Boks backing Bafana Bafana!
With less than three days to go before the 2010 FIFA World Cup kicks-off in South Africa, the Springboks showed their support for Bafana Bafana at a media function in Cape Town.
Here is what they had to say!
Peter de Villiers - head coach:
"We are 100% behind Bafana Bafana. We will show our support by attending their match against Uruguay in Pretoria next Wednesday and each member of our squad has a Bafana jersey that we will wear on the days that they're playing matches.
"This is such a great occasion for our country. If anything, the World Cup has created or rekindled an appreciation for flags and for the identity of a country. South Africans have bought into the event wholeheartedly.
"We are a nation that is passionate about sport - any sport - and this is already so clear in how our people are supporting the event and a ball is yet to be kicked. I am sure it will be a major success."
John Smit - Hooker & captain:
"It is not often that a Springbok Test will take a back seat to something else. But this certainly is the case with the Soccer World Cup and we gladly accept that.
"This event is important to South Africa. All the planning has been done and it's time to show the world what South Africans can achieve. The thousands of foreign visitors will discover at least one secret and that is that South Africa is the best place in the world to live.
"I think Bafana Bafana will do us all proud. There is a lot of expectation and pressure but they must turn that to their advantage by drawing strength from it and channeling it through the team. We won't get to many games but we will be following their progress very closely."
Victor Matfield - Lock & vice-captain:
"The Vuvuzelas may be loud but they create a fantastic atmosphere. When we played the Super 14 semifinal and final at Orlando Stadium in Soweto it was the best atmosphere I have ever experienced. 50,000 people cheering and blowing vuvuzelas was amazing and I think they are here to stay. It did cause a few hassles with lineout calls but definitely made it a memorable occasion!"
Bryan Habana - Wing:
"I was named after two soccer players - Bryan Robson and Gary Bailey - and have been a Manchester United fan from a very young age, so I have an appreciation for the game of soccer. This is a great event for our country and I'm sure that we will succeed and show the world what we can do when it comes to organising a big event like this. As for Bafana, I think they will be inspired by the home support and will achieve what they have set out to do at the tournament."
Schalk Burger - Flank:
"I am sure the guys will get together in the team room on Friday to watch Bafana Bafana play Mexico. Under normal circumstances it would be great to enjoy a few beers whilst doing this, but with a big Test match to play on Saturday we will have to be happy with a few Energades! This is the biggest sporting event in the world and I'll make an effort to watch as much of it as possible."