17 June 2010
Princes William and Harry will cheer on England at Cape Town’s impressive Green Point Stadium when they take on Algeria in a Fifa World Cup Group C clash on Friday.
The two, who are on a joint six-day joint African tour to promote their charity interests, will visit various southern African countries, including Botswana and Lesotho.
The English had a disappointing opening game on Saturday, drawing with the USA, but William, 27, and Harry, 25, will be hoping that the team can earn their first win of the tournament.
England opener
In Rustenburg, in their opener, captain Steven Gerrard put England into a fourth minute lead after a well-worked move. However, an error by goalkeeper Robert Green in the 40th minute on a shot by Clint Dempsey allowed the Americans to draw 1-1.
It was a disappointing start to the event for the English, who are regarded by some as possible winners of football’s greatest showpiece.
Slovenia, after a 1-0 win over Algeria, courtesy of a howler by goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi on a rather tame looking shot by Robert Koren, top Group C. It was their first win in their second visit to the World Cup finals.
Royal luck
England are hoping that the attendance of the royals will bring them good luck against the Desert Foxes.
Previously, at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, William was on hand when England beat Paraguay 1-0 in a group match.
Later on in the tournament, Prince Harry had been due to attend England’s quarterfinal against Portugal, but instead opted to use his leave from the army to spend time with his girlfriend Chelsy Davy. The Portuguese won the game in a penalty shootout.
Despite William’s position as president of the Football Association in England, the brothers are better known as rugby supporters. They attended the final of the 2007 Rugby World Cup in Paris in which South Africa beat England 15-6 to claim the title for a second time.
William and Harry are expected to meet members of Fifa’s executive committee, as part of England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup.
Previous visit
Previously, the two princes visited South Africa in October 2008 while undertaking an Enduro charity bike ride.
Four charities were the beneficiaries from the money raised by the charity bike ride: the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), Sentebale/The Princes’ Fund for Lesotho, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, and Touch Africa.
Sentebale, meaning “forget me not”, was established in 2006 by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of the Lesotho Royal Family, and works with children orphaned by Aids. The princes’ schedule includes a visit to the charity.
It is named in memory of Harry’s mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. The aim of the charity is to transform the lives of Lesotho’s orphans and vulnerable children.
Prince William will pay a visit to the British charity the Tusk Trust, of which he is a patron. It teaches Botswanan children about the importance of conservation.
SAinfo reporter and BuaNews
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