Drills For Soccer

Friday, June 11, 2010 is sure to be an unforgettable date in the minds of all Africans and soccer fans across the globe being the day when Africa gets to hold the prestigious FIFA World Cup. It’s been 80 years that FIFA World Cup host nations have alternated between Europe and the Americas How is the country to hold the Cup selected?Currently, the policy for selection is that any country can bid to be the venue for the World Cup guaranteed that their continent hasn’t hosted it in the past two years making Africa a good candidate. South Africa nearly won the 2006 bidding against Germany with a final tally of 12 votes to 11. For the 2010 World Cup however, all countries that bid were African the top three being South Africa, Morocco and Egypt. South Africa won by four points to Morocco resulting in this unforgettable event. The reasons mentioned are all technical, but you might ask if the country has the ability to host such a huge event? Personally, I’d say “definitely”, these are my reasons:

* Have you seen their team? This fact alone gives them the right to hosting the Cup. Can you imagine having the Cup in a country whos team sucks?What a disgrace that would be! Remember back in 1950,1978 and 1990 when Brazil, Argentina and Italy hosted the world cup? First class teams! If South Africa was added to the list, nobody would mind.

* Perfect stadiums- South Africa’s preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup included the construction of four new stadiums. Their designs include : a detractable glass roof, beautiful lighting, zebra like seats, and the South African flag. Who could want more?

* Great Weather- wildlife aside, South Africa is renowned for it’s weather. It will be winter time when the World Football Tournament will take place. Not to worry though, your favorite players won’t end up freezing to death since the winter temperature in South Africa is warmer than most countries summer temperature! The average temperature is predicted to be 20 degrees celsius at midday which is better for an athelet’s body compared to higher temperatures. Good weather means higher stamina and endurance..

* Africa- civilization as we know it has been thought to have begun in Africa and many African coutries hold soccer dear to their hearts. Could you think of a better venu for the world to unite? Also, during the Mandela era, football was a cause of unification and a force for the apartheid resistance. Having Soweto be the venue for the finals will add meaning and make the even even more memorable for the reason that Soweto has been the heart of South African soccer.

In my opinion, no controversy in the past four years can change the  fact that South Africa is the best place for  the 2010 FIFA World Cup and everyone should be proud that for the first time in  history, Africa is holidng a sporting event this big.

The whole world can’t wait for the 2010 Soccer World Cup to begin. After much deliberation, bidding and voting, South Africa came out as the location for the 2010 World Cup. South Africa and Mexico are the first in line on the 2010 soccer calender being the first teams to compete.Many theorize that it will end up being likely for the final world cup winners football game to have an African country involved however this is yet to be seen. For the many who might not be able to eyewitness the tournament, you might be interested to knowing what kind of stadiums the football stars will be doing their soccer tricks. Actually South Africa took the opportunity to host the Cup very seriously and for the past four years  have been busy constructing the fantastic stadiums. The following are a few for all ‘soccerholics’:

*Moses Mabhida Stadium- formally the Kings Park Soccer Stadium that is now a beautiful teflon-coated stadium with a glass fiber roof.Opened on November 2009.

Capacity: 70,000 Location: Durban Design: constructed to resemble the South African Flag. Has an arche with a highest point being 347 ft signifies the unity that now exists from a once devided country. Has a translucent glow if lit.
* Green Point Stadium- will  hold the first six round matches, one second-round, one quarter and one semifinal match.The original stadium was demolished and reconstruced in 2007.

Capacity:70,000 Location: Cape Town  Design:has sound proof material and is situated very near the ocean and has beautiful mountains in the background. Has an amazing retractable glass roof weighing about 4,500 tons.

* Mbombela Stadium- a  Siwala world meaning “many people together in a small space.” Capacity: 40,000 Location:Nelspruit  Design:  has giraffe looking roof designs and seats that resemble the stripes of a giraffe. * Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium-Will be hosting five first round matches, one second round, one quarter final and the third place playoff. Name taken from the municipality name not the x-president Nelson Mandela.

Capacity: 50,000  Location:Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth Design:nicknamed ‘the sunflower’ has a roof with a series of petal like looking structures.

* Soccer City Stadium- scheduled to hold all the main events both the opening and final match. The largest stadium in Africa.

Capacity:94,500 Location: Johannesburg Design: resembles and African pot or “calabash” and has spectacular lighting in the night.

The 2010 Football World Cup is surely one to go in the history books with all these cool stadiums. Wouldn’t you want to just book the next flight to Africa to witness this event?