South Africans real stars of World Cup: Zuma

Mr. Zuma thanked South Africans "for putting the country first" by continuing to show massive support for the tournament

South African President Jacob Zuma, left, and FIFA president Sepp Blatter wait to present the bronze medal to Germany after the World Cup third-place soccer match between Germany and Uruguay in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Saturday, July 10, 2010. Germany defeated Uruguay 3-2.

On the eve of the final South African President Jacob Zuma praised South Africans as the real “stars and champions” of Africa’s first World Cup.

“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,” Mr. Zuma said in a statement Saturday evening.

“That is because of the role played by our people, the South Africans. They are the stars and champions of this tournament,” he said.

Mr. Zuma thanked South Africans “for putting the country first” by continuing to show massive support for the tournament, turning up to games in droves, even after the national team were knocked out in the first round.

“Let us keep celebrating, let the vuvuzelas keep blowing and let the football festival continue at Soccer City and the fan parks until the final whistle,” he urged, while also telling South Africans to give themselves “a pat on the back for a job well done so far.”