ANC YOU LEAGUE CALLS ON ALL SOUTH AFRICANS TO CONTINUE SUPPORTING BAFANA BAFANA

21 June 2010

The African National Congress Youth League calls on all South Africans to continue supporting South Africa's national soccer team, Bafana Bafana. All South Africans should appreciate that support for Bafana Bafana is support for South Africa as a country and its ability to overcome all difficulties. Bafana Bafana needs the continued support by all South Africans, when when they are not winning, because supporting the team only when they win is not real support. Genuine support is provided during difficult times as well and in this instance, that is where Bafana Bafana needs it most.

The ANC Youth League is strongly convinced that with all the support, Bafana Bafana will triumph and make the country proud. The ANC Youth League is fully aware that currently, the excellent coach Alberto Parreira and the tactical team reserve the right to make the final selection of the team that should represent the country in all international soccer matches, yet we believe that the Captain of Bafana Bafana, Aaron Mokoena sometimes makes costly mistakes, which the team and the country cannot afford in a do-or-die soccer encounter. The coach and tactical team should honestly assess the Captain's readiness for the soccer match against France on Tuesday.

The ANC Youth League holds Aaron Mokoena in high regard and respect his leadership capabilities, and would not want to demoralise any of the players. Nevertheless, this is the time and space of reality and we should be honest in defence of our nation and promotion of the need to win.

On Tuesday, all South Africans should stand firm behind Bafana Bafana, give them all the support, cheer them on to victory and they will make the country very proud.

Statement issued by ANC Youth League spokesperson, Floyd Shivambu, June 21 2010

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