When we submitted our bid to host the 2010 Fifa World Cup, we were all praying that we would win. When the announcement was made, we were all excited that we were going to host one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.
It was only at that time that we began to sit down and take stock of what we had available for 2010 and what needed to be done.
We were rudely awoken to the reality that we still had a mammoth task ahead of us. To show our commitment to hosting the bid, we did not waste any time. We immediately set some goals and time frames for ourselves so that we could be on par with the global community in as far as the facilities are concerned. I was impressed by the cooperation that was displayed by the various government departments. That made me feel proudly South African.
The mere fact that we were able to approach this project as one big family gave me a renewed hope that South Africans can conquer the world if they have set their hearts and souls on the same thing.
From where I stand and with a layperson’s eye, I think we have done extremely well. My feeling is that we shall be able to make our targets and time frames.
I think the pressure will be on the national team, the Bafana Bafana. Jake White and his boys have set the standard and it is now up to the soccer team to emulate that and bring us the trophy and other accolades. We have done everything in our power and now we look to them to do their part. Durban is one of the host cities and we hope that one of the big matches will be played here. We have been campaigning for the semi final to be played here if we cannot get the final.
I know that the Pemier, Mr S’bu Ndebele, is passionate about sport especially soccer. With his backing and the backing of the nation, we shall come up tops.
