Dear Team Ghana,

We stand as an African continent about to challenge the men who conquered Bafana Bafana and I plead with you, do not be afraid. Not only do you have your own nation behind you, you now have an entire continent behind you, a continent that is bigger than any team or country you will now face. A continent that is stronger than all the players from Uruguay - a continent that is far stronger than Diego Forlan.

On Friday I want you to remember that every country on the entire African continent is with you, and united for you.

As host country, South Africa welcomed the world, and we have had our heart torn out by watching our team crash out in the first round, far too early for what we had hoped. All seemed lost, until you rose from your defeat against Germany and conquered the mighty USA.

You inspired us to pick up our flag that is not only Proudly South African, but Proudly African. As we say goodbye to Bafana we now turn to you with the rest of Africa, and wish you luck.

You have more support than any team on earth right now. One billion Africans have their hearts behind you Ghana.

As you run out on Friday, never forget that you have performed for Africa, you have achieved for Africa, and you can go further with Africa. Play to win without fear of losing because you have already come this far. You have achieved a huge amount and now it is Africa’s turn to go further than ever before! Play with confidence and freedom and never lose hope. Because Africa will not lose hope.

We will shout every minute of the game and make sure that Uruguay feels the passion Africa has for its people. On Friday Uruguay will know that although South Africa welcomed the world, we also united a continent that is stronger than any country on earth.

Good luck Ghana. South Africa is behind you. Africa is behind you.

And Africa is proud of you.

Nick

Do you have something to say about the World Cup? Click here to submit your My2010 articles.

Send us your news photos | Follow us on Twitter | Become a fan on Facebook

Disclaimer: All articles and letters published on MyNews24 have been independently written by members of News24's community. The views of users published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. News24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.