June 11, Friday is definitely a momentous date in all soccer fans calenders especially Africaans as being the date when Africa has the chance to host the famous FIFA World Cup. For eitghty years now, the FIFA World Cup has been held soley in Europe and the Americas. Exactly how is the host for the FIFA world Cup decided? 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. In the 2006 bidding, South Africa against Germany, the final count being 12 votes to 11. All countries that bid for the 2010 World Cup were African including 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? Personally, I’d say “definitely”, these are my reasons:
* I love their team- it’s a fact, the definitely deserve to hold the cup. Wouldn’t holding the Cup in a country who’s team isn’t even that good be a total let down? Remember back in 1950,1978 and 1990 when Brazil, Argentina and Italy hosted the world cup? First class teams! 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. What more could you ask for?
* Great Weather- wildlife aside, South Africa is renowned for it’s weather. The World Football Tournament coincides with South Africa’s winter time. Don’t worry, our favorite players won’t freeze to death, South Africa’s winter temperature at midday, is warmer than most countries daily summer temperature! The average temperature will be around 20 degrees Celsius at 12pm noon.Lower temperatures are known to be better for athlete’s bodies.Good weather equals higher tempo.
* 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.
Despite any controversies in the past four years regarding safety, in my opinion,South Africa is the perfect place for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the whole world should be very proud that this is the first time that a sporting event of this magnitude is being held in the continent.
Tags: entertainment, football, recreation and sports, soccer