THE massive support displayed by South Africans across the spectrum will spur Bafana Bafana to put on a great show during the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

THE massive support displayed by South Africans across the spectrum will spur Bafana Bafana to put on a great show during the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

This is according to Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena, who said the players were inspired by the support from the Rainbow Nation.

Mokoena said the players and technical staff were happy to see most South Africans flying the national flag and wearing Bafana Bafana replica jerseys on Fridays.

"The support we have been getting in the build-up to the World Cup has been the greatest. With so much support we cannot afford to disappoint during Cup."

The Department of Arts and Culture is using the World Cup to educate South Africans about the importance of national symbols.

This includes teaching them how how to sing the national anthem, Nkosi Sikelel'iAfrika, how to handle the national flag and on being proudly South African in general. The aim of a united, multiracial South Africa can only be realised if the entire nation identifies with the symbols of the land and believes in what they stand for, the department said.

Paul Mashatile, the deputy arts and culture minister, said: "Only through education can we make this happen, we are happy that South Africans have endorsed our World Cup educational campaigns."

Mokoena said: "It makes one proud, so proud to see the national flag all over the streets of South Africa, hanging on the various building and cars."

On making history by notching up 100 caps for Bafana Bafana, he said: "It's so great to have made history as the first South African to achieve that milestone.

"I must say a big thank you to my mother for being there for me from childhood and Jomo Sono, who created the platform for me to play professional soccer. There are many people that I played with and managers who guided me at various clubs, I also want to thank them for the support."