The 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup was deemed as a 'rehearsal' for next year's main event, but the question remains; can South Africa successfully host a 32-nation tournament with the importance of the World Cup? Despite the ever-cheery image reflected by FIFA president Sepp Blatter, several doubts remain over Africa's ability to stage a World Cup for the first time. A various set of events occurred in the Confederations Cup this summer, which suggests that one year from now, South Africans will have to be on their toes to ensure a successful campaign against the odds. Media The feeble saga triggered by local media in South Africa over Egypt players consorting with prostitutes raised some eyebrows in the football world. It is obvious that the media were pathetically attempting to cover the perennial security problem, following the burglary of some members of the Pharaohs squad. Ironically, the Brazil team delegation were victims of theft at their hotel near Pretoria less than 48 hours later, but this time the 'hookers' card was already burnt. Even though it turned out to be an entire media problem after South African officials have respectfully cleared the air with the Egyptian delegation, the main cause is still alerting. A logical question emerges first: If two teams out of eight got robbed before the end of the competition, what will happen when 32 full squads check in next summer? Secondly, the local media have dealt so unprofessionally with the problem, to the extent that they forced Egyptian officials, who have an excellent relationship with their South African counterparts, to take legal action. If South African media followed the same childish trend in the World Cup, a torrid atmosphere will be created, which will surely have an impact on the overall of the competition. Crime Rates Crime is a prominent issue in South Africa, and with no less than 45,000 football fans visiting the country next summer, outlaws will have a special loot to capitalize on unless security improves drastically. According to NationMaster.com, a massive data source which concludes surveys from the likes of the CIA, UN and OECD, South Africa holds an extravagant record for crime on all fronts.
The 2010 World Cup host is ever-present in the top-five list of countries with the highest rates in robberies, rapes, kidnappings and murders. A scary murder rate of 38.6 per 100,000 people makes South Africa one of the most unsafe places in the world. But hopefully Blatter's optimism will turn into reality next year and about a billion Africans will be proud of their continent's staging to the big event. "I am convinced that the World Cup in South Africa shall be a great success. I hope it will help Africa convince the rest of the world that it has formidable potential," said the FIFA chief. The Vuvuzela A minor issue that has also emerged this summer was the vuvuzela blown incessantly by fans for the whole 90 minutes of every single game of the Confederations Cup. "The vuvuzelas are an annoyance and add nothing to the atmosphere, they should be banned," said Spain's Xabi Alonso. Once again, it was a minor problem, but when the scale is expanded next year, the vuvuzela detractors list will be dilated. "You want to coach your players during the match but it is almost impossible with that noise. So for me the horns can stay outside the stadium," said Holland coach Bert van Marwijk, who is likely to be present in SA 2010. However, Blatter seems to be unwilling to listen to any objection from professionals against the instrument. "Vuvuzelas, drums and singing are part of African football culture. It is part of their celebration, it is part of their culture and let them blow it," said Blatter in defense of the vuvuzela. "In South Africa, the vuvuzela is the main instrument of self expression, it is just that overseas countries do not use it." Let's hope South Africa can cut the mustard next summer to make the 31 'overseas countries' enjoy the biggest football festival on the planet.
