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South Africa’s Minister for Sports and Recreation Hon. Fikile Mbalula has pledged “full support” for “Bafana Bafana” and expressed confidence in the national team and its Coach Shakes Mashaba as they play Burkina Faso in the Russia 2018 qualifiers at Stade Du 4 Aout Ouagadougou on Saturday.

Mbalula is calling on all citizens to rally behind the team calling them symbol of “perseverance and dedication.”

“It is that time again to unite behind our national team. Our young boys are a symbol of perseverance and dedication. They soldier on in these qualifiers with honor gallantly fighting to see our nation in the World Cup tournament,” A statement from the Member of Parliament posted on his official twitter handle reads in part.

“As a nation of patriots, we have confidence in our national team and it’s Coach Shakes Mashaba. I pledge my full support and call on all South Africans to support our boys as they hoist our national flag with pride.”

A straight shooting Mbalula two years back branded Bafana Bafana “a bunch of losers” after they prematurely exited African Nations Championship (CHAN) they hosted in 2014.

Having failed to qualify for the 2017 AFCON in Gabon, Bafana Bafana will be hoping for atonement in this campaign and possibly return to the global stage for the fourth time since the 2010 showpiece which they hosted.

@bonfaceosano

African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com

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