Minister of Sport and Recreation Thulas Nxesi took time off his busy schedule to accompany Bafana Bafana to Cape Verde for their upcoming World Cup qualifier.
The Confederation of African Football’s preliminary competition offers five berths at the 2018 Fifa World Cup Russia.
South Africa are in Group D with Burkina Faso, Cape Verde and Senegal.
In his reaction to travelling with the national team, 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 Jordaan said: “Safa welcomes the Minister’s 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.”