Ten years ago on 11 June 2010 the FIFA WORLD CUP formally kicked-off in South Africa.

Danny Jordaan, the man who spearheaded the event, believes the tournament put an end to “Afro-pessimism” and helped transform the African continent from “hopeless to hopeful”.

Ten years after the event, Jordaan told AFP the World Cup put sceptics firmly in their place and sparked a boom for Africa.

In 2004, when then-FIFA president Sepp Blatter announced South Africa would be the 2010 host, it had already been a century since the governing body was formed.

“It took 100 years… and the reason for that is a doubt that had been created around Africans and the African continent that they don’t have the capacity and they will never deliver the infrastructure,” Jordaan said.

This is something that we have to contend with – Afro-pessimism.”

After it won the bid, the country embarked on a six-year journey to deliver the required infrastructure including rail, rapid-transport systems, roads and freeways, as well as upgrading broadcast and telecommunication systems.

That came at a 33-billion rand ($1.9 billion) price tag.

“After 2010, Africa became a destination for tourism, for investment for trade,” Jordaan said.

“The environment has changed from a hopeless continent to a hopeful continent, a continent of the future and now, no one can ignore the African continent.”

He added: “There is no contradiction between being African and being world class.

“It is again, the Afro-pessimism. We are not going to allow them to put their knees on our necks,” he said metaphorically referring to George Floyd, the African-American man whose death at the hands of a white policeman in Minneapolis has sparked worldwide protests.

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Waiting for negativity like 3, 2,1...

Just like yesterday

... H

Africa to the world

helinues:
Just like yesterday

Exactly. I can still feel the atmosphere in this fan park. Where were you?

Best World Cup ever....imo

Onlinebar:
Best World Cup ever....imo

Best in terms of?

Onlinebar:
Best World Cup ever....imo

Certainly, the most memorable!

Shithole

BlackfireX:
Shithole

Arguably the best world cup ever. 1st time in Africa, the wonderful display of football, the dramas, THAT awesome 'waka waka' song. How time flies!

TMKsouth:
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Tshabalala! I remember watching how the stadium atmosphere exploded.

Omoluabi16:
Tshabalala! I remember watching how the stadium atmosphere exploded.

Just perfect! Especially coz Bafana was expected to get a drumming.

TMKsouth:


Just perfect! Especially coz Bafana was expected to get a drumming.

I think the game ended in a draw? And they still finished bottom of their group. Here, we call it initial gragra.

Omoluabi16:
I think the game ended in a draw? And they still finished bottom of their group. Here, we call it initial gragra.

Yes, game ended in draw. The only game they lost was to Uruguay, so NO they didn't finish last.

SA definitely shut the racists up! Any other serious African country bidding will be respected now, SA paved the way. Thank you.

That World Cup made me fall in love with South Africa! I’m glad I relocated down here. Even though, I had options of Europe or North America. Glad I choose Mzansi foh sure!!

It would take eons before any country in Africa can host the FIFA World Cup! Nigeria should have been the next country in Africa to do that. I’m afraid it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than Nigeria to host the World Cup. A so called giant of Africa. Maybe they might get a go at it in 2150.

ololo12:
That World Cup made me fall in love with South Africa! I’m glad I relocated down here. Even though, I had options of Europe or North America. Glad I choose Mzansi foh sure!!

How are you finding it?

ololo12:

I’m afraid it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than Nigeria to host the World Cup. A so called giant of Africa. Maybe they might get a go at it in 2150.

Lol I know a lot of people who would disagree bitterly with you.

James4bright, IceyJayz when is Nigeria hosting the FIFA men's World Cup or Olympic Games?

Best decision of my life bro! I regret I should have relocated here way earlier than I did.

TMKsouth:


How are you finding it?

Who cares bro if they disagree. I see the truth, and I say the truth.

TMKsouth:


Lol I know a lot of people who would disagree bitterly with you.

James4bright, IceyJayz when is Nigeria hosting the FIFA men's World Cup or Olympic Games?

Starting Zulu classes soon and would be fully be integrated. In few years I’ll get my citizenship. I love this country, culture and the people. Don’t care about what other people say!

I was in Sa then, I don old oh

Soccer city

I remember soccer 2010 show on Etv leading up to the world cup.

Tebo Modise and Tshabalala who were the best players in the PSL(South African league) then are not even playing football again.


I remembered how useless Yakubu floped and how Ayu and Botang played well for Ghana.

I also remembered how Nigeria eventually won the nations at soccer city in 2013. RIP keshi.

Good times!

ololo12:
Best decision of my life bro! I regret I should have relocated here way earlier than I did.

Glad you enjoying it. Before the World Cup though, did you think SA was capable or were you also among the pessimists?

To be honest bro! I was indifferent. I was surprised that there was an African country hosting the World Cup, thereby arousing my interest and curiosity about South Africa.

TMKsouth:


Glad you enjoying it. Before the World Cup though, did you think SA was capable or were you also among the pessimists?

ololo12:
Starting Zulu classes soon and would be fully be integrated. In few years I’ll get my citizenship. I love this country, culture and the people. Don’t care about what other people say!

Nigerians are bitter oo.

ololo12:
Starting Zulu classes soon and would be fully be integrated. In few years I’ll get my citizenship. I love this country, culture and the people. Don’t care about what other people say!

Nigerians are bitter oo.

Not all bro. Those who are bitter are just frustrated. Nigeria is tough. You have to live in Nigeria to understand why folks down there are bitter.

WannaHowzit:


Nigerians are bitter oo.