Mokoena

Mokoena denied that the conference was a distraction, yet the paper claimed other players were texting journalists to find out what he was saying: "genuinely curious, as speculation was rife that he would quit the national team in a huff."

Men in suits try to do a deal with the Boys of South Africa 2011

An event overshadowed somewhat when Portsmouth's Aaron Mokoena South Africa's captain during the World Cup, who had been dropped two weeks ago by coach Pitso Mosimane, called a press conference on the eve of the game.

Men in suits try to do a deal with the Boys of South Africa 2011

"We have one of the wealthy leagues here in South Africa but it's important that the nation gives the same support to it as they have done to Bafana Bafana," Mokoena said.

World Cup 2010: Aaron Mokoena: South Africa must get behind its clubs 2010

• South Africa is on the map, captain Mokoena adds

World Cup 2010: Aaron Mokoena: South Africa must get behind its clubs 2010

But Mokoena, mindful perhaps that some of Japan's and South Korea's World Cup 2002 stadiums are lying empty and losing money, feel that his countrymen have to rally behind their own league.

World Cup 2010: Aaron Mokoena: South Africa must get behind its clubs 2010

Mokoena also appealed to the government to “respond (positively) to the demands of the public servants.”

South African Strike Puts Thousands of HIV-Infected Patients at Risk 2010

"It's incredible, we have absolutely pulled people together, [from] different races and that means a lot," said Mokoena.

World Cup 2010: Aaron Mokoena: South Africa must get behind its clubs 2010

"[We must] refuse to shop at Woolworths stores until SACCAWU has won their demands," said Mokoena.

ANC Daily News Briefing 2008

Mokoena said the congress was building a socialist South Africa.

ANC Daily News Briefing 2008

Mokoena said all alliance members had to help the ANC win the next elections.

ANC Daily News Briefing 2008