Thebe Mabanga
The man who has been central to the process of compiling and selling the 2006 World Cup soccer bid is a publicity-shy divorcee who would rather get on with a behind-the-scenes role than become the operational face and voice of South Africa’s bid.
Danny Jordan, the CEO of the country’s World Cup bid was – like current cricket captain Shaun Pollock- thrust into the limelight by someone else’s fall from grace.
In 1996 former South African Football Association (Safa) boss Solomon “Stix” Morewa was forced to resign by the Pickard commission following revelations of gross financial irregularities and maladministration. Jordaan, having served as Morewa’s right-hand man, was elected acting CEO – with the position finally being made official in April 1997.
He brought to this position years of administrative experience acquired as one of those responsible for forging unity in football in 1991, a process which culminated in the formation of Safa. One of his earliest, brave actions was to convene a soccer indaba in which he proposed radical reforms to the sport’s administration structure. It was at that meeting that he was appointed to his current position with Orlando Pirates boss Irvin Khoza as chair.
As the bid CEO, he has relied on his steely resolve. His droopy eyes and often unshaven face do not present him as a charismatic figure. Yet he has won sceptics over with his rigorous, technocratic approach, focusing on the finer details of organising the World Cup and memorising the mantra that he has been using to plead with the world: “Hear Africa’s call.”
Since his first presentation to the Confederation of African Football in January 1998, he has embarked on a jet lag-inducing, globetrotting spree in which he has told whoever will listen that it is indeed “Africa’s turn”.
It has been a long road, and one which has seen competitors like Nigeria, Ghana and Egypt drop out, leaving a fellow African nation, two Europeans and a talent- endowed but resourceless South American.
It has also seen Fifa president Sepp Blatter stand firmly behind South Africa, only to subtly hint at a change of tune when addressing the German Football Federation for its centenary celebrations.
The Port Elizabeth-born, former African National Congress MP is cautiously optimistic that the dream of hosting the World Cup – ironically first mooted by his disgraced predecessor, Morewa – will be realised on July 6 in Zurich.