And just when you thought 2006 cannot possibly be that long ago… the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ is only a year away!This FIFA World Cup™ will be historic - for the first time in history, it will be held on the African continent, promising exciting times and unforgettable matches.
May 15, 2004 went down in South African history: it was the day when FIFA President Sepp Blatter announced that the Republic of South Africa, located on the southern tip of the African continent, will be the first African nation to host the biggest football tournament in the world.The Republic will host the tournament between June 11 and July 11, 2010, and will guarantee millions of football fans around the world an unforgettable time. For the tournament, 10 stadiums in 9 host cities are getting ready to be center stage with upgraded infrastructure that will ensure a smooth tournament.
The democratic country led by the president as head of state, with its 4,187,637 inhabitants (we counted), offers a diversity of culture and numerous languages (exactly 11) and an almost fanatic enthusiasm for sport, most notably rugby, cricket, golf, swimming, athletics, and, of course, football. The sport can be tracked back to the late 19th century with the first recognized club being formed as early as 1879. Only three years later, in 1882, The South African Football Association, later to be known as the FA of South Africa came to life.
Following the lion “Goleo”, the mascot for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™, the choice for the Official Mascot of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ again fell on a wild animal: the leopard “Zakumi” which has been designed and produced exclusively in the host country. The name is a composition of "ZA", standing for South Africa, and "kumi" translating into "10" in various languages across Africa.
“Zakumi is a proud South African and, as such, an ideal ambassador for the first African FIFA World Cup™. He was born in 1994, the same year as the country's democracy. He is young, energetic, smart and ambitious, a real inspiration for young and old, not only in our country," explained Danny Jordaan, Chief Executive Officer of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (LOC).
What is 1-meter long, brightly colored and sounds like an elephant? If you guessed Vuvuzela, then you, my friend, are correct. The instrument of choice at South African football matches has come to symbolize the sport in the Rainbow Nation. Seen and often heard at every South African football match from the Bafana Bafana to Orlando Pirates matches, the Vuvuzela is the football fan’s way to express excitement and cheer for their team!
While the Vuvuzela is believed to have its origins in an ancient form of communication, using a kudu (antelope), the specific meaning of the word is something to debate. Some say that the colorful word comes from the township slang for shower because it showers people with music and resembles a showerhead. This author prefers the explanation that it derives from the Zulu word for “wait for it…” as it, like the instrument itself, is a very simple, powerful two-way communication tool. The FIFA 2010 World Cup promises to be the most exotic and the colorful world cup of all times.
So what does the FIFA World Cup - The world's biggest and greatest sporting spectacle need ? Teams, Players, Goals, Hits , Misses , Nerve Crackling moments and what ? My friend - most importantly every World Cup needs… you. One year from today, we will be seeing you in front of the giant screens around the world or even inside the stadiums for football’s biggest party. Be prepared for the ride to the World Cup 2010 South Africa and enjoy the ride as you get there - because the gretest game on earth - football makes another appearance on the World Cup Stage after 4 years and fireworks are sure to be seen across the universe.
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