The 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa

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The world is about to be set alight with another FIFA Football World Cup in 2010. Queue controversial refereeing, shock defeats of supposed giants by a few of the minnows, and possibly another heart-breaking penalty shoot out for a certain English speaking European team. 2010 is sure to provide all the drama, anguish and joy football fans the world over have come to expect from this tournament. Only this time the venue is slightly different. For the first time in the tournaments eighty year history the competition is to be held on the African continent. South Africa to be precise. What a perfect excuse then for international fans of the game to take a walk on the wild side of life. Here are the top reasons for arranging a sporting holiday to South Africa:

Beautiful Country

Africa is beautiful. Its landscape is harsh, wild, amazing and gorgeous all at the same time. The weather simply puts most of Europe to shame! And the variety of contrasts between the different locations will amaze even the most experienced traveller. South Africa in particular has everything. Cape Townand its surrounding areas are stunning. Not many cosmopolitan cities have a flat-topped mountain in its centre, demanding that you stare up at her in awe! The serene setting of the Western Cape makes this a must-see destination for any tourist. Durban and the eastern coastline will lure you with its golden beaches, warm Indian Ocean and tropical climate. Kwazulu Natal is Shaka Zulu country, and, like the rest of the country is steeped in history.

Taking a detour from Durban to Johannesburg, you can pass through Mpumalanga and search for ‘The Big Five’ of the African wilderness; namely: buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhinoceros. You want to experience a ’real African safari’? Then the Kruger National Park is hard to beat for self-drive big game tours. From Mpumalanga you can go to the Drakensburg Mountains or on to Johannesburg, or eGoli – ‘The Place of Gold’. And the beating heart of South Africa. From Soweto to Sandton, you will see South Africa as it really is. Immensely rich and tragically poor. Johannesburg is where all the action is, and should be seen to be believed.

Passionate Fans

South Africa loves football (soccer in these parts!), and is proud of the heroes it has produced. This distinguished list includes Leeds hero Lucas Radebe, Jomo Sono (who played with Pele) and goal keepers Gary Bailey (Manchester United) and Bruce Grobbelaar (Liverpool). Modern greats include Shaun Bartlett, Quinton Fortune and Benni McCarthy.

The ‘Soweto Derby’ between Kaiser Chiefs and Orlando Pirates is always a fiercely contested affair and captivates thousands of fanatical fans. The World Cup Final that will be played in Soweto’s Soccer City will be a raucous and passionate affair for the people of South Africa, no matter who makes it to the final. Imagine the continuous drone of the ‘vuvuzela’ horn blown by ninety-odd thousand passionate fans in the blazing African sun – that will be the football World Cup Final.

Support A Troubled Country

South Africa came to the brink of civil war just before its first democratic elections back in 1994; it deserves credit for the progress it has made. There is much to do, and many needs to be addressed, but it could be worse. A lot worse. So, instead of spending your hard earned shekels on the usual football trips, come over and see what this magnificent and majestic land has to offer. Foreign currency spent in South Africa will go a long way in supporting local entrepreneurs, far better than hand-outs. The World Cup 2010 will be different to anything you will experience in Europe, but that is the point, isn’t it?

Broaden Your Horizons

Eurocentric football fans are missing out on a great deal by confining themselves to the same old routine of travelling to the same venues to see the same sights. Get adventurous and fly over for a true festival in the sun! South Africa has so much on offer before you even start to think about a semi-final in Durban or Cape Town.

Be a part of footballing history and attend the first (and probably last, for a while at least) World Cup held on African soil. You never know, miracles have happened in South Africa before. England may even lift the trophy!