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Zuma: SA has made me proud

Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma praised South Africans for making the World Cup a success and urged everyone to support Bafana Bafana as they play their next match against Uruguay, on Wednesday evening.

"Quite fittingly, with Bafana Bafana making us proud in their dazzling opening encounter with Mexico last week, this is indeed a good day and a wonderful period in our country...," he said in a speech prepared for delivery at a Youth Day function in Mpumalanga.

He said South Africans had displayed "amazing patriotism and national pride", and had received visitors warmly and hospitably.

"They have made us proud as government."

He said the event was successful because of the support of all "our people".

The struggle of the youth against apartheid, which led to the Soweto uprising 34 years ago, was in a large measure all about realising opportunities such as hosting the World Cup.

He thanked the youth who had volunteered for various kinds of activities geared towards the success of the event.

"Thank you for the support that you have been giving to the World Cup tournament, and please continue to cheer up our national team, Bafana Bafana.

"Tonight they take on Uruguay. You are the 12th man on the pitch as South Africans. Our resounding support keeps the team going and makes them succeed."

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