APA-Johannesburg (South Africa) South African Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa led the country’s football fans to give a heroes’ welcome to the national soccer team, Bafana Bafana, on Wednesday from the just-ended African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament held in Cote D’Ivoire.
Arriving at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, the minister described the team “as warriors” for their impressive performance during the tournament.
Hosts Cote D’Ivoire won the tournament which was held from 13 January to 11 February.
Kodwa lauded the national team for winning a bronze medal after they defeated Democratic Republic of Congo 6-5 on penalties in the third-place playoff.
The team earned a lot of praise for its strong performance at the continental showpiece as they managed to reach the semi-finals in 24 years.
“Long live the fighting spirit of Bafana Bafana. Thank you very much to our captain Ronwen Williams. Thank you very much to our warriors. Thank you very much to all South Africans who came out in your numbers,” the minister said.
He added: “I see a lot of blue, green, and gold. I see a lot of red among you. We want to thank you for supporting and rallying behind this team.”
South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan also thanked the crowd that showed up to give the AFCON bronze winning Bafana a heroes’ welcome.
This is the first South African men’s semi-finalists in the competition in 24 years since winning the tournament back in 1996, Jordaan said.
“This team produced by coach Hugo Broos is a new team. We want to pay tribute to this man sitting here,” the SAFA boss said.
NM/jn/APA