Will this be an AFRICAN World Cup?
An African World Cup. This topic has certainly been discussed before, that’s true!
Is there consensus on it however? When you turn on CNN, BBC or SKY news, you often hear the announcers referring to the first FIFA Soccer World Cup on African soil. South Africa certainly used its geographical location as one of the reasons for motivating why FIFA should choose this country.
So, although FIFA has very strict standards that the host country must adhere to, be it Germany, Brazil or indeed South Africa, there is no doubt that the South African “flavour” to the event will be very obvious. One has but to see and listen to the debate around the Vuvuzela to know this is true.
The experience that the visitors will get when in South Africa will hopefully be one of international standard when it comes to infrastructure, be it accommodation, dining, transport or the actual soccer games and experience at the stadia.
The style of service and vibe the visitors experience will however by 100% South African and with an African flavour.
Whether indeed the rest of Africa will benefit from the branding and income generated by the event is till up for debate.
Your opinion…?
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South Africa has so much to offer, so why not use it as a theme? Not for a long time will we be presented with an opportunity to showcase our country to a worldwide audience of massive proportions. TV broadcasts of matches will begin with a short synopsis of the host city, representing free advertising. For years to come Tourism will benefit from the World Cup exposure. However, I do hope the traditional African trait of unreliability will not rear its ugly head.