All Soccer fans especially Africans will always keep the date June 11,2010 Friday as dear it being the first time that the continent Africa will hold the FIFA World Cup. For eitghty years now, the FIFA World Cup has been held soley in Europe and the Americas. Exactly how is the host for the FIFA world Cup decided? According to the revised selection policy, as long as the country’s continental confederaton hasn’t hosted the Cup in the past two years, the country would become eligable, this would make any African country a strong candidate. South Africa nearly won the 2006 bidding against Germany with a final tally of 12 votes to 11. All countries that bid for the 2010 World Cup were African including South Africa, Morocco and Egypt. South Africa won by four points to Morocco resulting in this unforgettable event. The reasons mentioned are all technical, but you might ask if the country has the ability to host such a huge event? I would answer with a resounding “Yes”.Here’s why:
* I love their team- it’s a fact, the definitely deserve to hold the cup. Wouldn’t holding the Cup in a country who’s team isn’t even that good be a total let down? Even if you look back, the soccer teams of countries hosting the cup are usually first class like Brazil (1950), Argentina(1978) and Italy(1990). It would make sense to have South Africa join the list.
* You should see the stadiums- as part of their preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, South Africa has constructed four brand new mind-blowing stadiums.One has a detractable glass roof, another with spectacular lighting, then there’s the ‘zebra’ inspired stadium located nearby the many game parks, and finally one that resembles the South African flag. Who could want more?
* The perfect weather- if there’s one thing South Africa is known for-aside from its wildlife, it would be the weather. The World Football Tournament coincides with South Africa’s winter time. Not to worry though, your favorite players won’t end up freezing to death since the winter temperature in South Africa is warmer than most countries summer temperature! Lower temperatures have been proved to be better for athlete’s bodies so the average expected temperature of 20 degrees Celsius at 12pm noon will be great. With good weather, we can expect better performance..
* It’s in Africa- what could be a better place for the world to unite than in the very place that civilization is said to have begun?And the place where soccer is in the heart of every African?Soccer in South Africa has in the past been a cause for unification and a force for apartheid resistance during President Mandela’s era. The finals being held in Soweto which has been the center of South African soccer really adds meaning to the whole event making it not simply a sports event but a historical one.
Despite any controversies in the past four years regarding safety, in my opinion,South Africa is the perfect place for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the whole world should be very proud that this is the first time that a sporting event of this magnitude is being held in the continent.
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