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Goal.com World View: Will South Africa Be Ready For The 2010 World Cup?
Goal.com’s international team of editors have had their say on the 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa, as they gear up to welcome seven teams for the Confederations Cup in two weeks.
02-Jun-2009 6:30:01 PM
During June and July of next year the global community will be focused on South Africa, as the African powerhouse hosts thirty two of the world’s best national teams in the greatest show on earth. Goal.com’s editors from all over the planet have given their thoughts on the host nation and its capacity to host.
The editors were asked the following four questions:
1) Do you think South Africa will be prepared to host the World Cup in 2010?
2) What are your major concerns for next year's event?
3) What is the general sentiment in your territory towards the World Cup being hosted in Africa?
4) Would you personally go to the World Cup next year if you were able, if no - why not?
Allen Ramsey, Goal.com USA
1) It's hard to say if South Africa will be ready for the cup. For the most part I don't doubt that they will be, but the influx of millions of fans is never easy for a country to deal with. The stadiums should be fine, but the public transportation and accommodations for the average fans might be a problem. Overall, I think they will be as ready as most countries would be to host such a major event.
2) My biggest concern is with the travel to South Africa. OR Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International might not be able to handle the high volume of fans, and the lack of other quality international airports could prove to be a major problem. Doubling or even tripling traffic is not going to be easy for the staffs at these airports to handle.
3) In America the general sentiment about the World Cup being held in Africa is one of concern. While South Africa is clearly a very civilized country and a place where many people go on holiday the threat of terrorist attacks on such a large gathering of people from all over the world in Africa seems very real given that the news media in America rarely reports on anything other than violence on the African continent.
But I don't think the football fans in the USA are worried or fearful of going to the World Cup for the most part.
4) I personally plan on being there and I'm very excited to see Africa.
Mohammed Awaad, Goal.com Persia
1) To be frank I don't think so, they will do their best but the best is not enough.
2) Weather, security and terrorism.
3) Most Arab people believe that the best place to host a World Cup is Europe, Africa in June is rainy or very hot weather.
4) Sure I will, it is dream to live this event. I may risk in my self for such an event, which I hope will return quickly to Europe and South America.
Tony Mutong, Goal.com Hong Kong
1) From the news what I have heard recently, I don’t think they are good enough to be the host, especial when you compare with Germany and Japan Korea. hope they still can make a big progress.
2) The high crime rate and terrorism, besides the traffic problem.
3) Is Africa ready to host the World Cup? Maybe Europe is still the best place.
4) Maybe not, I am not sure if there is very safe and comfort, and could be very hot at that time. I prefer to stay with my TV and friends.
Rahul Bali, Goal.com India
1) South Africa have shown that they can host big sporting events like the IPL and the 2003 cricket World Cup. The success of these two events just goes to show that the country can handle major events.
2) In today’s insecure times, to mention the ‘fear of terrorism’ as the major concern wouldn’t be irrational. It’s very essential on the part of the local organizing body to ensure optimum security for those who are to assemble for the football extravaganza.
3) Football is a global game and it’s good to see that FIFA has given an African nation an opportunity to host the premier event. The World Cup has already been hosted in Asia once and now its Africa’s turn. African players are spread almost everywhere in the world and just goes to show their importance in today’s market.
4) Not decided as yet!
Tommy Vaneldik, Goal.com Netherlands
1) I'm really afraid not. I fear that there will be quite a few problems during the event next year.
2) Safety of the players, officials, fans etc and problems with traffic.
3) Most people in the Netherlands are really concerned about the safety of the teams and the fans.
4) I'd certainly go if I would be able to do so. It would just be amazing to experience such a big event and it would also be a great thing to do that in a country you won't visit every day. It would be great to experience the love for the game with people from all over the world.
Kim, Hyunmin, Goal.com Korea
1) Based on media coverage, South Africa seems to prepare for the World Cup step by step. Recently I've read a column saying that South Africa really did well hosting cricket's IPL. However, football is different from cricket, and the World Cup is much bigger global event than the IPL. I think we need to watch how successfully they will deal with the Confederations Cup, the so-called mini World Cup.
2) Disease. Although the event will be held in the winter, the African continent is known for frequent epidemic due to the hot weather. Since it is expected a lot of football fans from all over the world will flock in Africa, there is possibility to spread out a contagious disease to the world.
3) Some people are worried about law and order problems and disease, but many Koreans appreciate the fact that the World Cup isn't being held in neither Europe nor South America but Africa. South Korea successfully held the 2002 World Cup with Japan, and Koreans expect that South Africa also will hold World Cup successfully for the first time in Africa.
4) Of course, I would. Why not? World Cup is literally the biggest global football event!
Sergio Stanco, Goal.com Italy
1) Yes, I think so. At the end, when the World Cup is approaching, work will be completed faster, as usual.
2) Travelling and moving in a big place like South Africa will not be so easy, mainly if everything will not be organised perfectly. From a social point of view, crime is something to be worried about.
3) In Italy we are still not talking about the World Cup. People are more worried by Euro 2012 in Ukraine and Poland than South Africa 2010. We talk more about that than South Africa, maybe because Ukraine and Poland were preferred to Italy, but at the moment there is no alarm in Italy about the World Cup.
Martin Decaux, Goal.com Latin America
1) I don't know if they will be ready in terms of infrastructure, probably yes. But as far as I know they have some extra problems, mainly social problems.
2) The social problems, the disparity between the social classes, and how that may affect security during the tournament. Crime, in other words. Diseases are a concern too, but nothing that several vaccines can’t prevent.
3) I think in South America its considered fair that Africa has its own World Cup, although people have doubts if the country is ready for such an event. In this continent we share many problems that Africa has, as we are in the Developing World too. Today none of the ten South American countries is capable of organizing a World Cup, not even Argentina or Brazil. Brazil has a major challenge for 2014. Five years seems like a lot of time but it's not, when you have to re-build most of the stadiums, build highways, trains, hotels, while you have millions of people living in poverty with a very high crime rate. Also, Europeans have never won a World Cup outside their continent, so we like that too. South American teams have a better chance of winning it in Africa than in Europe.
4) Yes. South Africa may have its problems, I would probably be worried about security and diseases, but a World Cup is an unique event. And get to know people from other continents, and other continents themselves, is a unique experience too. My mother probably wouldn't like it though!
Ewan Macdonald, Goal.com International
1) The mood in this country (UK) is largely one of scepticism. The World Cup isn't talked about too often here (probably because England haven't qualified yet!) but when it is, people raise doubts as to whether or not South Africa will be ready.
2) The security situation is one concern, but even if it's well in hand the idea that the stadia aren't ready is a major problem.
3) The idea that Africa is a priori unable to stage these events is a patronising one, yet at the same time it's a valid point to make because this was awarded, one may say, for political reasons as much as anything else. That said, the idea that Europe can get snooty about event organisation at the moment seems a bit hypocritical when Euro 2012 looks at the moment to be a total bust. The global economic crisis, in fact, seems as much to blame as anything else.
4) Without a moment's hesitation. I would take special care of myself, of course, and would be more cautious than I am at home, but good people are good people all over the world and despite South Africa's problems there would be no shortage of chances to enjoy what will be an amazing tournament.
Peter Pedroncelli, Goal.com Africa
1) Absolutely, being close to World Cup preparations and seeing the changes that are happening on a daily basis at a rapid pace, I am confident that the first African World Cup will be a great success.
2) Accommodation and crime during the event is my main concern, but that is being taken care of and addressed as I am writing this, with a great deal of money and effort going in to ensuring a top class event.
3) There is excitement and confidence that a great World Cup is on the way, and South Africa can provide the world with a great event. It is therefore my job to convince my fellow editors that South Africa 2010 will be an unforgettable event, for all the right reasons.
4) Absolutely, I can’t wait!
What is your opinion on the next World Cup hosts? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...
The editors were asked the following four questions:
1) Do you think South Africa will be prepared to host the World Cup in 2010?
2) What are your major concerns for next year's event?
3) What is the general sentiment in your territory towards the World Cup being hosted in Africa?
4) Would you personally go to the World Cup next year if you were able, if no - why not?
Allen Ramsey, Goal.com USA
1) It's hard to say if South Africa will be ready for the cup. For the most part I don't doubt that they will be, but the influx of millions of fans is never easy for a country to deal with. The stadiums should be fine, but the public transportation and accommodations for the average fans might be a problem. Overall, I think they will be as ready as most countries would be to host such a major event.
2) My biggest concern is with the travel to South Africa. OR Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International might not be able to handle the high volume of fans, and the lack of other quality international airports could prove to be a major problem. Doubling or even tripling traffic is not going to be easy for the staffs at these airports to handle.
3) In America the general sentiment about the World Cup being held in Africa is one of concern. While South Africa is clearly a very civilized country and a place where many people go on holiday the threat of terrorist attacks on such a large gathering of people from all over the world in Africa seems very real given that the news media in America rarely reports on anything other than violence on the African continent.
But I don't think the football fans in the USA are worried or fearful of going to the World Cup for the most part.
4) I personally plan on being there and I'm very excited to see Africa.
Mohammed Awaad, Goal.com Persia
1) To be frank I don't think so, they will do their best but the best is not enough.
2) Weather, security and terrorism.
3) Most Arab people believe that the best place to host a World Cup is Europe, Africa in June is rainy or very hot weather.
4) Sure I will, it is dream to live this event. I may risk in my self for such an event, which I hope will return quickly to Europe and South America.
Tony Mutong, Goal.com Hong Kong
1) From the news what I have heard recently, I don’t think they are good enough to be the host, especial when you compare with Germany and Japan Korea. hope they still can make a big progress.
2) The high crime rate and terrorism, besides the traffic problem.
3) Is Africa ready to host the World Cup? Maybe Europe is still the best place.
4) Maybe not, I am not sure if there is very safe and comfort, and could be very hot at that time. I prefer to stay with my TV and friends.
Rahul Bali, Goal.com India
1) South Africa have shown that they can host big sporting events like the IPL and the 2003 cricket World Cup. The success of these two events just goes to show that the country can handle major events.
2) In today’s insecure times, to mention the ‘fear of terrorism’ as the major concern wouldn’t be irrational. It’s very essential on the part of the local organizing body to ensure optimum security for those who are to assemble for the football extravaganza.
3) Football is a global game and it’s good to see that FIFA has given an African nation an opportunity to host the premier event. The World Cup has already been hosted in Asia once and now its Africa’s turn. African players are spread almost everywhere in the world and just goes to show their importance in today’s market.
4) Not decided as yet!
Tommy Vaneldik, Goal.com Netherlands
1) I'm really afraid not. I fear that there will be quite a few problems during the event next year.
2) Safety of the players, officials, fans etc and problems with traffic.
3) Most people in the Netherlands are really concerned about the safety of the teams and the fans.
4) I'd certainly go if I would be able to do so. It would just be amazing to experience such a big event and it would also be a great thing to do that in a country you won't visit every day. It would be great to experience the love for the game with people from all over the world.
Kim, Hyunmin, Goal.com Korea
1) Based on media coverage, South Africa seems to prepare for the World Cup step by step. Recently I've read a column saying that South Africa really did well hosting cricket's IPL. However, football is different from cricket, and the World Cup is much bigger global event than the IPL. I think we need to watch how successfully they will deal with the Confederations Cup, the so-called mini World Cup.
2) Disease. Although the event will be held in the winter, the African continent is known for frequent epidemic due to the hot weather. Since it is expected a lot of football fans from all over the world will flock in Africa, there is possibility to spread out a contagious disease to the world.
3) Some people are worried about law and order problems and disease, but many Koreans appreciate the fact that the World Cup isn't being held in neither Europe nor South America but Africa. South Korea successfully held the 2002 World Cup with Japan, and Koreans expect that South Africa also will hold World Cup successfully for the first time in Africa.
4) Of course, I would. Why not? World Cup is literally the biggest global football event!
Sergio Stanco, Goal.com Italy
1) Yes, I think so. At the end, when the World Cup is approaching, work will be completed faster, as usual.
2) Travelling and moving in a big place like South Africa will not be so easy, mainly if everything will not be organised perfectly. From a social point of view, crime is something to be worried about.
3) In Italy we are still not talking about the World Cup. People are more worried by Euro 2012 in Ukraine and Poland than South Africa 2010. We talk more about that than South Africa, maybe because Ukraine and Poland were preferred to Italy, but at the moment there is no alarm in Italy about the World Cup.
Martin Decaux, Goal.com Latin America
1) I don't know if they will be ready in terms of infrastructure, probably yes. But as far as I know they have some extra problems, mainly social problems.
2) The social problems, the disparity between the social classes, and how that may affect security during the tournament. Crime, in other words. Diseases are a concern too, but nothing that several vaccines can’t prevent.
3) I think in South America its considered fair that Africa has its own World Cup, although people have doubts if the country is ready for such an event. In this continent we share many problems that Africa has, as we are in the Developing World too. Today none of the ten South American countries is capable of organizing a World Cup, not even Argentina or Brazil. Brazil has a major challenge for 2014. Five years seems like a lot of time but it's not, when you have to re-build most of the stadiums, build highways, trains, hotels, while you have millions of people living in poverty with a very high crime rate. Also, Europeans have never won a World Cup outside their continent, so we like that too. South American teams have a better chance of winning it in Africa than in Europe.
4) Yes. South Africa may have its problems, I would probably be worried about security and diseases, but a World Cup is an unique event. And get to know people from other continents, and other continents themselves, is a unique experience too. My mother probably wouldn't like it though!
Ewan Macdonald, Goal.com International
1) The mood in this country (UK) is largely one of scepticism. The World Cup isn't talked about too often here (probably because England haven't qualified yet!) but when it is, people raise doubts as to whether or not South Africa will be ready.
2) The security situation is one concern, but even if it's well in hand the idea that the stadia aren't ready is a major problem.
3) The idea that Africa is a priori unable to stage these events is a patronising one, yet at the same time it's a valid point to make because this was awarded, one may say, for political reasons as much as anything else. That said, the idea that Europe can get snooty about event organisation at the moment seems a bit hypocritical when Euro 2012 looks at the moment to be a total bust. The global economic crisis, in fact, seems as much to blame as anything else.
4) Without a moment's hesitation. I would take special care of myself, of course, and would be more cautious than I am at home, but good people are good people all over the world and despite South Africa's problems there would be no shortage of chances to enjoy what will be an amazing tournament.
Peter Pedroncelli, Goal.com Africa
1) Absolutely, being close to World Cup preparations and seeing the changes that are happening on a daily basis at a rapid pace, I am confident that the first African World Cup will be a great success.
2) Accommodation and crime during the event is my main concern, but that is being taken care of and addressed as I am writing this, with a great deal of money and effort going in to ensuring a top class event.
3) There is excitement and confidence that a great World Cup is on the way, and South Africa can provide the world with a great event. It is therefore my job to convince my fellow editors that South Africa 2010 will be an unforgettable event, for all the right reasons.
4) Absolutely, I can’t wait!
What is your opinion on the next World Cup hosts? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...
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