Angola attack will not affect World Cup: Zuma

President Jacob Zuma says the attack on Togo's national soccer team in Angola will not affect the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says South Africa remains "100% ready" to host the World Cup and the Angolan incident had no bearing on the tournament.

Magwenya says Zuma emphasised that the shocking and unacceptable attack should not be blown out of proportion, but should serve as impetus for the African continent and the world at large to work even harder to rid the world of terrorist activity and violence wherever it surfaces.

Zuma arrived in Luanda, Angola, today to attend the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) accompanied by Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane and Deputy Minister of Sports and Recreation Gert Oosthuizen. Togo's national team was attacked soon after their arrival in Cabinda, Angola, on Friday. The ambush on the team's bus killed an assistant coach, a team spokesperson and the bus driver. Eight others were wounded.

Meanwhile, doctors at Johannesburg's Milpark Hospital are hopeful that Togolese goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale will recover from injuries sustained in Friday's terror attack. Obilale was shot in the back. The team has since been ordered by their government to return home. Reports elsewhere have indicated that the team will return home and not participate in the event.

The team decided to stay on and take part in the African Cup of Nations to honour those killed in the shooting. Zuma extended his condolences to the government and people of Togo. Zuma said the Afcon would demonstrate African prowess in football. Zuma returns to South Africa tomorrow.

Source: Sapa
Picture:SABC News

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