President Cyril Ramaphosa has rallied behind the national women’s football team as they play in the Africa Women Cup of Nations (Awcon) final against Nigeria in Accra, Ghana this evening.
“Go and win! Walk onto the pitch with great confidence. Everyone in South Africa – 57million of us - are behind you. I say halala, halala (to you) as the superwomen of our country,” said the President in a video call to the team on Friday night.
The President is in Argentina for the G20 Summit.
“Go get that Cup and bring it home,” said the President.
He commended Banyana Banyana’s Coach Desiree Ellis for her leadership of a “very, very good team” whose determination was “fantastic”.
By beating Mali 2-0 earlier this week in the semi-finals of the continental tournament, Banyana Banyana also secured their place in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
He told the team that Cabinet had at its meeting following Banyana’s Awcon semi-final honoured them with a standing ovation for their exceptional performance.
“As government, Cabinet and as the people of South Africa, you have made us very proud. You have put us on the map once again,” the President said.
“We have no doubt that [on Saturday] you are going to win and succeed because we have seen in your faces, and in the way you handle the ball, that you are women of substance, women who are prepared to achieve your goals.”
The much anticipated final will start at 6pm. – SAnews.gov.za
