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Who does South Africa Back?

By: WC Bob | June 29th, 2006 | 32 Comments »

Four years away from when the tournament will be played on the African continent, the respresentatives from Africa this year delivered mixed results. With Ghana avancing to the round 16 and Ivory Coast playing some attractive football, all was not lost for the five teams from Africa. Like many people around the world, those who supported the teams from Africa are looking to throw their weight behind one of the final eight. Our man in South Africa Ben lends a hand in picking a new team to support. His South Africa Logue is also an excellent resource for travel information about the country that will be the center of attention four years from now.


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Displaying the most recent 25 comments from a total of 32 comments.

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Username By Danny | June 29th, 2006 at 7:13 pm
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Already people whining about the World Cup in 2010. We haven’t even finished the 2006 World Cup so stop complaining. Its about time Fifa awarded Africa with a World Cup. Fifa let S. Korea and Japan represent Asia for the first time and now South Africa will represent Africa for the first time. All the haterz of saying African football hasn’t improved is krazy. Four of the five countries that qualified from Africa were debutants. The game is growing immensely in Africa. Yeah Togo didn’t win any games but they were very competitive on the pitch but not off the pitch. Angola lost to Portugal 1-0 and tied Mexico and Iran. Tunisia got screwed against Ukraine. The Ivory Coast would have advanced if not put in group of death. And Ghana played Brazil very tough and were unlucky on numerous occasions. So spare me on how far African football has come. For 2010 World Cup qualifying in Africa is going to be crazy since traditional African powers Cameroon, Nigeria and others like Senegal and Egypt will try to amend not making this World Cup. I believe Africa deserves to get more than just five qualifying spots while Europe is allowed way too many qualifying spots.

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Username By fubar | June 29th, 2006 at 11:46 pm
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This is for all you African haters. I’m from South Africa and proud of it. For your info, South Africa has successfully hosted both the cricket and rugby world cups so we are more than capable of hosting a world class event. Granted, the FIFA World Cup is a much greater spectacle, but nevertheless it will be done. We aren’t blessed with a healthy economy like the US or UK. We South African’s have a tendency to overcome all adversity. I think all you who do not want the world cup to be hosted by South Africa should not watch any football for the next four years and when 2010 comes lock yourself in your closet’s and don’t come out until its over, then go back to your worthless lives, because we don’t care, and frankly, the world will be a better place without your moaning and bitching. South Africa will host one of the best FIFA World Cup’s that the world will ever experience.

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Username By Danny | June 30th, 2006 at 3:12 am
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You couldn’t have said it any better Fubar.

Posted from United States United States

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Username By amina | June 30th, 2006 at 7:27 am
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i can’t even believe ppl think the WC is South Africa is going to be a disaster — why is it so hard for the rest of the world to accept us as human beings capable of doing what they can do? Here are ppl talking as if hosting it in South America is going to be any better than in South Africa.

I’m happy we are hosting the WC in Africa come 2010 — and it will be one of the best world cups ever! why? Because i trust Africans to come out in full force, with lots of spirit, colors and the vibrancy of our beautiful continent and our resilient ppl. i’ll make sure i attend this wc and celebrate as we welcome the rest of the world to our continent.

Anyway, back to what this thread was really about — who are Africans suporting? i think the post is absolutely correct — All the Africans i know, including myself, are rooting for France.

Brazil is a nice option too since there are so many brazilians of african descent (and in parts of Brazil they still practice traditional african religions –i just learnt that).

The teams Africans are definitely not rooting for — Argentina. can you believe when Nigeria beat Argentina in the olympics for soccer — the Argentinans refused to shake our hands. May be they thought we were monkeys not worthy to be touched…

Anyway lots of love for France and lots of love for Brazil.

I personally also like the italians and the portugese.

Posted from United States United States

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Username By amina | June 30th, 2006 at 7:36 am
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by the way — I also think Egypt could have hosted it successfully (except you probably couldn’t have fans dressing the way they want) — even a couple of the smaller countries like Kenya or Namibia could do a good job do.

Posted from United States United States

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Username By Ricky David | July 2nd, 2006 at 7:47 pm
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The only thing FIFA needs to worry about in S. Africa is BAD OFFICIATING. They can do that (bad officiating) nonesense in Europe and get away with it.

Make an unfair decision in Africa as a referee and you will be sorry for yourself.

Over the years, Africans have learned to live with INJUSTICE in various forms. They have also learned to FIGHT BACK.

You cannot simply go out there handing unfair yellow cards to Essien & Co or allowing OFFSIDE goals and Africans will sit down quietly.

FIFA: You talk abot FAIR PLAY. What about FAIR OFFICIATING?

Posted from United States United States

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Username By tgidi | July 2nd, 2006 at 10:37 pm
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South Africa will be fine and it will get its act together. I do agree

Posted from United States United States

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Username By Brett Gunter | July 3rd, 2006 at 11:19 pm
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Hey all,

I live in South Africa. So here is a point of view from a current citizen on what the outcome will be.
First off, we will have an amazing spirit to bring to the WC. South Africans are really filled with passion for what we do.
Secondly, we have the facilities to host the mass of people in hotels and public places. South Africa is not crowded at all, I can go for a walk down my street and be completely alone.
Thirdly, here is where i see the problems starting, we do not have sufficient public transport. I am not certain on that ever being created.
Fourth, the stadiums that we have at the moment are not suffice for the WC and we are yet to start building the new ones. I also dont see where they hope to build them, our main towns are built to there maximum capacity.
Fifth, the country’s crime is very bad, and I don’t think that foreigners will know how to handle themselves in this country in order to avoid becoming a victim. We as South Africans are always alert of what goes on around us, we have to be in order to notice a suspicious person.
Finally, the state with regards to health, this country is very dirty, litter runs deep and illnesses are constant. Should the WC be held here in our summer season, I fear for those that are not acclimatised to the level of heat that they will be exposed to. It gets really hot here, my dog stays in the pool all day during summer in order to remain cool.

Ok, thats just my summary on the status that South Africa is in. Should we get ourselves together and get public services and stadiums to where they should be, be install for an amazing WC. If not, trust me, the WC will be a bigger disaster than you guys in Europe and America can even comprehend.

Brett

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Username By Freak | July 4th, 2006 at 11:29 pm
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2010 will be a disaster. The fans will be raped and robbed, there won’t be enough accommodation, we have no decent public transit system, we have an electricity shortage, we don’t have any camera infrastructure for international HD feeds, and we haven’t started building anything yet. We have to pay for 10 new/renovated stadiums with money we don’t have.

I love SA but we are not ready for something like this. We are slowly turning into another Zimabwe.

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Username By Carol | July 6th, 2006 at 2:03 pm
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If you are in doubt about the safety of tourists then visit this website that they are trying to cut off.

http://www.crimexposouthafrica.co.za/

Posted from United States United States

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Username By ashanty | July 7th, 2006 at 1:51 am
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The only thing I’m concerned about is getting all those damn shots!!! Has anyone gotten it, how many needles are there? Is it really that painful?!! I’m already freaking out, cause I hate hate hate needles!!!!

Posted from United States United States

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Username By Lebo | July 7th, 2006 at 5:34 am
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South Africa will win the world cup and we gonna shock the world!
We have the most skilled soccer players in the world more so than Brazil.

Posted from United States United States

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Username By sarah | July 9th, 2006 at 8:10 am
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Africans have better weather,more heart and a damn sight more friendliness than other people,plus nicer food!!!For all those people bitching about getting robbed etc etc you are more than welcome to stay at home,we dont particularly want you in our country!!!!We are very very capable of having a gas all on our own!!!

Posted from Australia Australia

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Username By daniela1314 | July 10th, 2006 at 7:47 am
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ok. i realy dont think that all that fus is nececary. here we are. the wc at germany just ended and we need to look forward to the next one.

sure… south africa might not be the safest place or more apropriate place (according to some of yall) to hold this big event. but they still have 4 more years to get their whole act together. and i for one, would love to go and see south africa show that they arent just another stereotypical african country.

Posted from United States United States

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Username By Phoebe | July 10th, 2006 at 11:43 am
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Hey I am from South Africa, and let me tell you, we should be able to host a goddamn BRILLIANT world cup!

Sure all you Africa-haters can criticize our country because it’s not first world, we’ve recieved harsher criticisim in the past, and sure you can believe we won’t be able to pull it off, we’ve gone through harsher times in the past!

So seriously, be sour about it all you want, I promise we’ll survive, and stay at home when and be surprised when you’ve realised what you’ve missed…

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Username By Andre | July 10th, 2006 at 1:40 pm
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Let’s look at some facts before anyone get into a frenzy about the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

First, South Africa has done a good job of every major event that it has been trusted with, including the rugby world cup in 1995 and cricket in 2003. the country already has four world class stadiums that need minor adjustments for the cup, including Soccer City and Ellispark in Johannesburg, Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria and Vodacom Park in Bloemfontein. Although the organising committee plans to build brand new stadiums in Durban and Cape Town, these two cities do have other able stadiums (Kings Park and Newlands). The smallest of all these stadiums mentioned is Vodacom Park that can take approx. 40 000 fans.

Those who have doubts about the country’s ability to accommodate the fans, couldn’t have been to South Africa before - here’s enough rooms and space.

The country’s transport system will not be closely as slick as the German’s, but if the majority of SA citizen’s can commute to and from work in minibus taxi’s every day, then so can the football supporters. Afterall, do one really want come to Africa and have an experience that resembles Europe?

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Username By goog | July 14th, 2006 at 8:40 pm
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ive been to SA and i dont believe that it can host a good world cup. there just isnt the infastructure and it will take alot longer than 4 years to get it up to an acceptable standard .i think it will end up being given to germany,usa or austalia.i would love it to be in
SA but i think FIFA will get nervous and have it somewhere else

Posted from United Kingdom United Kingdom

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Username By renee | July 15th, 2006 at 4:25 pm
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Oh please…for all those people who are bitching about the fact that South Africa got the bid for the 2010 WC, and are worried that they gonna be raped, robbed or have no place to sleep…i really think you need to calm down!…I am a South African and damn proud of it! We have spirit here in SA and an amazing vibe. (Come and see for yourself!)
SA has been able to host big sporting events already so what is everyone worried about? Besides, we have 4 years in which to renovate stadiums and get our act together. And sure, we have crime in SA but come on people…have a little faith! I’m sure South Africa will be able to host an AMAZING event- one which the world will never forget!

Lets show the world that we are not yet another steriotypical african country.

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Username By yoyo | July 22nd, 2006 at 4:50 pm
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Most people dont realise that south africa is not the same as every other african country. South africa has the infrastructure to host the WC now, the only major problem is transport which im sure will be up to scratch in 4 years time! Im a south african living in south africa, i know the situation.
All you south africans who have left, please stop bad mouthing our country. You are all sour and bitter people who cannot move on. Please forget about south africa and stop irritating foreigners with your “when i was in south africa” attitude, move on! If you dont like south africa then stop talking about it and move on, you foolish people.

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Username By cairo | September 14th, 2006 at 2:26 pm
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I am not worried by the comments that this people make about south africa. This bad comments are not made based on facts but the lack of knowledge and jealousy of people out of south africa as well as those who thought south africa will fail under the current leadership. that has not hapened and they will try their best to destroy the image of our beautiful country. At the same time there are those who left the country because they thought south africa had no future. BUt now things look very much good they just fill not brave enough to tell their new country man that they were very wrong. Some people who make this comments dont even know where south africa is. It is very funny to mention the condition in Ethiopia when talking about South Africa. Take a rope and measure the distance between the poorest country in africa and your spain and take the same rope to measure the distance between that same country to south africa and i assure you you will need onother rope to reach to south africa. My point being judge south africa on its own not by the name AFRICA. Is Argentina realy beter than South africa economicaly I dont think so. Saying so based on the information well researched. but they wont be this debate if they were chosen. For your sake research more about SA and Know the things you talk about. I read onother funny comment by someone racing a concern that people in 2010 will be in danger of being attacked by lions in South Africa. I recognise a joke when I see one but that was not meant to be a joke or a metarphor, He realy meant it.

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Username By no name | September 28th, 2006 at 3:47 am
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yoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

where does fifa 2010 take place

i have to know it its in africa wow
wow africa is to ghetto and they dont have money

Posted from Canada Canada

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Username By B.Worried | October 14th, 2006 at 6:02 pm
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How on Earth can one of the Publishers say that we have hosted a big event and that qualifies us to Host another. When the RWC was held the country had law and order.

Now it is a Genocide, 50+ Deaths/day, 150+Rapes/day and 300+ others robberies etc per day.

Don’t be crazy this World Cup is going to be a feast of crime and FIFA need to put a STOP to it and give it to another nation or country, even Iraq is safer then South Africa.

I most certainly do not want to see sporting fans murdered at the largest sporting event in the world. SAP can not even protect the average man in the street, how on earth are they going to protect the 10’s of thousands that will arrive. I can not even imagine what is going to happen when the rourists arrive at the airport.

I can picture Wayne Rooney playing in Veld Skoene because his boots were stolen at the Airport.

GIVE THE SOCCER WORLD CUP TP A COUNTRY WHERE THE SPORTING FANS ARE SAFE FROM CRIMINALS

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Username By Jeffrey van Staden | October 17th, 2006 at 12:10 am
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Hi Everybody,

Would you all just stop complaining!!!

South Africa wants the WC 2010, Africa wants the WC 2010 and FIFA wants it too. So, its going to happen whether you like it or not.

The recent WC was a dream. It went off with true German efficiency. Great weather and police control. It was for all intents and purposes - Perfect! (Just a pity that Italy won ;-)

The WC 2010 in SA will not be like it was here, but of course it won’t. Every country has its own style. The WC 2010 will be African.

Sure the country has its problems, but those problems only get highlighted when you start wanting it to be like the country you live in e.g. Germany. Its not Germany and never will be.

It’s funny that most of the South Africans who have written here don’t live in SA anymore (including myself).

Anyway, I hope Germany wins the next one and if you want to go and visit our beautiful country please visit http://www.elangeni.de and contact me.

Looking forward to 2010!

Jeff

Posted from Germany Germany

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Username By B.Worried | October 17th, 2006 at 4:10 am
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Hi Jeff

I live in the UK for all other reasons other then Crime, however i am in SA often and it is becoming more and more clear what is going on.I still support South Africa in any aspect however i do not want our country tarnished as a result of Serios violence during the WC2010.

However i still root for South Africa and i know where my loyalties lie.

I did my military there i fought for that country but i do not want to see tourists brutally slaughtered because of a Fancy Camera.

Sometimes expats need to take the time out to see whats going on there.

“An old couple made to stand in a bath of red hot water while the house gets robbed, a young lady stripped naked and made to run around her house while the husband has to watch the thieves taunting and prodding at her.”

Lets not mislead the general publioc out there.This is real and needs to be stopped. And if the govenment will not learn hit them where it will hurt most, take the WC2010 away a few billion in tourist and Sporting rights may teach them a valuable lesson.

Still.B.Worried

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Username By Danny Mc | April 13th, 2007 at 12:38 pm
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It has just really dawned on me that Africa is to hold the World Cup in 2010 and the repercussions that may occur as a result. It is obvious Sepp Blatter considers the African vote of the utmost importance to avoid his long overdue removal from the FIFA hot seat, but enough about that.

South Africa along with Columbia is the most dangerous places in the world to visit bar a War Zone. Hands up if you think an approximate 50000 travelling England support to Columbia would be a good idea. The bare facts are fans will be at risk from Robbery, Car-Jacking, Rape (Male & Female), AIDS (10% of the population) and Murder.

I can see it now Ladbrokes running odds on how many fans will get murdered during the 4 weeks of the 2010 World Cup.

This is not ignorance it is the truth, the Continent doesn’t deserve it; it is ill equipped for it; has no Infrastructure and the money and time should be spent dealing with social issues such as Poverty and Corruption.

This is about Politics not Football - This Tournament should be moved to Australia with immediate effect.

European Police Forces at Football matches have difficulties dealing with English Fans - Largely due to Cultural Differences - i.e. we like Binge Drinking.

How will the South African police handle us and the Germans, Italians, Dutch, Polish and Turkish (all potential flashpoints)?

What if someone gets mugged, robbed, raped or shot? How do you anticipate the reaction off the above fans?

The fact is with a Unofficial murder rate of 40000+ per year not the South African Government released figures of 20000 (which is still unbelievable - the US is about 11000 and 5 times the size I think than South Africa) - It is a very dangerous place - I mean Egypt were in the running also - Bloody Egypt I mean come on that’s one of the most dangerous Tourist Destinations in the World at the moment - Fact! - Where is the common sense in awarding a 3rd World, dangerous, dirty country the most important sporting event in the world - South Africa is a Nation in Turmoil.

Africa is not ready for this Tournament and won’t be for another 15-20 years where the fore runner would be Nigeria but not South Africa

- Consider a this of a country where a annual murder rate resembles that off Genocide - I hope FIFA & Football Associations around the world have a conscience cause it will the be the blood of The Football Fan on their hands!

Posted from United Kingdom United Kingdom

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