There could not have been a better reception to the Eastern Cape for Bafana Bafana than rubbing shoulders with the province’s first citizen, premier Phumulo Masualle, for more than an hour on the flight from OR Tambo Airport to East London.
The national soccer team touched down at the East London Airport amid much fanfare with scores of fans welcoming them to the city in song.
Bafana boarded the same flight from Johannesburg to East London with Masualle, who had attended the ANC national executive committee (NEC) meeting in Irene over the weekend.
The team was welcomed by Buffalo City Metro executive mayor Xola Pakati, South African Football Association (Safa) Buffalo City region president Prince Sibam and his deputy Vukile Mlanjana, with the mayor delivering a short address.
Pakati said Bafana’s arrival in town was proof that the work the metro had been doing to position itself as a sporting destination of choice, was beginning to yield positive results.
“We are pleased that the Safa national executive committee decided to bring the national team to Buffalo City and we wish the team the best of luck for their match,” said Pakati.
Bafana lock horns with Angola at the Buffalo City Stadium tomorrow night.
Bafana’s interim coach, Owen Da Gama, was full of praise for the reception, especially since it is about 15 years since the team last visited East London.
“I think it is brilliant that we have arrived in a city like East London with people who have proven through their support of Chippa United that they are passionate about football. It is so wonderful to get a reception like this – Safa should do it more often,” said Da Gama.
Following the poor crowd attendance in their 3-1 win over Guinea-Bissau on Saturday in Durban, Da Gama expressed optimism that Eastern Cape supporters would ensure a full house. “We expect a bigger crowd here, especially after the performance we put up in Durban. I think it is going to be crazy here,” he said.
“Supporters will see the football with lots of Kasi flavour because that is the style they can associate with,” he added.
Sibam said Buffalo City had worked hard to ensure the match was brought the city.
“And all our efforts are in the spirit of promoting football development and ensuring that youngsters are inspired when they see international stars and realise they too can reach that level.” — zingisam@dispatch.co.za
Rousing welcome for Bafana
The national soccer team touched down at the East London Airport amid much fanfare with scores of fans welcoming them to the city in song.
Bafana boarded the same flight from Johannesburg to East London with Masualle, who had attended the ANC national executive committee (NEC) meeting in Irene over the weekend.
The team was welcomed by Buffalo City Metro executive mayor Xola Pakati, South African Football Association (Safa) Buffalo City region president Prince Sibam and his deputy Vukile Mlanjana, with the mayor delivering a short address.
Pakati said Bafana’s arrival in town was proof that the work the metro had been doing to position itself as a sporting destination of choice, was beginning to yield positive results.
“We are pleased that the Safa national executive committee decided to bring the national team to Buffalo City and we wish the team the best of luck for their match,” said Pakati.
Bafana lock horns with Angola at the Buffalo City Stadium tomorrow night.
Bafana’s interim coach, Owen Da Gama, was full of praise for the reception, especially since it is about 15 years since the team last visited East London.
“I think it is brilliant that we have arrived in a city like East London with people who have proven through their support of Chippa United that they are passionate about football. It is so wonderful to get a reception like this – Safa should do it more often,” said Da Gama.
Following the poor crowd attendance in their 3-1 win over Guinea-Bissau on Saturday in Durban, Da Gama expressed optimism that Eastern Cape supporters would ensure a full house. “We expect a bigger crowd here, especially after the performance we put up in Durban. I think it is going to be crazy here,” he said.
“Supporters will see the football with lots of Kasi flavour because that is the style they can associate with,” he added.
Sibam said Buffalo City had worked hard to ensure the match was brought the city.
“And all our efforts are in the spirit of promoting football development and ensuring that youngsters are inspired when they see international stars and realise they too can reach that level.” — zingisam@dispatch.co.za
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