Pretoria - Communications Minister Faith Muthambi says a win for Bafana Bafana against Nigeria tonight in the 2015 Morocco Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier match, will signal a boost for social cohesion.
Last week Friday, Bafana Bafana were hailed as heroes for lifting the mood of South Africans following their 3-nil away win against Sudan in their 2015 Afcon opening qualifier match, which was played in Khartoum.
“Football, just like any other sporting code, can cut across the barriers that divide society, as it is a powerful tool to support conflict prevention and peace building efforts. As government, we are optimistic that a win against Nigeria will strengthen social cohesion.
“Bafana’s victory will help to promote social integration and foster tolerance. It will help to reduce tension as football is more than a luxury -- it brings individuals and communities from different racial groups together in a fun environment.
“A win will also help to build the character and confidence of our players to better meet the challenges of a competitive world going forward,” she said.
Minister Muthambi said government is of the view that all sporting codes should be a reflection of the country’s rainbow nation.
Tonight’s match will be played at Cape Town Stadium and kick-off is at 8pm.
Kudos to Mashaba
Minister Muthambi congratulated Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba for the win against Sudan.
“What a good start by newly appointed Bafana Bafana head coach, Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba! As government, we want to congratulate the national team for their outstanding victory against Sudan.
“With the convincing victory, you made all of us proud. Under the new head coach and the new generation of players, we have turned a new page. Glory moments are back,” she said.
Bafana produced a clinical second half performance, which saw substitute Sibusiso Vilakazi scoring the first goal for Bafana Bafana in the 55th minute and doubled the lead five minutes later.
The third goal came through striker Bongani Ndulula in the 78th minute.
However, Minister Muthambi said while the goal scorers deserve to be praised, she said credit should go to Mashaba, who only had one training session with his new team ahead of the match.
“As a nation, we must give credit where it is due. Mashaba only had one training session with the team before the match, but he was able to clinch an impressive win away from home, so we need to salute and give him all our support,” she said.
Support for Bafana
The new-look South African national team will battle it out against the reigning African champions, who lost their opening match at home 3 - 2 to Congo last Saturday.
Minister Muthambi called on the nation to keep supporting Bafana Bafana.
“We are urging all South Africans to rally behind the national team when they face Nigeria this evening. People should go the stadium in their numbers to wave the South African flag with a great sense of patriotism, cheering the boys to clinch another great victory.
“For those who are not able to go to the stadium, they can listen to our SABC radio stations as they will broadcast the match. The public broadcaster will also screen the match live on TV,” she said.
Sport and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula said South Africa had to be patient in supporting the national team.
“We are not expecting instant gratification from Bafana Bafana, but it will be good to beat Nigeria... This Nigeria team has been dealing with us mercilessly for years…
“Good luck to the (team)… If we lose… (it will be part of) the process of rebuilding the team. I embrace the coach’s spirit and vision of giving young players a chance to play with experienced players.”
With a win against Sudan, South Africa is now leading Group A with three points and three goals, followed by Congo, Nigeria and Sudan. - SAnews.gov.za
