7 November 2022 – Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has extended his best wishes to the three South Africans who will represent the country at the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this month.

Lesufi attended a farewell luncheon held at SAFA House on Monday, 7 November 2022 in honour of South African Football Association (SAFA) Chief Medical Officer Dr Thulani Ngwenya, and match officials Victor Gomes and Zakhele Siwela. He was joined by SAFA Vice Presidents Natasha Tsichlas and Linda Zwane, SAFA COO Lydia Monyepao and Technical Director Walter Steenbok.

“On behalf of the government, ministry of sport and everyone, especially the provincial government, be assured of our support,” he said.

“I want to say this to you COO, where you have problems with other provinces and you need to take sporting talent, games or whatever, whether it is the SA Under-23, if you do not have a place to take them, bring them to Gauteng.

“I want to assure you. I went to watch a cup final over the weekend in another province and I asked myself why is this game not in Gauteng. So we are entering that space as Gauteng and we want to bring everything here so that we can enjoy the benefits of this sport.

“Best wishes and bon voyage.”