06-02-2013, 01:55 PM
Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has thanked the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for entrusting South Africa with hosting the Orange Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament.
“He expressed his appreciation, on behalf of the country and all soccer-loving people, at the professional manner in which the games have been organised,†the Presidency said in a statement.
It said Zuma on Tuesday received a courtesy call from a delegation, led by CAF President Issa Hayatou, at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria.
The President told the delegation that although South Africans would have loved to see Bafana Bafana play in the final and even win the cup, “we understand the nature of football and that only one team can winâ€.
“I urge the South African nation to rally behind the four remaining teams of Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso and Mali. The resounding success of this tournament is Africa's success,†said Zuma.
Bafana were knocked out of the tournament when they lost 3-1 on penalties to Mali. – SAnews.gov.za
“He expressed his appreciation, on behalf of the country and all soccer-loving people, at the professional manner in which the games have been organised,†the Presidency said in a statement.
It said Zuma on Tuesday received a courtesy call from a delegation, led by CAF President Issa Hayatou, at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria.
The President told the delegation that although South Africans would have loved to see Bafana Bafana play in the final and even win the cup, “we understand the nature of football and that only one team can winâ€.
“I urge the South African nation to rally behind the four remaining teams of Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso and Mali. The resounding success of this tournament is Africa's success,†said Zuma.
Bafana were knocked out of the tournament when they lost 3-1 on penalties to Mali. – SAnews.gov.za