On Wednesday, South Africans marks 50 days to go until the kick-off of the Soccer World Cup in South Africa when Bafana Bafana host Mexico in the opening match at Soccer City on June 11.
The chief executive officer of the 2010 World Cup Organising Committee South Africa, Danny Jordaan, said it will prove to be one of South Africa’s defining moments.
“In just 50 days time we begin what I believe will be one of our most important defining moments, the 2010 World Cup. This defining moment will last a full month, a moment where the attention of the world will be nowhere but right here in South Africa.
“The same South Africa the world once called a miracle nation when in 1994 we made a peaceful transition to democracy, defying all the sceptics. The world has heard many more stories about us since then, sometimes more negative than positive, but this World Cup gives all South Africans the opportunity to show the world who we really are sixteen years into our democracy”.
While the official 50 day celebrations are taking place in Kimberley on Wednesday, for Jordaan it is a moment for the whole country to recognise the importance of the World Cup to South Africa.
“This is a time to celebrate. I call on all South Africans to get involved in the World Cup because this is our tournament. We must remember that a huge part of the success of the World Cup relies on how all South Africans host the world this year. It is up to every one of us to make sure that we show all the visitors and the global television audience the warmth, friendship and unity of South Africa.”
“The hard infrastructure is in place, our stadiums are ready and are already hosting matches, the transport plans are being finalised, the teams have selected their base camps, the tickets are selling fast and now it is time to watch some of the best football players in the world striving for ultimate glory on our very own pitches,” said Jordaan. — Sapa