Even as this World Cup reaches a climax with Italy having booked a final spot against France or Portugal on Sunday, eyes are already turning to a South African jamboree in four years’ time.
Organisers are hoping the first World Cup to be played on African soil will produce ”Football for a Better World” and Fifa will flag up preparations on Friday at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, the setting for a giant party.
High-ranking dignitaries will include United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, South African President Thabo Mbeki, Fifa President Sepp Blatter and the chairperson of this year’s organising committee, Franz Beckenbauer.
Former South African president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela will also send a live video message to the Football for a Better World — From Germany to South Africa gathering, which Fifa is dubbing ”the biggest single football party ever”, comprising six hours of football and music.
German acts Xavier Naidoo, Wir sind Helden and Die Fantastischen Vier will warm up the crowd and samba star Ivete Sangalo and top hip hop names Sean Paul, Wyclef Jean and Lumidee will also appear, along with a host of other guests, which include a super-group put together by African music legend Youssou NDour.
N’Dour’s band includes artists Angelique Kidjo, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Vusi Mahlasela, MC Solaar and Rokia Traore.
Representing the football world will be several African stars, including Liberia’s George Weah, Cameroon’s Roger Milla and Ghana’s Abedi Pele. — AFP
