Media and personalities about the FIFA 2010 World Cup™ South Africa
The warnings were there for all who would hear them: the stadiums would not be ready and if they were, they would be empty; visitors would fall prey to criminal elements; and terrorists would stage an attack. Even FC Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness said he would not travel to South Africa.
“I was never a fan of the World Cup being held in South Africa, or anywhere on the African continent, as long as safety aspects are not clarified 100 per cent,” he said a few months ago.
It was pretty apparent that the prophets of doom who had forecast a disastrous World Cup in South Africa got it wrong.
“I always said that they would host a beautiful World Cup and that is how it happened.“
Peter Auf der Hyde, IOL
“It was a World Cup on a new continent with a new culture and therefore it must be analysed on different levels, but if you look at the enthusiasm in Africa and also the repercussion in the world, if you look to the television audiences around the world, if you look to the fan-fests everywhere in the world then I have to say it was a special World Cup.“
Joseph S. Blatter, President of FIFA
“As Africans, we feel pride. In Europe, people did not know about South Africa. Now they have seen us in a good light.“
Jack Lutaaya Kato, Trader in Soweto
“Economically, we invested in infrastructure that will provide long-lasting benefits to the economy. Through the renewal of our transport and road networks we have addressed long-standing bottlenecks.“
Sibusiso Ndebele, Transport Minister
“People walked tall. They were very proud of this country. They were told over many years you can not do these things because of our history. So that was a psychological barrier the nation crossed: the world is saying this may be the best ever World Cup and this was an African World Cup.“
Danny Jordaan, Chief Executive Officer of the FIFA 2010 World Cup™ South Africa
“Nine out of 10 foreign visitors in South Africa for the World Cup will recommend the country to family and friends as an ideal holiday destination, according to survey“
Beatrice Kubheka, Managing Director of African Response
