Speaker, we are seven days from the World Cup and usually the number 7 is equated with the notion of good luck. As a young boy, I played the game. I also coached the game. This game is about scoring goals.
After watching Bafana Bafana's preparation for the World Cup we can see that our boys have really improved. Unlike other coaches who rely on international superstars, Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has kept his word by announcing a squad that consists mainly of locals. [Applause.] Local is lekker, and our boys have the spirit to win.
June 11 will certainly be a significant day in our country's history, when all of us will stand united in a free South Africa. Our critics and the Afro-pessimists will be dumbstruck, while Mexico will be forced to confront a powerful African-Mexican wave.
The World Cup is on African soil, and we have six teams from the continent competing, which makes me proud to say: "I am an African." All of us must get behind what our hon Deputy President has christened the African continent's "six-pack". The ID calls on all South Africans to support all African countries to the bitter end, which we hope will actually be sweet!
We are not going to listen to anyone who tells us that an African team will not put their arms around the World Cup, because we know that the ball is round and that here in Africa Madiba magic reigns supreme. [Applause.] Those critics have also not recognised the trump card of South Africa's 12th player, better known as the vuvuzela. Speaker ...
... ndiyayiva entliziyweni, ndiyayiva esandleni, ndiyayiva ezinyaweni, ndiyayiva entloko, ndiyayiva jikelele. [Kwaqhwatywa.] [... I can feel it in my heart, I can feel it in my hand, I can feel it in my feet, I can feel it in my head, I can feel it all over. [Applause.]]
Speaker, I have managed to sneak in a very small vuvuzela. Viva Bafana Bafana! [Applause.]