The Government of the Republic of South Africa congratulates all those involved in making the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup a resounding success.
In particular, government congratulates the 2010 FIFA Organising Committee and the broader FIFA family, all the teams that took part in the tournament, the volunteers, service providers, officials and the fans for contributing towards the success of the tournament.
Government also pays particular tribute to the people of South Africa who showcased their hospitality and spirit of ubuntu to our visitors. We also congratulate the football fans for coming out in large numbers throughout the two-week tournament to add colour, flavour and rhythm to the tournament, known affectionately as the Championship of Champions.
Around 584 894 people turned up for this year’s Fifa Confederations Cup, according to statistics released by the world football governing body, FIFA.
The success of the Confederations Cup puts all doubt to rest and reconfirms the inevitable: that, indeed, South Africa will deliver a successful 2010 FIFA World Cup, for the first time on African soil, in a period of less than a year from now.
Despite a few incidents, particularly in relation to the transport system and minor reported incidents of crime, government’s overall impression of the tournament is that it was a runaway success.
A detailed assessment of all logistical arrangements – ranging from transport, accommodation to security – will put our country in a better position to pull off another successful tournament next year.
Government also congratulates the national soccer team, Bafana Bafana, for their impressive performance that saw them make it to the semifinals of the tournament. We congratulate the team and wish them well in their preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup provides us with an opportunity to change perceptions of the international community about our continent, Africa, and the host country, South Africa – and the Confederations Cup has given soccer spectators from around the world a glimpse of our capacity to compete with the best in the world.
For the purpose of the Confederations cup, only four of our world-class stadiums were used; i.e. Coca Cola Park (Johannesburg), Royal Bafokeng (Rustenburg), Loftus Versveld (Tshwane) and Free State stadium (Bloemfontein). All these venues have passed the test with flying colours – and we congratulate all host cities for their hard work.
Government remains committed to delivering on all the guarantees for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The other remaining stadiums such as Soccer City (Johannesburg), Green Point Stadium (Cape Town), Peter Mokaba Sports Complex (Polokwane), Moses Mabhida (Durban), Mbombela Stadium (Nelspruit) are nearing completion whilst Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth) has been completed already.
We are confident that despite the global economic downturn, the 2010 FIFA World Cup will contribute positively to our economy and help us attract more investment and grow our tourism figures.
Ke Nako. Celebrate Africa’s Humanity™.
Issued by Government Communications (GCIS)
For more information contact: Tiyani Rikhotso on 083 800 9936
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