2010 World Cup: 'time to shine'

Pretoria – Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe says the imminent 2010 Fifa World Cup to be hosted in South Africa will provide an opportunity to showcase the country and its people.

Motlanthe was delivering a keynote address at the Football Friday ‘activation’ event at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Friday.

“We look forward to welcoming all the teams, football lovers and visitors from all corners of the world who will join us as we celebrate the first Fifa World Cup on the African soil,” he said.

The event was attended by ministers from various government departments, Local Organising Committee CEO Danny Jordaan, South African Football Association president Kirsten Nematandani and LOC Chairman and Orlando Pirates boss Irvin Khoza.

The deputy president congratulated teams who have qualified for the prestigious football tournament.

“I wish to congratulate all the teams that have so far qualified to participate in the 2010 Fifa World Cup to be hosted here in South Africa.

Moreover, we are proud to have noted some African teams amongst those that have already qualified. The Black Stars of Ghana and the Elephants of the Ivory Coast and Bafana Bafana [South African Senior Soccer National Team],” he said.

As a host nation team, Bafana Bafana get automatic qualification to participate in the tournament.

Motlanthe said the government was using the Football Friday initiative to affirm its commitment to the success of the World Cup event in 2010.

“We are therefore using the Football Friday occasion to reiterate government’s commitment to the success of the 2010 Fifa World Cup, and we would like to make the call to all South Africans, especially public servants, to wear football jerseys every Friday in anticipation of this great celebration coming our way next year,” he said.

South African Tourism's 2010 ambassador Lucas Radebe said the 2010 World Cup will be more than just a sporting event.

“We need to showcase our hospitality and host with pride, this is an opportunity of a lifetime,” he said.

Over the past 10 years South Africa has successfully hosted some 140 international events and conferences.

In 2009 the country hosted the 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup, the British and Irish Lions Tour, the Tri-Nations Cup and the lucrative Indian Premier league which was moved to South African for safety reasons.

The government promised the hundreds of thousands of fans and tourists expected during the staging of the World Cup that their safety and security will be prioritised. Plans are already underway to bolster the police force with personnel and hi-tech equipment.

Dedicated crime investigation teams and special courts will be set up to deal with all soccer related crimes on a 24/7 basis.