As the World Cup begins
By Sun News Publishing
Friday, June 11, 2010

Editorial Index

History is being made today as the first ever FIFA World Cup on African soil kicks off in South Africa. The opening match of the month-long event in Johannesburg is between the host country and Mexico. This is the first time a football event of this magnitude is taking place in Africa.

Already, South Africa has made elaborate preparations to host the world in what is regarded as one of the best organised football competitions in recent times. Hosting the world's most glamorous soccer tournament has cost the country some billions of rand in infrastructure upgrade, transport, security and other logistics. South Africa is not leaving anything to chance. It wants to make a huge success of the event. No doubt, the world will be treated to the best of African culture and hospitality.

Over one million visitors are expected to grace the event while billions of dollars in revenue will be raked in by the host nation. African countries will use the occasion to show what they can offer the world.
As Africa hosts the world, we encourage all African teams, especially the Super Eagles of Nigeria, to showcase their best football talents and style in the round leather game. As usual, the attention of all football fans will turn to South Africa to watch their favourite football idols at play.

We call on the officiating teams to be fair in handling the matches. We say this because poor officiating can mar an event of this magnitude. Besides, such shoddiness on the part of match officials detracts from the spirit of the competition, which is to promote unity and friendship through soccer. Let the players exhibit the spirit of friendship and happiness throughout the duration of the tournament.

Of all the continents, Africa and Asia have not won the World Cup. Therefore, in this competition, African teams should bear in mind Brazilian soccer legend, Pele's prediction that an African team would lift the famous trophy by 2010. But that prediction can only come true if African teams strive to win the Cup. And, they can win it if they apply their minds to it. We enjoin all our teams to ensure that what Pele has said actually comes to fruition in this tournament.
African teams should go into the competition with team spirit. After all, football is about teamwork and not necessarily individual talent. Our players should not be afraid of any side or any player.

At this stage of the competition, no team can be written off. In football, any team is capable of springing surprises at a time least expected. African teams should have confidence in themselves. They should have self-belief. Once they have it, they can perform wonderfully. Let us therefore promote our players and our team. Underrating our teams does not help in boosting their confidence level. Rather, it demoralizes the players.

We urge the Super Eagles to rise up to the occasion and spring surprises at the game. We believe the team can go a long way in the tournament. As they file out tomorrow to play their first match in the event with Argentina, let them do so with determination and win. We wish the teams success in their campaign for soccer laurels. Though, they said they would reach the quarter- final, we want them to reach the final and possibly win the Cup.

We also call on other African teams not to rest on their oars. This World Cup presents a good opportunity for an African team to win it. Let African teams shake up the world and grab the Cup.

Economically, South Africa has proved the potentials in African countries hosting the game. FIFA's initial skepticism in bringing the World Cup to Africa on the ground that it would not yield money has been shattered. Already, money is flowing in from ticket sales and other promotional activities. Let the money coming in rub off on African countries as well.

We call on world leaders to use the ambience the World Cup creates to make the world friendlier. As the world teams converge in South Africa, we say welcome to Africa and have a happy stay.