President Jacob Zuma urged the Proteas to bring the ICC Cricket World Cup trophy back for “Madiba”.

The President was speaking at a special meet-and-greet session with the Proteas at the Presidential Guest house in Pretoria and wished the squad bon voyage with only a week to go until their departure for the Sub-Continent.

President Jacob Zuma said: “We are delighted to witness a sizeable number of young people coming through the development structures of Cricket. Cricket is a national asset and the nation is fully behind you, as your victory is our victory as the South African people. On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa we wish you all the success in this international campaign. We will support you to the final until you bring the trophy back and hand it over to President Nelson Mandela!”

President Zuma added that he met former President Mandela earlier and promised him that the Proteas will do their best and make the nation proud.

“He supports you all the way, and will be watching the games as much as possible on television.” he said

Every South African is called to support this competition by wearing their Proteas shirts on Fridays as part of the Magnificent Fridays campaign launched by the Ministry of Sport and Recreation.

Cricket South Africa CEO, Gerald Majola, urged the nation to stand behind the team and he thanked the national leaders for their unequivocal support of cricket and the Proteas.

Cricket South Africa and the Proteas value the support of President Jacob Zuma and are also thankful to the Ministry of Sport and Recreation for its Magnificent Fridays initiative, which encourages South Africans to show their 100% support for the Proteas.

It is time for the nation to stand as one in support of our national cricket heroes, in the true spirit of Ubuntu.

Proteas Captain, Graeme Smith, handed over the “No 15” jersey to President Zuma and the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula and thanked the men for their support.

This will be a maiden World Cup appearance for most of the players in the squad, and the backing from the President and the entire country has left them with only one wish, to make the country proud.

The event was closed off with an unexpected but special gesture, a birthday song from the President to the Captain, who turned 30 on the day.

“I was incredibly humbled and embarrassed to have the President sing happy birthday to me, but it will stay with me forever,” said Smith.

The Editor and staff of The Centurion wish the Proteas well and are waiting to see the World Cup where it belongs…in South Africa!