What do South Africans say about the World Cup? The Mail & Guardian’s Niren Tolsi chats to Andile Bhekizulu, a 22-year-old bricklayer working on Durban’s beachfront.
1.What are your expectations of the World Cup?
I don’t have any expectations for the World Cup.
2. Why not — don’t you have tickets? Aren’t you excited?
No, I don’t have tickets because they’re just too expensive. I should be moving my mind to the World Cup but my mind is still on my bank balance.
3. But you’re here working on the Durban beachfront. The World Cup has helped in creating a job for you.
Yes, but I’m earning R80 a day (laying paving on the promenade). I’m working for the government, but it’s not really a living; I survive, but not very well. My mind is on my bank balance, not the soccer.
4.That’s nothing. What do you make of Bafana Bafana being offered R1-million for every goal they score?
Well, they need to score goals, but R1-million is a lot. Maybe if they gave a quarter to me, it would be okay.
5. What has been the biggest challenge facing South Africa in terms of readying itself for and hosting of the World Cup?
Eish, getting all this ready. They want it finished, and quickly, so we’re working fast, fast, fast.
6.What has been the biggest shortcoming in our preparing for and hosting of the World Cup?
Crime. Also, all the disruptions all this (construction) is causing.
7. What about Durban will mark it out as especially different for World Cup tourists?
The beach we are working on. Durban’s beaches are special.
8. Three tips on things to do between matches in Durban?
For tourists? I don’t know what they will like, I don’t know them and I don’t think they will come to the townships.
9. How do you think the World Cup will change soccer, its infrastructure, administration and the way it is played in Durban?
There’s no change now, maybe in a few years. Maybe by 2011 we’ll have more soccer grounds and coaches in the townships, but not now.
10. Bafana’s chances?
I like Bafana, but I think maybe Brazil will win it, or the Italians maybe.
11. Player to watch out for?
Steven Pienaar.