CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA (CSA) on Wednesday sent best wishes to the South African national soccer squad for a successful campaign in the 2013 edition of the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) which kicks off this weekend.

“On behalf of the South African cricketing family I extend every best wish to head coach Gordon Igesund, captain Bongani Khumalo and all the players and management for a successful campaign,” commented CSA Acting CEO Jacques Faul.

“May they emulate the class of 1996 that beat Tunisia in the final and produced legends of the calibre of Neil Tovey, Lucas Radebe, Phil Masinga and Mark Williams.

“I am sure that we are about to witness another world-class event, hosted by a South African sporting federation, and that Bafana Bafana will make the country proud,” he concluded.

The Proteas also lent their support to Bafana’s AFCON campaign.

Opening batsman, Alviro Petersen, was at the launch of the Football Friday campaign this morning and presented South African Football Association (SAFA) President Kirsten Nematandani with a signed Proteas jersey wishing the team well.

Proteas Test captain, Graeme Smith said: “We have seen over the years how sport can be an overwhelming galvaniser of national pride, and hopefully the South African public will come out in full support of the Bafana Bafana squad. To Bongani and Gordon, all the best during the next month of the Africa Cup of Nations, go out there and back your skills and preparation.

“We all know of the challenges of playing international sport, but one thing that we held onto on our quest to becoming the Number 1 ranked team in the world was our team culture and playing together as a unit.

“All of the best out on the field, and the Proteas look forward to watching you guys do our country proud.”

Proteas limited-overs captain, AB de Villiers, urged Bafana Bafana to feed off the support from the South African fans.

“Its always extra special to play in a tournament as big as the Afcon in front of your home support. My message to the Bafana Bafana players is simple; go out there and enjoy yourself, representing your country is a great honour and privilege, always know that the Nation is behind you every minute of every match.

“Embrace the pressure and home expectations and use it to your advantage, the Proteas will be backing you all the way.”