G Oosthuizen at farewell function for Bafana Bafana ahead of Africa
Nations Cup, 13 Jan

13 January 2006

The national soccer team, Bafana Bafana, will participate in the Africa
Nations Cup tournament in Egypt with one assurance at the back of their minds:
that millions of passionate South Africans will be supporting and cheering them
all the way. And that should deter and motivate them to perform exceptionally
well thus return home as champions of Africa.

That is a notion shared by the Deputy Minister of Sport and Recreation, Mr
Gert Oosthuizen, when he gave a keynote address at the farewell function held
at the Johannesburg International Airport last night. “It is imperative,
therefore, that our team puts their ‘best feet forward’ in Egypt both in terms
of success on the field of play and their conduct off of it. The degree to
which we are successful (or not) will allow us to gauge the effort that will be
required to prepare for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.”

“We appeal to you, therefore, to be good ambassadors for our country in both
regards. And while you faced with this daunting challenge to succeed in Egypt,
you can rest assured and count on the millions of passionate South African
supporters who will be cheering you on!”

Deputy Minister Oosthuizen further reiterated government’s support in the
preparation phase towards 2010, through regular interactions between the
Department and the Local Organising Committee. He said Bafana Bafana need to
keep in mind the fact that as a country, we have promised that the 2010 global
showpiece will be an “African World Cup”. In everything that they do during the
tournament, they must ensure that, that disposition is reflected. “We must,
however, still show Africa and the rest of the world, that we are a nation that
is driven by competitiveness, commitment and passion.”

Deputy Minister Oosthuizen concluded with a firm, but diplomatic call
specifically to the players. “Don’t disappoint us, you carry a heavy
responsibility on your shoulders but I have full confidence that all of you,
the 23 chosen players, possess the necessary talents to proudly represent us as
we are in the process of building a formidable future squad.”

The host and President and CEO of South African Airways, Dr Khaya Ngqula
said SAA is proud to fly Bafana Bafana to Egypt and wishes them the best with
hope that they will return triumphant. “SAA pledges its commitment and
continued support for our national team and takes great pleasure to be
associated with them.”

Team captain Sibusiso Zuma thanked all stakeholders, including sponsors,
government, media and South African supporters for their ongoing support and
promised that the team will not disappoint the nation. “The boys are looking
forward to the tournament with only one goal in mind: to become the champions
of Africa and we will do our best!”

Among the dignitaries who came to say farewell were Raymond Hack, CEO: SAFA,
Director-General of Sport and Recreation, Prof. Denver Hendricks, Patrice
Motsepe, Chairman of Sundowns Football Club, Advocate Dali Mpofu, CEO: SABC,
representatives of sponsors and a large contingent of media members.

Enquiries:
Zweli Mnisi
Cell: 082 464 4659
Tel: (012) 334 3120
Email: zweli@srsa.gov.za

Issued by: Sport and Recreation South Africa
13 January 2006

Nobulalai