A FOOTBALL team made up of African footballers will take on current World Cup champions Spain in a match here in June.

Though no specific date and venue was confirmed, Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula, who made the announcement yesterday, said the intention was to thank people who were responsible for the successful World Cup hosted by South Africa in June.

Speaking at the strategic planning workshop, Mbalula said the World Cup was reflective of Africa and that the match will be South Africa's way of thanking everyone who was involved in the successful global showpiece.

Mbalula also stressed the importance of transformation in sport but warned that it should be handled correctly.

"Transformation is not about quotas. The last time we put focus only on quotas, it became counter-productive. If a quota said we must have three black players in a team, that would be the case even if there were far more talented black players available."

With the cricket and rugby world cups to be played later this year, Mbalula called on all South Africans to show the Springboks and the Proteas the same support that was given to Bafana Bafana before the World Cup.

"This is the time to exhibit the football Friday to magical cricket Friday and later the magical rugby Friday. We call on the entire nation to unite behind our national teams and show them that they have the whole country behind them," said Mbalula. The minister said his office would not be involved in the appointment of a new Safa CEO to replace Leslie Sedibe.