Zuma hails South Africans for historic, vibrant World Cup

Johannesburg, July 11 (IANS) South African President Jacob Zuma Sunday thanked all South African citizens for the patriotism they showed during the World Cup football tournament.

South Africa was coming to the end of a historic, vibrant and very African World Cup and the government would launch a programme soon to thank all South Africans, Zuma said.

“They deserve to celebrate in style,” he said.

“When we won the rights to host the World Cup, we knew that working together we would be able to succeed. However, what has happened so far, has exceeded our expectations,” Zuma said, according to a statement released by the South African Press Association.

He thanked the people for the passion and excitement that kept the tournament alive in the past weeks.

“We thank you for putting the country first. We thank you for embracing one another and Africa. We thank your opening up your country and your hearts to the world in a most patriotic and memorable manner.”

Zuma said South Africans deserved “a pat on the back” for a job well done.

“As we look forward to the final match between the Netherlands and Spain, let us pat ourselves on the back for a job well done so far,” he said.

“This has been a truly inspiring, moving and uplifting month. Well done South Africa,” he said.