Zuma wishes Proteas well

President Jacob Zuma and Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula on Sunday assured the national netball team they had the support of the nation when they leave on Tuesday for the World Netball Championships in Singapore.

Zuma invited the team and its managers to his official residence  in Pretoria to express his personal support for the team.

   After being introduced to each member of the team by captain Amanda Mynhardt, Zuma described them as the most beautiful girls in  South Africa, and welcomed them to Mahlamba Ndlopfu.

   He said that before going to war, warriors would go to the Big House to receive blessings for their endeavours and that was why he  wanted to meet the team.

   “This meeting here gives us an opportunity to say good bye and good luck and for you to receive our blessings,” he said.

   “You are our number one team.”  

Zuma said it was part of South African culture to love sport and to want to win all the time.

   “I have heard that you carry this culture.

   “In Africa you are number two and in the world number six.

   “This shows that you are a team of quality that is focused.

“I am happy that you have come, and would like you to know that the whole nation is behind you.

“We want you to win. We want to let you know that we support you  fully.    

“What you can do for us in return, is bring back the trophy,” he  quipped.    

“July is Nelson Mandela’s birthday month — maybe you can give him a nice birthday president.”   

Zuma promised that either he or the Minister of Sport would travel to Singapore to see the Proteas in action.

   Mbalula, who gave the squad the name Amantombazane said South Africa was celebrating all sporting codes, because sport helped to bring the nation together.

   “Netball has the clearest understanding of transformation, as we  can see the rainbow nation sitting here in front of us,” said Mbalula.

   “You have the full support of the president, and it is up to you  to represent your country with dignity, discipline and courage.”   

Netball South Africa’s director demarcation, Mami Diale, said the players were very honoured to meet the president and receive his blessings.

   “This is the first time the national netball team has received an official presidential send-off,” she said.

   “As netball we promise to represent South Africa with pride, and  our priority is to hoist the South African flag as high as possible.

“Our goal is to be ranked third or fourth in the world. We want to come home with a medal.”    

The world championships get underway on Sunday July 4 and South Africa’s first match is on Monday July 4 when they take on Jamaica.