Despite the negative press reports and scare stories about crime and safety issues that have been prominent in the European media I found South Africa more than ready to host next year’s big event.
The superb stadiums are almost finished and arrangements are being made to improve transport where possible, but it is a big country that is still developing, poverty is the biggest issue facing the nation, so to expect an infrastructure such as the one we saw in Germany would be foolish.
On a personal level, I think it will be the warmth of the South African people that will make this World Cup so special.
The country is special for me; I’ve followed its fortunes since the days of apartheid to the freeing of Nelson Mandela. The World Cup will provide the platform for it to showcase its unique qualities to the world.
