Zuma praises SA for hosting successful World Cup

"When we won the rights to host the World Cup, we knew that working together we would be able to succeed. However, what has happened so far has exceeded our expectations. That is because of the role played by our people, the South Africans," he said.

He said South Africans were the stars and champions of the tournament and that their excitement and passion kept the showpiece alive.

"We thank you for embracing one another and Africa. We thank your opening up your country and your hearts to the world in a most patriotic and memorable manner. We thank you for your unwavering support for Bafana Bafana. You stood by the team until the end.

"When they bowed out in style in Bloemfontein, like good hosts, you redirected your support to other teams. We thank you most sincerely for making this a truly African World Cup. The committed support given to Ghana and other African teams displayed African unity, love and solidarity in practice," President Zuma said, adding that South Africans should pat themselves on the back for a job well done.