MBEKI LAUDS BRAVE BAFANA, CALLS FOR BIG WELCOME.

President Thabo Mbeki on Wednesday led calls for "a heroes' welcome" to be accorded Bafana Bafana on their return from South Korea, where their World Cup campaign ended with their elimination following a narrow defeat by Spain in their last match of the first round. Speaking from Libya, north Africa, where he is attending a bilateral economic meeting, Mbeki said: "Bafana Bafana showed character in losing to Spain -- a World Cup powerhouse. "Their loss is not a disgrace as we showed great fighting spirit. Indeed we fought like lions. Even in defeat, Bafana displayed great dignity and made us proud". Paying tribute to coach Jomo Sono, his technical staff and team captain Lucas …