Issued by: the Presidency
1 July 2001
President Mbeki joins all South Africans in congratulating Bafana Bafana on qualifying for the World Cup Finals. The President is certain that all South Africa is beaming tonight. Bafana Bafana have made us all proud by their sterling performance in taking us to the World Cup Finals in Japan and Korea in 2002.
The team thoroughly deserves to be going to the World Cup and on behalf of all South Africans, the President wants to congratulate each member of the team for their commitment and loyalty to our country.
Soccer is one of South Africa's great passions and knowing this must place enormous pressures on those striving to play their best for their country.
Now that the team has qualified for the World Cup and the African Nations Cup, the President hopes that the pressures will ease a bit and that they will rest a bit before concentrating all efforts on preparing for both these prestigious events. The President also conveys best wishes to the officials of the South African Football Association and all those linked to the team.
Well done!
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