When Minister of Sport and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula, took the trip to Singapore to attend the South Africa Night, organised by his department, dedicating it to the Netball National Team, his mind was focused on the battle ahead with support of all South Africans. At the time he told the team that 'we got the marching orders from President Zuma to do it for Madiba, President Nelson Mandela'. Indeed with the gallant showpiece showcased by the team, South Africans must be proud of the team.
"President Jacob Zuma gave the team the marching orders to do it for Madiba, and with this display, Madiba and South Africa are proud," said Minister Mbalula.
"The team's performance was outstanding, we are proud that these ladies represented the country well. They were true soldiers in a war to defend the pride of our nation," stated Minister Mbalula. The South African team qualified for the 2015 World Championships, by defeating Malawi. "Defeating a team of Malawi calibre is an honour for our team, it shows the warrior in King Shaka, Moshoeshoe, Sekhukhune, Hintsa and other kings and Queens, is truly in our DNA, we fought til the end, congratulations," continued Mbalula.
Minister Mbalula applauded the technical team and players for the good job, well-done. Netball, according to Minister Mbalula, remains one of the largest sporting codes in the country without much fanfare and 'we need to sit down with Netball South Africa to see how we can improve and professionalise netball'. Mbalula also congratulated Erin Burger for being crowned thepPlayer of the tournament. "Erin has truly represented us all as an ambassador for the country," added Mbalula.
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