We are already winners: South African president

South African President Jacob Zuma has wished his country's soccer World Cup team ahead of their crucial final Group A match against France Tuesday, saying "come what may, we are already winners".

"South Africans are already winners. We won May 15, 2004, when the announcement was made, declaring us as the hosts. The whole world is looking at us and applauding our success so far as hosts. And we have proven ourselves to be fantastic hosts," BuaNews quoted Zuma as saying.

He urged the countrymen not to give up hope and continue supporting the national team. "We must continue supporting the national team, the African teams and indeed the World Cup tournament in general as hosts".

The hope of South African fans dashed last week when Bafana Bafana suffered a 3-0 defeat to Uruguay.

Following a draw against Mexico and a loss to Uruguay, South Africa need a convincing win with a tirade of goals against former world champions France, if they are to stand any chance of progressing beyond the league stage of the tournament.

South Africans' chance will increase, if Uruguay also do the same with Mexico as the latter two teams take on each other at Royal Bafokeng stadium in Rustenburg Tuesday.

Bafana Bafana will go in to battle without their number one goalie Itumeleng Khune, who was given a red card, and a one match ban in last week's game, for foul play. The team depends on its number two goalkeeper , Moeneeb Josephs, for keeping the French at bay.

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