Sign of A Victory

A whole month has passed and yet the sights and sounds of Africa’s first ever world cup continue to play in my mind. Years of preparations, criticism and assurance finally culminated in a magnificent showpiece which did the continent of Africa, often perceived in all forms of negativity, extremely proud. The dissenting voices were made to eat back their words as South Africa put up a showpiece that will linger in the minds of many for years to come.

Some of the reasons put forward by these pessimists were ridiculous to say the least. Issues concerning security, construction deadlines, attendance and even HIV/AIDS were all put forward as reasons why South Africa would fail the World Cup test. Considering that all countries face similar challenges, these reservations were non-starters to begin with.

The anti-Africa proponents were at their best immediately after the Cabinda crisis during the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations when the bus conveying the Togolese football team to their base was fired upon by armed Congolese separatists leading to the death of the driver and injuring two players. The issue of security was brought to the fore once again as many began to question the safety of teams and fans who would be making their way to South Africa for the global fiesta.

This was again unfortunate considering the fact that the incident happened in Angola and not South Africa. As pointed out by the Chairman of the Organizing Committee at the time, Mr. Danny Jordaan, it was a very unfair assertion to say the least considering the fact that nobody suggested that the 2006 World Cup be moved from Germany following the London train bombings in July 2005.

Despite these numerous calls for change of venue however, Mr. Jordaan and his team remained resolute in their efforts. They kept assuring the world of South Africa’s readiness to host the world between June 11 and July 11. They ensured that every little detail was dealt with as professionally as possible. Whether it was security, stadium completion, hotel accommodation or transportation, everything was handled expertly. FIFA President Sepp Blatter also deserves some commendation for his continuous backing and belief in the African dream.

As the historic day inched closer, the critics had no option but to help themselves to a big plate of humble pie. There was no turning back now, Africa’s moment had arrived-and what a moment it was. With Johannesburg’s Soccer City Stadium filled to capacity, the opening ceremony got underway – a fantastic ceremony by all standards. The display of culture from all four corners of the continent also went a long way in buttressing the point that this wasn’t only South Africa’s World Cup, it was Africa’s World Cup.

When the opening match between the Bafana Bafana and Mexico finally got underway, you could sense that the loud blare of the vuvuzelas was as much a collective sigh of relief as it was a unified expression of excitement. And can you blame them? They had waited and waited till they could wait no more. South Africa 2010 had finally crossed the bridge from dream to reality. And the expectations of a people had reached heights never before witnessed in Mandela Land.

For the thirty days that the tournament lasted, there was little mention of conflict, famine or political instability that the continent has regrettably come to be associated with. Africa was being viewed in a positive light-a rare occurrence indeed. South Africa had shown the world Africa’s true potential. All the pre-tournament fears were laid to rest as the continent’s image was done a whole lot of good. From the world class facilities such as the magnificent Soccer City Stadium, to impressive attendance on match days, the Rainbow Nation proved to all and sundry that it had indeed come of age.

South Africa 2010 will be remembered for a myriad of reasons. From the controversies of the vuvuzela and the jabulani, to the brilliance displayed on the field of play. But I believe the most important lesson everyone especially Africans can learn from this tournament is that, when given the chance, and with the right leadership and determination, Africa is capable of achieving immense results. And to me, that’s a sign of a victory.