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Cape Town - Minister of Sport and Recreation Thulas Nxesi took time out of his schedule to accompany Bafana Bafana to Cape Verde for their 2018 Soccer World Cup qualifier.
The Confederation of African Football’s preliminary competition offers five berths at the World Cup Russia.
South Africa are in Group D with Burkina Faso, Cape Verde and Senegal.
In his reaction to travelling with the national team, Nxesi stated that this is an all-important match for the team and the country.
“The national team need all the arsenal and the boost they can get to ensure that they go over this hurdle called Cape Verde so that they can continue to fly our flag high during the Russia World Cup come 2018”.
He went on to say that, “the success of the national team has a direct impact on social cohesion and nation building. I, therefore, urge all citizens to rally behind the team and ensure that we collect the maximum points from this match”.
SAFA president Danny Jordan welcomed the minister accompanying the team.
“SAFA welcomes the ministers support by travelling with the national team to this crucial World Cup qualifier. This is a very important match because the last time Bafana Bafana qualified for a World Cup was back in 2002. In 2010, we played because we were hosting the World Cup. This time around we must ensure that we work extra hard as a team to qualify. We are delighted that the minister is travelling with us as his actions demonstrate solidarity and patriotism.”
Bafana Bafana departed for Cape Verde on Tuesday morning.
They are scheduled to take on Cape Verde on Friday at 20:30 SA time.
