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. The Americas and Europe have had the priveledge of hosting the FIFA World Cup for the past 801 years. Just how is the location for a 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. South Africa nearly won the 2006 bidding against Germany with a final tally of 12 votes to 11. For the 2010 World Cup however, all countries that bid were African the top three being South Africa, Morocco and Egypt. Morocco lost to South Africa by four events making this a momentous event. Technically, this is why South Africa is hosting this years World Cup but is the counntry able to hold such a big 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! Look back at the countries that held the Cup-1950 (Brazil), 1978 (Argentina), and 1990 (Italy), some of the best teams in the world. 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?
* Good weather- South Africa is well known for it’s good weather-aside from the wildlife. It will be winter time when the World Football Tournament will take place. 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. The average temperature is predicted to be 20 degrees celsius at midday which is better for an athelet’s body compared to higher temperatures. Good weather means higher stamina and endurance..
* 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. Holding the finals in Soweto, the center of South African soccer will make this even more than a sporting one but more importantly a very historical one.
The whole world should be happy that an event of this magnitude is being held in Africa for the first time and no matter how many issues regarding safety have popped up in the past four years, I think the 2010 FIFA World Cup deserve to be held in South Africa.
Tags: entertainment, football, recreation and sports, soccer