Tournament News
Div, Smit wish Bafana well
2010-05-27 13:20
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Johannesburg - Springbok rugby coach Peter de Villiers and captain John Smit have presented their soccer counterparts, Carlos Alberto Parreira and Aaron Mokoena, with a jersey to wish them luck for the Soccer World Cup which kicks off in South Africa on June 11.
The Bok duo met with the Bafana Bafana coach and captain at a jersey-swapping ceremony in Johannesburg. Mokoena reciprocated by handing Smit a Bafana Bafana shirt and wishing the Boks well for the coming international season.
"The entire Springbok team and South African rugby fraternity are behind Bafana Bafana as they prepare for this momentous occasion," said De Villiers.
"Playing in a World Cup on home soil should be both challenging and motivating and I have no doubt that Bafana Bafana will do themselves and our country proud during the World Cup. We call on all South Africans to support our team and to urge them on to success.
"Of course there will be pressures, and that is true for all the teams taking part. But it's important that this is channeled in the right direction, which can be helped by a nation that is 100% behind its team."
Smit urged Mokoena and other squad members to savour every moment of the competition.
"Congratulations to those players that will represent our country at the World Cup," said the Bok captain.
"Make the most of every moment because there will be special memories that you will cherish for the rest of your lives.
"Take each match as it comes and make sure you have done your homework on each of your opponents. With a strong base to play off you will allow natural talents and game-breaking abilities to thrive, which will be a key to success. Good luck to the boys".
Springbok captain John Smit with Carlos Alberto Parreira, Peter de Villiers and Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena (Gallo Images)