Ghana’s popularity was still intact as they greeted the players with applause.
“It was a big privilege for me and the players,” said Ghana’s goalkeeper, Richard Kingson, after that meeting. “She advised (us about) our life and our future, and how to be a good guy and how to control things.”