Summary:
South Africa is preparing to host the FIFA World Cup in 2010. This article comments on the progress of the stadiums and what in SA the soccer visitor can enjoy.

Details or Sample:
2010 FIFA World Cup™ - A First for Africa
By Annetta Holmes

Unfortunately for South Africa, the country is lumped together with the greater region of Southern Africa. Pictures of Zimbabwe’s empty shelves in the supermarkets, inflation that has past triple digits and a government that is the most damaging thing to that country in living memory are flashed around the globe for all to see.

Most people who have not visited South Africa may be excused for believing Africa is war-torn, ravaged by starvation, has non-existent communications and an aging damaged infrastructure. Partly because that is what the world media focuses on.

However when FIFA awarded South Africa the World Cup™ for 2010 a statement was made. This vote of approval told the world that FIFA believed in South Africa’s ability to make a success of this most prestigious event. FIFA, with its hundred year history in managing soccer, decided that Africa could at last compete with the best. FIFA wasn’t being kind or noble – they’re a business after all. South Africa didn’t land this catch because someone in Zurich felt sorry for the country. The tip of Africa received the honour because she was able to prove to FIFA, beyond all doubt, that by putting their trust in her they could once again look forward to a spectacular 2010.
South Africa fully intends to deliver what it promised. The construction of stadiums and other facilities at Soccer City in Johannesburg have Irvin Khoza, the chairman of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Local Organizing Committee (LOC) behind them. Khoza is truly a soccer man. Dedicated, intensely interested in all aspects of the game and the flamboyant owner of Orlando Pirates F.C. (one of the leading clubs in the country) Khoza was the logical choice as chairman.
A businessman and soccer fan, Khoza is exactly the right combination needed to lead Africa into it’s first ever hosting of the World Cup.™ Backed by a team of individuals determined to do SA proud, Khoza’s assiduity has been the driving thrust towards their objectives. Overcoming the myriad of obstacles attendant with this type of operation, LOC’s progress was recently applauded by Sepp Blatter, FIFA’s president.
Blatter, in South Africa a few weeks ago, attended a board meeting of LOC, and then commented favourably on what he had heard. He further confirmed after his first site visit to Soccer City that all was well and proceeding on target. Good news indeed for the organizers and the affirmation that the country chose the right people for the task.
With stadiums and facilities rolling out according to plan, SA is readying herself for the thousands of people sketching out their first ever trip to the country. Foreigners can not only look forward to first-class amenities, but, visiting cities as culturally diverse as Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg will certainly add a unique angle to their trip. Tourism offices are bursting with literature so soccer fans will find plenty to do in between games. South Africans will be on hand to help with all aspects of visitor management. If you’re planning to be part of the World Cup™ magic, bring sun block, hats and comfortable shoes. There’s long hours of sunshine in the country and much to explore. From flea markets and swanky restaurants in sparkling Cape Town to top-of-the-range shopping centres in commercial Johannesburg you will spend many hours drinking in the sights. In complete contrast Durban, South Africa’s tourist city, with its rich Indian influence and lush sub-tropical climate will delight you with her spicy and exotic food, friendly tourist-savvy people and beautiful warm Indian Ocean.
South Africa’s Kruger National Park is world-renown. Only four-and-a-half hours from Johannesburg the Big Five and an enormous amount of lesser mammals call twenty-eight thousand square kilometres home. The largest game reserve in the world, this incredible environment is a must-see on any one’s agenda.
South Africa will be ready for 2010. Her stadiums will shine and her people will welcome you to one of the loveliest countries on earth.

Purchase this content for your website...

Pricing:
Usage:	$18	[Add to Cart]
Unique:	$18	[Add to Cart]
Full Rights:	$20	[Add to Cart]

Downloads: 0
Written by: Annetta Holmes
Available File Types:Text
Words: 670