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Football Fridays kicks off

A CALL has been made on the nation to come out in support of "Football Fridays" as South Africa prepares to host the Orange Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

The tournament kicks off this weekend.

Lead SA, a national upliftment initiative, and the Department of Sport and Recreation are urging citizens to unite and support Bafana Bafana and the tournament by wearing their football shirts on Fridays.

"All eyes will be on South Africa for the next few weeks as we once again show the world that we are capable of hosting the biggest and best international tournaments.

"We need to show our pride in ourselves and our teams by wearing our football shirts and memorabilia and sharing the gees (spirit)," said Lead SA.

"As international players and visitors start arriving, it is important to make them feel welcome by building a festive atmosphere that encourages goodwill and camaraderie."

Furthermore, Lead SA called on the nation to show good sportsmanship towards all participating teams.

"Let's give our African brothers and sisters a warm welcome," they added.

"Bafana Bafana carries the hopes of 50 million South Africans - let's make them feel the support from each one of us.

"We did it during the 2010 World Cup and it's time to do it again."

Lead SA, supported by the Department of Sport and Recreation and SuperSport Blitz, will host the official launch of Football Fridays in Sandton today.

Representatives of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Confederation of African Football and South African Football Association will join Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula and his deputy, Gert Oosthuizen, as they don their football shirts in support of Football Fridays. Fifa's Jerome Valcke is also expected to attend the launch.

Prominent sports personalities, including the Springboks, Proteas and Olympians will also make an appearance.

Olympic gold medalist Chad Le Clos, who was last year's Sport Personality of the Year, will also come out in support of the initiative.

Nissan, the official automotive sponsor of Afcon 2013, will also be handing over 16 Qashqai vehicles, representing each participating country, to the minister and Safa officials.

Follow Lead SA on twitter @lead-sa and share your Football Friday photos or visit the website www.leadsa.co.za for further updates. - Sapa

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