29 August 2017 – Minister of Sport and Recreation, honourable Mr Thulas Nxesi took time off his busy schedule to accompany the Senior Men’s National team to Cape Verde for their upcoming World Cup Qualifier match.

The Confederation of African Football’s Preliminary Competition offers five berths at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. South Africa is in Group D with Burkina Faso, Cape Verde and Senegal.

In his reaction to travelling with the National team, Minister Nxesi stated that this is an all-important match for the team and the country. “The national team need all the arsenal and the boost they can get to ensure that they go over this hurdle called Cape Verde so that they can continue to fly our flag high during the Russia FIFA World Cup come 2018”.

He went on to say that “The success of the National team has a direct impact on social cohesion and nation building. I, therefore, urge all citizens to rally behind the team and ensure that we collect the maximum points from this match”.

SAFA President, Danny Jordan had this to say about the Minister accompanying the team, “SAFA welcomes the Ministers support by travelling with the National team to this crucial World Cup Qualifier. This is a very important match because the last time Bafana Bafana qualified for a World Cup was back in 2002. In 2010, we played because we were hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup. This time around we must ensure that we work extra hard as a team to qualify. We are delighted that the Minister is travelling with us as his actions demonstrate solidarity and patriotism.”

Bafana Bafana departs to Cape Verde this morning. They are scheduled to take on Cape Verde on Friday 20H30, South African time.

Issued by The Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa.-SAFA WEBSITE