Mandela declined to comment on Beckham's new hairstyle. Story Tools

DURBAN, South Africa -- England captain David Beckham came face to face with former South African president Nelson Mandela on Wednesday.

The England team are in South Africa ahead of their friendly in Durban on Thursday. Both teams met Mandela in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

Beckham -- sporting his new braided hairstyle -- presented the former president with an England shirt with the number three and his surname emblazoned on the back.

Seated next to Mandela, a smiling Beckham said: "It's great to be here today. It's an amazing honor for all of us."

As he accepted the gift, Mandela advised the South African players to "walk tall" during the match.

"When you are playing one of the best teams -- the English team are of course our friends -- you can make us walk tall, you have done so already.

"We know in our hearts ... we don't have to express it, who the best team is. We have complete confidence you will make a good display. Of course in sports you have good and bad days, we hope this is a good day.

"We hope the best team will win."

Irvin Khoza, vice-president of the South African Football Association, jokingly told the English players that Mr Mandela did not originally want to meet them.

He said the legend was too inspiring and was worried he would galvanize the English team into beating the South Africans.

He then thanked England for honoring an agreement in 1997 that they would play a match in South Africa.

When asked what he thought of the England captain's new hairstyle, Mandela replied: "I'm too old to express an opinion on this development."

Beckham, who will win his 60th international cap in Durban, said he did not expect an easy victory. "Playing away is always difficult and I know that we will meet a tough team, so we are not expecting to have an easy night," he said.

After Thursday's match, Beckham is set to take an extended break -- his first for several seasons.

South Africa captain Radebe said he believed his side would do well in the match. "We have got a score to settle. We will be playing one of the best teams and have got nothing to lose. It's time to prove that South African football has come of age."