Buzz dims after World Cup draw with South Africa still at work
Sunday, 06 December 09, 12:43 PM · Comments (6)
PORT ELIZABETH -- The hangover has faded, and the buzz in the nation of South Africa has dimmed somewhat. There's only six months to go until the tournament begins, and while the general consensus is that South Africa will be ready, there's still work to be done. Infrastructure improvements continue at stadiums, venues and airports around the country as it prepares to greet an estimated 450,000 visitors next June.
Today, transferring from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, it was evident that everything is far from done and dusted. A cab and bus area was still being put together near the airport in Port Elizabeth, a vital cog in the transportation nightmare that will come down on the rather smallish domestic airport that will serve Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
There's no reason to bring up serious doubts about the ability for the country to be ready. At this point, that is moot -- FIFA executives have given it their seal of approval. And while FIFA's opinion may not be trusted by some, the buzz surrounding this event and sheer pride of the South African people indicate that they will get the job done.
After all, that is part of the bigger picture when it comes to South Africa hosting this event. Sure, FIFA could pick a European nation or a place like the United States and simply use the event to print money. For all the dubious accusations leveled at FIFA, there is at least a tiny sliver of sanity and fairness when it comes to selecting the host of the World Cup.
Making sure that an event that claims to be the world's largest, should get a chance to take place on every continent. It's the world's game, is it not? Rotating between one or two continents because of infrastructure or costs would be a foolish exercise.
Concerns linger in many host cities, whether it is accommodation, controversy, crime or transportation issues. The government of South Africa will have its hands full trying to minimize the impact of crime. Some groups of people are aggrieved to see large sums of money spent while so many toil without jobs or in poverty still.
Even so, support for the cup in the country and continent is very pronounced -- it is seen as the chance for Africa to play host to the world. Perhaps that is one of the many things that will make this cup like none other: the sense of a greater purpose and unification, both in South Africa -- a country that has been through so much -- and the entire continent.
So for in a once-in-a-lifetime chance, book you tickets right this second. Otherwise, you might have already missed out.
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Posted by travismclark
| Comments (6)
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6 Comments · Add yours
Life is murder in South Africa these days. I fled that Country after more than 20 years because of the crime and corruption and it has only gotten worse.The World Cup is an opportunity for every South African and his dog to rip off Tourists and they are making the most of it.International flight costs have doubled at minimum,hotel rates are up by 400%.internal flights are up by nearly 600% and considering thats about the only way to get from venue to venue that is some price to pay.Public transport is almost non existent and the dangers of travelling on roads in cars because of the frequency of armed car jackings is frightening.Yes Africa will show its true face to the World and lets hope the World will see it for what it truly is.The criminals have already been on TV and declared they are waiting for the World Cup.It is going to be a beanfeast for them and they see Americans as easy wealthy targets.The locals really do not like you or the Brits so be very careful.
By the way do some reading up on why South Africa got the World Cup and you will find that it was no more than a promise to Blatter to have the entire Continent vote for him to be re-elected as President of FIFA 2 years ago.
archie brown is a retarded south african and his opinion should be disregarded immediately
Archie Brown. Is this how you justify leaving SA? It's an awesome place but no it's not 1st world like the country you probably wimpered off to. Accept it for being Africa and you might actually appreciate it.
I am not a South African (thank God)who are blessed with a very special kind of arrogance that makes them resort to insult and threats when confronted with the truth about their Country.More than a million South Africans have fled the sewer since 1994 and all will tell you the same. There is a low key war going on there under the euphemism of crime.Crime,racism and disease are rife. They are fed a daily intake of anti US,anti White propaganda by the ruling Marxist regime.I could never accept that or the barbarism that is justified as "its Africa."
Archie Brown says he is not a South African so please do not comment on our country. Your view of South Africa is that of only a few and it is good that you have left. I have been to many countries and they all have their problems but your views ore so far out of line and way of target one must question your motives. Your life must be quite miserable with you being so miserable and negative. Please do not come back, we don't want you spoiling our fun and wonderfull way of living.
Judge - Thank you for adding value to my comments about "a special kind of arrogance." I hope the many football fans will read it and note your preponderance for making money out of human lives. Maybe some of the 1 million South Africans who fled the COuntry after 1994 will also be pleased to read your comments about not coming back.You sound just like Charles Nquakula your ex Police Minister who also told citizens to leave if they didnt like the crime.
Answer this one.If South Africa is so safe and welcoming, how come the German International team have been advised to wear body armour if they leave their Hotel and how come all the International teams taking part have hired private security to protect the teams and their families?
You know Judge farting through your mouth only makes your breath smell.
Life is murder in South Africa these days. I fled that Country after more than 20 years because of the crime and corruption and it has only gotten worse.The World Cup is an opportunity for every South African and his dog to rip off Tourists and they are making the most of it.International flight costs have doubled at minimum,hotel rates are up by 400%.internal flights are up by nearly 600% and considering thats about the only way to get from venue to venue that is some price to pay.Public transport is almost non existent and the dangers of travelling on roads in cars because of the frequency of armed car jackings is frightening.Yes Africa will show its true face to the World and lets hope the World will see it for what it truly is.The criminals have already been on TV and declared they are waiting for the World Cup.It is going to be a beanfeast for them and they see Americans as easy wealthy targets.The locals really do not like you or the Brits so be very careful.
By the way do some reading up on why South Africa got the World Cup and you will find that it was no more than a promise to Blatter to have the entire Continent vote for him to be re-elected as President of FIFA 2 years ago.
archie brown is a retarded south african and his opinion should be disregarded immediately
Archie Brown. Is this how you justify leaving SA? It's an awesome place but no it's not 1st world like the country you probably wimpered off to. Accept it for being Africa and you might actually appreciate it.
I am not a South African (thank God)who are blessed with a very special kind of arrogance that makes them resort to insult and threats when confronted with the truth about their Country.More than a million South Africans have fled the sewer since 1994 and all will tell you the same. There is a low key war going on there under the euphemism of crime.Crime,racism and disease are rife. They are fed a daily intake of anti US,anti White propaganda by the ruling Marxist regime.I could never accept that or the barbarism that is justified as "its Africa."
Archie Brown says he is not a South African so please do not comment on our country. Your view of South Africa is that of only a few and it is good that you have left. I have been to many countries and they all have their problems but your views ore so far out of line and way of target one must question your motives. Your life must be quite miserable with you being so miserable and negative. Please do not come back, we don't want you spoiling our fun and wonderfull way of living.
Judge - Thank you for adding value to my comments about "a special kind of arrogance." I hope the many football fans will read it and note your preponderance for making money out of human lives. Maybe some of the 1 million South Africans who fled the COuntry after 1994 will also be pleased to read your comments about not coming back.You sound just like Charles Nquakula your ex Police Minister who also told citizens to leave if they didnt like the crime.
Answer this one.If South Africa is so safe and welcoming, how come the German International team have been advised to wear body armour if they leave their Hotel and how come all the International teams taking part have hired private security to protect the teams and their families?
You know Judge farting through your mouth only makes your breath smell.