The Associated Press
JOHANNESBURG — A week after the World Cup, South African leaders are basking in Louis Oosthuizen's overwhelming victory at the British Open.
Minister of Sport Makhenkesi Stofile and the country's ruling party lauded Oosthuizen for his seven-stroke victory at St. Andrews on Sunday, saying he has strengthened the nation's sports credentials.
Oosthuizen (WUHST'-hy-zen) won on the same day South Africa celebrated the 92nd birthday of former president Nelson Mandela. South Africa, the successful host for soccer's first World Cup staged on the continent, has said it will bid to bring the Olympics to Africa for the first time in 2020.
Oosthuizen's triumph also follows the winning return of South African runner Caster Semenya, who was embroiled in a gender controversy before being cleared to continue competing as a woman.
This "shows that we are not just champion hosts," Stofile said.
AJC
