23 June 2010

The IFP has paid tribute to Bafana Bafana following their spirited performance against France last night, which saw them finish their World Cup campaign with well-deserved victory, and has called on all South Africans to continue supporting African teams in this 2010 World Cup. 

"Even though Bafana Bafana could not make it to the next round of the World Cup, they have proven that they have got what it takes to beat the world's best football teams and we are extremely proud of them. They have united South Africans across the racial and culture divide and have served as an inspiration to all of us. We now call on all South Africans to continue wearing their South African regalia proudly while supporting other African teams in the competition," said Mr Bonginkosi Dhlamini, the IFP's Spokesperson on Sport. 

Dhlamini said that this World Cup must be used as a stepping stone for future successes for Bafana. 

"We are well aware that last night's game was the last game for Carlos Alberto Parreira as Head Coach of Bafana Bafana but we believe that it will be a mistake to let him go without giving him the opportunity to build on the successes he has achieved. We have, on numerous occasions, failed to even qualify for the Confederations Cup and we believe that it will be important for him to continue his work with Bafana, possibly alongside a local coach, so that he can groom our football team into future World Cup stars," concluded Dhlamini.