The Springboks threw their weight behind Safa, Bafana Bafana and the World Cup preparations yesterday.
SA Rugby Union president Oregan Hoskins and national coach Peter de Villiers were in Durban at the celebrations marking the 100-day countdown to the tournament.
Hoskins predicted an “outstanding and memorable African World Cup”.
“We are heading into one of the most extraordinary periods in our history,” Hoskins said, “and I’m not sure any of us are yet aware of what a magnificent experience we’re going to share with each other and the world.”
De Villiers said Bafana Bafana will be bolstered on the day of the opening match. “When they run out at a packed Soccer City they’ll probably feel 10-feet tall.” “It’s a special thing to play in a World Cup but to do so as a host nation is a very rare privilege and that will come through on the field.”
Bafana’s success rests on the opening Group A match against Mexico at Soccer City on June 11, Local Organising Committee CEO Danny Jordaan said.
“If we can beat Mexico, then Bafana will be in business. We are only ranked 81st by Fifa, but in front of 90 000 plus Bafana supporters, anything will be possible and my money is on Bafana getting it right on the night.”
However, said Jordaan, however far Bafana progressed, the World Cup was a sure success.” “We have four world class stadiums in the Moses Mabhida, Soccer City, the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and Cape Town Stadium in Green Point. “These are new venues we as South Africans can be proud of.”
Safa president Kirstin Nematandani promised he would leave no stone unturned in assisting coach Carlos Alberto Parreira and his players.
“We have got one of the most experienced and best coaches in the world in Parreira and we will give him all the support he needs.”
Source: www.pretorianews.co.za, 20100303
Did you find this information helpful? If you did, consider donating.