体坛英语新闻：Support S African women footballers, says president as team wins

JOHANNESBURG, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Shortly after President Jacob Zuma on Sunday called on South Africans to support the national women's soccer team, Banyana Banyana, the women beat Zimbabwe 4-0 in a friendly.

Banyana will play a Confederation of African Football (CAF) Africans Women's Championship Group A match against Tanzania at Daveyton, east of Johannesburg on Oct. 31.

According to the Southh African Press Association (SAPA), on Sunday Zuma was speaking at the Makhulong stadium in Thembisa, also east of Johannesburg, where Banyana Banyana were playing in a friendly game against the Zimbabwean national team.

"The country is very excited about the tournament which will begin here next weekend because we have just emerged from the 2010 soccer World Cup...everything is just happening for us," Zuma said.

He called on South Africans to "support our ladies as we did for our boys. If they enjoy the same support they will be encouraged to do well."

Soccer was a leading sport in women empowerment in the country. The African Women's Championship will last from Oct. 31 until Nov. 14. Two finalists will qualify for the 2011 FIFA women's World Cup in Germany.