WHY should South Africa be moaning their early exit from the 2010 world cup? Is it because they are hosting it or they actually had realistic belief that their national team could outwit teams like Uruguay and Mexico.
Let us be pragmatic here. South Africa’s hay days in football have been dwindling for a decade now and, as far as I know, it has not awoken from its slumber yet.
What South Africans have to pride themselves in is their ability to host this tournament successfully and, so far, they have passed the test.
It is clear for everybody to see ‘filli filli’. The beautiful stadia, accompanying magnificent landscape, cultural displays, tourist attraction and, more importantly, peace and security for all persons tell the story.
The vuvuzelas and makarapas have equally added some uniqueness to South Africa 2010. As for the Jabulani, though it has no direct link with South Africa (except for the colours), it has added some uniqueness to the tournament.
The fun aspect of the ball is that it has been declared the most perfect football ever manufactured and yet it has been the nightmare for both players and goalkeepers.
If we remember, in the run up to the tournament, some western sceptics, especially the news media, kept raising eyebrows about the capability of South Africa to complete all the projects before the commencement of the tournament.
The Europeans felt that Africa did not have the kind of economic muscle and logistical wherewithal necessary to stage an event of such international significance.
They, equally, over exaggerated concerns about security of players and visitors, with the famous story about possible Al-Qaeda attacks being aired regularly.
A British sports journalist, Matt Scott, in an article in his Digger Column, reported that German insurance giant Munich Re was holding off on a decision to provide coverage for the event citing fears of inadequate progress, crime and insecurity, and an uncertain political climate.
“The problem is they need 10 stadiums and some of these are rugby grounds that are run down and in very bad condition,” a spokesman for Munich Re is reported to have said.
Well, to do their dismay, SA proved Blatter right: it did what was said to be supposedly beyond its ability.
Not only was it able to upgrade five existing stadia, but also constructed five new magnificent stadia right on time.
SA, as well, successfully executed other major projects that could cater for security, transportation, accommodation and tourism as well.
For instance, they completed their new improved rail line systems just before June 9th and a new flyover was opened on the R21 highway between Pretoria and OR Tambo airport.
The City of Johannesburg had reportedly launched the bus rapid transit system owned by the mini-bus taxi industry, to facilitate transport. And all these projects were said to have met World Cup standards.
Since the tournament started, events in SA have indicated that SA really prepared for the Mundial. See the speed with which World Cup related crimes are adjudicated. The special courts that have been established have worked tirelessly just like the players on the field.
By this spectacular hosting, South Africa has saved Africa from shame and sent the message to the world that Africa is really emerging from its doldrums, which they, the west, are partly to blame for.
And even with the football, Africa is still in the tournament. The Black Stars of Ghana have qualified to the round of 16 and there are prospects of the team moving beyond that stage.
In view of these, I see no reason why SA should weep. In fact, Africa would still triumph at this Mundial, whether Ghana progresses to the final or not.
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