Saturday, June 28, 2008

SA is ready to host a successful World Cup

Press Release

Vienna - South Africa’s state of readiness to host Africa’s very first soccer world cup tournament came under the spotlight during a discussion between government representatives, 2010 Fifa™ World Cup organizers and international media in Vienna, Austria.

A media face off with CNN was held on the sidelines of the EURO 2008 soccer tournament between Deputy Finance Minister Jabu Moleketi, SA Tourism CEO Moeketsi Mosola and Local Organising Committee CEO Danny Jordaan.

Deputy Minister Moleketi, who is also head of the 2010 Technical Coordinating Committee, told members of the international media that preparations are well under way.

He said he was confident that deadlines on the completion of all required infrastructure would be met.

“We expect all stadiums to be completed by December 2008 or January 2009, in time enough to host the 2009 Confederations Cup. A lot has been said about our ability and capacity to host this prestigious soccer tournament and we wish to say to the world that yes we can and we will deliver a very successful soccer showpiece”, deputy minister Moleketi told hordes of European media who attended the event at the Vienna Soccer Museum.

Other questions posed to the SA 2010 team ranged from crime to the recent attacks on foreign nationals.

Deputy Minister Moleketi said the government would be increasing the number of police officials by 30 000 to boost visibility across the streets of South Africa.

He said 40 state-of-the-art helicopters would be dispatched to ensure safety during the world cup and that thousands of CCTV cameras are already in place in and around the precincts that would be used for the tournament in all host cities. This, he said, would boost rapid response by the law enforcement agencies to potential criminal activities.

“We have in the past hosted successful and incident free events such as the Rugby World Cup, cricket World Cup and the World Summit on Sustainable Development to mention a few, and that says to the world that yes we are capable”. This is an opportunity for Africa to show the world that we are a continent that is moving away from its past often characterized by conflict and unrest, and to deal with Afro pessimism that continues to inform negative attitudes and perpetuate stereo-types towards the continent.”


He said the recent attacks on people from other countries, which also affected some South Africans, were a shame to the nation. “The government and society alike have condemned in the strongest possible terms the inhumane treatment meted out against our fellow brothers and sisters. We wish to say to the world that an overwhelming majority of the South African population are against these barbaric acts and have spoken out strongly against the attacks.

We are a peace-loving nation and we will do everything in our powers to ensure that these actions of a few individuals do not threaten our freedom and democracy. South Africa is a signatory to numerous conventions that encourage coexistence between people of various nationalities,” he said.

Addressing a gala dinner after the media event, Sports and Recreation minister Makhenkesi Stofile said many South Africans and indeed Africans stood to benefit from the world cup beyond the 90 minute soccer matches.

Minister Stofile said the infrastructure being built to host the tournament would improve the levels of soccer development in South Africa.

He said it was his wish that an African team would advance to the final stages of the 2010 world cup, possibly winning the coveted prize.

Bafana fans to Africa fans

Chelsea and Ivory Coast star Didier Drogba








Bafana Bafana's chances of qualifying for the 2010 African Nations Cup appear to be in tatters. But even if South Africa fails to get past the first round of the 2010 Fifa World Cup - as many now fear they will - there will still be plenty for the country's passionate football fans to shout for.

2010 Fifa World Cup

In 2010 South Africa will host the Fifa World Cup, the first time the world's premier sporting event will be held on African soil. Get a sneak preview of the personalities, places, cities and stadiums that will help make Africa's debut a feast of football ...



Fifa president Sepp Blatter at the 2004 announcement that South Africa had been chosen to host the 2010 World Cup Nelson Mandela reacts to the news that South Africa is to host the 2010 World Cup A young fan with the traditional embellished helmet worn by South African football supporters A fan blowing a vuvuzela
Host cities Host cities Host cities Host cities
Host cities for the 2010 Fifa Football World Cup Johannesburg Soweto, Gauteng: Orlando Towers Cape Town
Cape Town, Western Cape: Table Mountain from Milnerton Lagoon Pretoria Durban Port Elizabeth
Bloemfontein Polokwane Nelspruit Rustenburg
Stadiums Stadiums Stadiums Stadiums
Stadiums for the 2010 Fifa Football World Cup Soccer City, Johannesburg Soccer City, Johannesburg Greenpoint Stadium, Western Cape
Greenpoint Stadium, Western Cape Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
Nelson Mandela Stadium, Port Elizabeth Nelson Mandela Stadium, Port Elizabeth Loftus Versveld Stadium, Pretoria

Vuvuzela: football's beautiful noise

Mary Alexander

What's plastic, a metre long, brightly coloured and sounds like an elephant? It's the vuvuzela, the noise-making trumpet of South African football fans, and it's come to symbolise the sport in the country.

It's an instrument, but not a musical one. Describing the atmosphere in a stadium packed with thousands of fans blowing their vuvuzelas is difficult. Up close it's an elephant, sure, but en masse the sound is more like a massive swarm of very angry bees.

And when there's action near the goal mouth, those bees go really crazy.

To get that sound out requires serious lip and lung strength, and a fair amount of technique. Be sure to get in some good practice before attending any South African football match, or you may produce a sad little sound provoking accusing stares and much shuffling away from you in the seats!

It's said that the earliest form of vuvuzela was the kudu horn, blown to summon African villagers to meetings. Later versions were made of tin.

The trumpet became so popular at football matches in the late 1990s that an empowerment company, Masincedane Sport, was set up in 2001 to mass-produce it. Made of plastic, they come in a variety of colours - black or white for fans of Orlando Pirates, yellow for Kaizer Chiefs, and so on - with little drawings on the side warning against blowing in the ear.

Vuvuzela players start young There's uncertainty on the origin of the word "vuvuzela". Some say it comes from the isiZulu for - wait for it - "making noise". Others say it's from township slang related to the word "shower", because it "showers people with music" or, more prosaically, looks a little like a shower head.

The announcement on 15 May 2004 that South Africa would host the 2010 Fifa Football World Cup gave the vuvuzela a major boost, with some 20 000 sold on the day. There is talk of making it the official instrument of the 2010 tournament.

It's a noisy thing, so there's no surprise some don't like it. News24 columnist Jon Qwelane now only watches football matches at home, with the sound muted, because of what he describes as "an instrument of hell", "this satan of an instrument". And vuvuzelas were banned at Ellis Park rugby matches in 2004 after complaints from other spectators.

The South African Football Association also seems to have its reservations, asking manufacturers to reduce the weight of the trumpet from 140g to 100g - so that fans don't use it as a weapon.

Love it or hate it - and most of us love it - visitors to South Africa's 2010 Football World Cup are sure to go home with a few vuvuzelas tucked in their luggage - and a little ringing in their ears.

Mamelodi Sundowns

While Chiefs and Pirates have long battled for the title of South Africa's most popular club, a third outfit has emerged as a challenger for the position: Mamelodi Sundowns.

Backed by mining magnate Patrice Motsepe, a billionaire, "The Brazilians" have the finances to ensure a squad with depth and quality. The club is often compared to England's Chelsea, which rose to prominence partly through the backing of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.

Sundowns have been the most successful team since the formation of the Premier Soccer League in 1997, winning the title on five occasions.

Orlando Pirates

Formed in 1937, Orlando Pirates has a support base extending across the country's borders.

Two-time winners of SA's Premier Soccer League since its launch in 1997, "The Buccaneers" are the only South African team so far to have won Africa's premier club competition, the Champions League, a feat they achieved in 1995.

Like Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates seldom are disadvantaged when they play away from home, with fanatical supporters spread throughout South Africa.

The fierce traditional rivalry between Pirates and Chiefs makes for one of the biggest derby matches in the world. In November 2007, on the day preceding the 2010 Fifa World Cup draw in Durban, the Chiefs-Pirates derby was broadcast throughout Africa and 43 European countries, a first for South African football.

Kaizer Chiefs

South Africa's favourite soccer club never seems to play an away match. "The Amakhozi" often draw more supporters at away games than their opposition.

Founded in 1970 by Kaizer Motaung - who made his name in the United States when the American league was drawing such superstars as Pele, Johan Cruyff and Franz Beckenbauer - Kaizer Chiefs are one of South Africa's most successful teams.

Twice the winners of South Africa's Premier Soccer League since its launch in 1997, Chiefs secured their first African title in 2002 when they won the Cup Winners Cup - renamed after Nelson Mandela - by defeating Inter Luanda of Angola in the final.

Who/what is 'Amaglug-glug'?

Amaglug-glug is the nickname of South Africa's national under-23 soccer team. Where does it come from? Well, the prefix "ama" is the plural form in isiZulu. "Glug-glug" derives from the fact that petrochemicals company Sasol sponsors the team, and that South African soccer fans have a keen sense of humour and a quirky way with words: Sasol ran a series of television adverts featuring a little boy playing with his toy car � when he fills it up at his toy petrol pump, he goes � "Glug-glug-glug", of course.

BANYANA BANYANA

South Africa's senior women's team, Banyana Banyana - "The Girls" - have traditionally been the strongest team in southern Africa and one of the best in Africa.

There is, however, one hurdle that Banyana have yet to overcome: Nigeria. Had it not been for the West African powerhouse, South Africa's women would have laid claim to the number one ranking in Africa a number of times in recent years.

Banyana Banyana were crowned Cosafa (Confederation of Southern African Football Associations) champions in 2002 and 2006. In continental competition, the team finished runner-up to Nigeria at the CAF African Women's Championship in 2000, and second at the All Africa Games in 2003 and 2007.

African champions

When South Africa hosted the 1996 African Nations Cup, however, South Africa proved they belonged in the finals by defeating Tunisia 2-0 in the final. It was during the team's run to the title that its nickname, "Bafana Bafana", became known around the world.

Nelson Mandela leads the celebrations as Neil Tovey lifts the 1996 Africa Nations Cup Nelson Mandela leads the celebrations as Neil Tovey lifts the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations.

Shortly after being crowned African champions, Bafana Bafana took on world champions Brazil in Johannesburg. Buoyed by a fearless home crowd, the South Africans went two goals up before the Brazilians fought back to win the match 3-2.

BAFANA BAFANA

One of the first gifts that democracy brought South Africa was its first truly representative national soccer team.

In 1992, the united South African team came into being, playing Cameroon in its first match in Durban on 9 July. It was a triumphant occasion for the side that came to be known as Bafana Bafana - "The Boys" - as they edged the West African powerhouse by a goal to nil.

However, the win concealed the negative effect that apartheid-enforced isolation had had on local soccer. This lack of international experience showed as South Africa lost four matches in a row - to Cameroon, Zambia, Nigeria and Zambia - in failing to qualify for the 1994 African Nations Cup.

Soccer in South Africa

Soccer in South Africa

Brad Morgan

Football - or soccer, as we call it - is the most widely played sport in South Africa, with its traditional support base in the black community. For many South Africans the country's proudest sporting moment came when we won the African Nations Cup on home turf in 1996.

Soccer is intensely followed, and the quality of the local game keeps improving - as demonstrated by the increasing number of South African players-in-exile among the glamorous European clubs.

Local teams, organised in a national league plus a plethora of knock-out cups, are followed with passion by paint-daubed, costumed, whistling and cheering fans. Mercifully, the country has been spared the spectre of football hooliganism.

There's probably no quicker way to "break the ice" with the South African man on the street than to demonstrate some knowledge of local soccer.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Titus Mulama in action



Harambee Stars’ midfielder Titus Mulama in action against Zimbabwe in Nairobi.

Photo/ANWAR SIDI & MOHAMMED AMIN

Kenya intensify training as Zimbabwe arrive for soccer match

NAIROBI, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe's national soccer team arrived in Nairobi on Wednesday night ahead of the World Cup/Africa Nations Cup qualifier against hosts, Harambee Stars on Saturday.

The visitors jetted in as their opponents, Harambee Stars intensified training hoping to turn the tables again on Saturday.

The team captain Robert Mambo and French-based striker Dennis Oliech Oliech resumed training with the team on Wednesday.

Stars head coach Francis Kimanzi said he will stick with the team that beat Guinea's Syli Stars 2-0 when they host Zimbabwe.

Speaking after training late Wednesday, Kimanzi said he was satisfied with the team's performance.

"This is a winning team and you all saw how they played on Saturday against Guinea, why should I make changes now? I can't say we were 100 percent perfect during the Guinea match, but I believe all departments were impressive," said Kimanzi.

"I don't rate my team's performance according to departments, all I can say is that we played well, but allowed our opponents to penetrate on two occasions which should not have happened. Our performance against Guinea was better than against Namibia a week before and I believe we are getting better everyday. Zimbabwe willbe in problems on Saturday," he said.

Kenya, thirsting for places in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa

Kenya, thirsting for places in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and that year’s African Cup of Nations finals in Angola, are grouped together with Guinea, Namibia and Zimbabwe.


The team is as follows: Goalkeepers — Noah Ayuko, Jacktone Ochieng.

Defenders — George Owino, Edgar Ochieng, John Njoroge, Joseph Shikokoti, Lloyd Wahome, Anthony Kimani.

Midfielders — Augustine Makacha, Osborne Monday, Levi Muaka, Kelvin Ochieng, Titus Mulama, Robert Mambo, Andrew Oyombe.

Strikers — Francis Ouma, Dennis Oliech, Allan Wanga.

Kenyan football gets a facelift from South Africa

The South African government is offering Kenya a football coach and other technical assistance, Prime Minister Raila Odinga said on Saturday.

A
nd to set the ball rolling, Sports Minister Hellen Sambili is on her way to South Africa where she will attend a summit in Durban which will strategize on how A frica can explore sport’s many benefits.

In a news dispatch from the Prime Minister’s Press Service (PMPS), Odinga said Sambili would subsequently visit Johannesburg to meet government officials and the National World Cup Committee to explore better cooperation, technical assistance and sponsorships.

He said Harambee players told him that they felt a new energy and commitment because they were no longer dogged and demoralized by the disputes and controversies that came close to ruining the national sport forever.

Reaffirming his commitment to sports Odinga, who played soccer in his younger days, said sports remained his priority as it had the capacity to be one of the engines of rapid economic growth and employment, given the people’s passion for it.

Kenya’s Harambee stars truimph over Zimbabwe



Kenya on top of their group in 2010 WC / CAN qualifiers

Thirsting for tickets to the 2010 World Cup/African Cup of Nations finals, Kenya’s Harambee Stars beat Zimbabwe 2-0 on Saturday to top the group standings with six points.

Kenya coach warns of a secret weapon against Zimbabwe team

Kenya’s needed win

Kenya’s Harambee Stars Tuesday intensified training in preparation for the 2010 World Cup/African Cup of Nations qualifier against Zimbabwe Saturday.

Three key players missing from Kenya squad

MacDonald Mariga dropped out of next 2010 WC / CAN qualifiers

Italy-based midfielder MacDonald Mariga and goalkeeper Arnold Origi are among the players left out of the Kenyan World Cup squad for their match against Zimbabwe this weekend.

Zambian national soccer coach under intense pressure

doubts ahead of remaining 2010 World Cup / CAN qualifiers

Less than one month into his contract, Zambian soccer fans have started raising serious doubts over the ability of new national team coach for Chipolopolo, Herve Renard, to deliver goals in the on-going qualification matches for both the 2010 World Cup championship to be hosted by South Africa and the Cup of African Nations to be hosted by neighbouring Angola.

Kenya’s Harambee stars truimph over Zimbabwe

enya, drawn against Guinea, Zimbabwe and Namibia in Group Two of the qualifiers, are leading the standings with six points and five goals.

Inspired by the large turnout, which saw Kenya Football Federation officials lock ticket holders out of the fully-packed Nyayo National Stadium, Italian-based attacking midfielder MacDonald Mariga opened the score-line in the eighth minute.

The rest is history. It is worth noting that Kenyans, hitherto disappointed by the Stars’ poor show in recent international events, are now finding their way back to the stadium, thanks to a fairly good start in the World Cup campaigners.

With the qualifiers at the mid-point stage, it might be too early to heap praise or celebrate the Harambee Stars’ exploits, but beating bigwigs Guinea and Zimbabwe is a key accomplishment that has seen Kenya clear major hurdles.

But the real work begins this weekend when Zimbabwe hosts Kenya in the return match in Harare.

It is an open secret that Kenya’s away record is not the best and it goes without saying that in Harare, Zimbabwe will enjoy home ground advantage and prove a hard nut to crack.

A draw or victory in Harare will be a major boost to Kenya’s bid for the Nations Cup and 2010 World Cup in South Africa, but more so the Nations Cup finals in Angola.

Three key factors have contributed to Kenya’s good start in the campaign - moral boosting support from Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, a retired soccer player, players’ focus and the generous support/sponsorship by Kenya Premier League Limited (KPL).

A lot will also depend on how new coach Francis Kimanzi handles the team and his strategies for away matches.

Kimanzi holds a Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) B International Coaching Licence and an International High Level Coaching Certificate from the Dutch Football Academy (KNVB).

A lot depends on Kimanzi and a lot depends on KPL and other stakeholders.

But for now the focus is on Kimanzi and Harambee Stars. Will they retain the momentum? The answer is yes. Panapress

Robert Mugabe vs Soccer World Cup

The FIFA soccer World Cup, for which South Africa is to act as host in 2010. That may seem like a long way off, but South Africa is already investing huge amounts both financially and politically, for what is supposed to be its triumphal coming-out party. Maybe Zimbabwe should become to the South Africa-hosted World Cup what Tibet has been to the Beijing Olympics — the pungent albatross that spoils every press conference and mars every presentation with its insistent odor.

by Peter Godwin, author of “When a Crocodile Eats the Sun.”

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