South Africa real winner: Zuma

(GSM) – The South African media have praised Bafana Bafana’s big win against France with their bittersweet farewell from this year’s World Cup.

The Times headline reads: “What a grand exit!” with a large photo of South African skipper Aaron Mokoena raising his hands in thanks to the crowd in Bloemfontein following yesterday’s brilliant victory over Raymond Domenech’s squad.

“Bafana might be out of the World Cup, but their 2-1 win over France did us proud,” the paper said.

Many news papers have praised the Bafana warriors, The Sowetan called the national team “heroes”, Business Day praised their “gallant effort” and The Star called their performance “gutsy”.

“Bafana have done something beyond any scoreline or group table… they have helped unite this nation,” said an editorial in The Citizen.

The host country finished the first round with four points, tied for second place in Group A, but lost out to Mexico on goal difference and failed to reach the second round.

But local media insisted the country to enjoy the World Cup celebration.

“The game is still on,” said The Citizen.

“FIFA 2010 fever is still in the air. You can feel it.”

The South African president Jacob Zuma said: “We won a game against France today but the real winner was our country.

“South Africa is the bigger winner by hosting the World Cup.”