Can South Africa Host The World Cup?

Can South Africa Host the Soccer World Cup?

Ever since South Africa was awarded the hosting rights for the 2010 Football World Cup there have been doubts over whether or not the country has the infrastructure or security measures necessary to host the world’s most popular sports tournament.

While early rumours that FIFA would hand the tournament to Germany proved to be unfounded, the continued safety and security issues in the country, combined with racial tensions and reports of poor infrastructure, are having a big impact on ticket sales.

1. Safety and Security

Safety and security is a major issue in a country with the world’s second highest murder rate. Sensationalist reporting in the foreign press has created the impression that South Africa’s streets run with blood.

The truth is that while visitors to South Africa in 2010 need to remain vigilant at all times, crime tends to be a major problem in areas the average World Cup tourist is unlikely to visit. There will also be a strong police presence during the World Cup.

2. Infrastructure

There have been rumours of crumbling infrastructure and pot-holed roads filtering through to rest of the world. In reality South Africa has launched intensive infrastructure upgrades, with extensive roadworks operations to be seen all over the country.

Furthermore the public transport facilities in major urban centers have been upgraded specifically for the 2010 Football World Cup, with a modern rapid transit bus system in place to provide quick, comfortable and cheap transport to World Cup venues.

3. Stadiums

Five brand new stadiums have been constructed for the 2010 World Cup. While there were initially fears that some of these would not be completed on schedule, these have proven to be unfounded and South Africa now boasts some of the most advanced and modern stadiums on the planet.

In addition to building new stadiums, existing stadiums have been upgraded for the 2010 Football World Cup. All of these offer excellent crowd control infrastructure and admission facilities, and should provide excellent viewing opportunities for fans traveling to South Africa in 2010.

4. Experience

Questions have been asked over whether or not South Africa has what it takes to host a tournament of the magnitude of the 2010 Football World Cup. The answer is a simple ‘yes’. In 1995 South Africa successfully hosted the Rugby World Cup, and has hosted a number of other high profile sports tournaments since then.

Conclusion

Much of the panic surrounding South Africa’s hosting of the Football World Cup appears to be unfounded. The nation is eagerly looking forward to hosting the biggest sports event on Earth, and visitors can expect a friendly welcome to the Rainbow Nation.

So those of you preparing to watch the World Cup on television need not rip up your World Cup schedules and cancel your World Cup bets. The world’s premier sporting event is well on track, and you can expect South Africa to host the 2010 World Cup in style.