Sport and Recreation Minister, Reverend Makhenkesi Stofile has conveyed well wishes to the South African National under 20 football team (Amajita), currently representing the country in the FIFA under 20 World Cup in Egypt. Minister Stofile's message comes ahead of this afternoon's last 16 encounter against Ghana.
Below is the Minister's full message:
Amajita is facing the world in the FIFA under 20 World Cup in Egypt, at a time when South Africans are raising concerns about the performance of our senior national football team. And in Amajita, they see reason to be hopeful for the future. While this increases the country's interest in Amajita's performance, it should not put the team under pressure. Instead, this interest should be seen as the much needed support for the team.
Despite the poor start, our Team has shown that any nation that takes us lightly does so at its own peril. And we have no doubt that as we face Ghana this afternoon, our Team will do so with pride, knowing that South Africans are behind them.
We trust that our team, will, as Ambassadors of our country, remain disciplined on and off the field of play. We wish them good health and the best of luck.
For enquiries:
Manase Makwela
Cell: 082 782 1759
Issued by: Sport and Recreation South Africa
6 October 2009
