Friday, June 11, 2010 is sure to be an unforgettable date in the minds of all Africans and soccer fans across the globe being the day when Africa gets to hold the prestigious FIFA World Cup. It’s been 80 years that FIFA World Cup host countries have revolved around Europe and the Americas. Exactly how is the venue for the cup decided upon?Currently, the policy for selection is that any country can bid to be the venue for the World Cup guaranteed that their continent hasn’t hosted it in the past two years making Africa a good candidate. South Africa had a narrow loss against Germany in the 2006 bidding with 12 votes to 11 as the final tally. For the 2010 World Cup however, all countries that bid were African the top three being South Africa, Morocco and Egypt. South Africa beat Morocco by 4 votes leading to this memorable event.Those are the ‘technical’ reasons why this years World Cup is being held in South Africa but is the country itself capable of holding such an event? I would answer with a resounding “Yes”.Here’s why:
* Have you seen their team? This fact alone gives them the right to hosting the Cup. Can you imagine having the Cup in a country whos team sucks?What a disgrace that would be! Even if you look back, the soccer teams of countries hosting the cup are usually first class like Brazil (1950), Argentina(1978) and Italy(1990). If South Africa was added to the list, nobody would mind.
* Perfect stadiums- South Africa’s preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup included the construction of four new stadiums. Their designs include : a detractable glass roof, beautiful lighting, zebra like seats, and the South African flag. Is there anything else you could want?
* Great Weather- wildlife aside, South Africa is renowned for it’s weather. The World Football Tournament coincides with South Africa’s winter time. South Africa’s winter temperature at midday is warmer than most countries daily summer temperature so no need to worry that your favorite players will get frozen. Lower temperatures have been proved to be better for athlete’s bodies so the average expected temperature of 20 degrees Celsius at 12pm noon will be great. With good weather, we can expect better performance..
* Africa- civilization as we know it has been thought to have begun in Africa and many African coutries hold soccer dear to their hearts. Could you think of a better venu for the world to unite? Also, during the Mandela era, football was a cause of unification and a force for the apartheid resistance. The finals being held in Soweto which has been the center of South African soccer really adds meaning to the whole event making it not simply a sports event but a historical one.
In my opinion, no controversy in the past four years can change the fact that South Africa is the best place for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and everyone should be proud that for the first time in history, Africa is holidng a sporting event this big.
Tags: entertainment, football, recreation and sports, soccer