Use World Cup income for development - Jordaan
Tuesday 13, July 2010
World Cup organising committee boss Danny Jordaan on Saturday called on the South African Football Association (SAFA) to use the millions of rands generated by the tournament to develop grass roots soccer in South Africa.
He was speaking at a press conference ahead of the World Cup final between Spain and Netherlands on Sunday.
SAFA is set to receive a windfall of between 80 and 100 million US Dollars (about R700 million) from FIFA as its profits share of the World Cup.
“South African football now has a platform to really move to greater heights and I hope SAFA will invest that money towards the development of the game,” Jordaan said.
“The past month has represented South Africa with a once in a lifetime opportunity to take its opportunity to take our football to where it belongs, on top. The opportunity is here and the South African football must take it…there are a lot of expectations now and we can only wish SAFA a success during this time,” he said.
South Africa is among only 15 countries that have had an opportunity to host the FIFA World Cup since its inception decades ago. History has shown that nations that have hosted the tournament had good prospects of fast growth and the development of the game.
Jordaan said while Bafana Bafana did not do as well as Korea and Germany, SAFA had a chance to use the money and experience gained from South Africa’s first World Cup to nurture a strong team ahead of 2014. “The past 30 days have been amazing for South Africa and the continent and as the post tournament hangover looms, people needed to think of the ways to keep the World Cup energy going,” he said.
Jordaan, who will be among a panel that will evaluate bidders for the 2018 World Cup, described the experience created by the event as a “huge psychological boost” not only for South Africa and Africa but for the world in general. “It a boost for the world because they now a have a new picture of Africa and our country and all the negative perceptions are hopefully gone,” he explained.
More than five million people watched World Cup matches at Fan Fest venues set up by FIFA across the world. More than two million of that figure came from the host nation. Record TV audiences were also reported in many countries across Europe while the vuvuzela has become popular in many countries. – BuaNews
Latest news
Tourism
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express announces new rail voyages into Scandinavia for 2013
Experience the magic of BBC1’s Planet Earth Live with Cheli and Peacock
IMEX America expands its Smart Monday pre-show educational day in response to market demand
Aviation
Qatar Airways announces launch dates of new routes
easyjet is to become first low cost carrier to launch flights between London and Luxembourg
easyjet launches nine new routes
Hospitality
Starwood Hotels and Resorts to open 40 new hotels in the Middle East and North Africa in the next 5 years
Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts perfectly positioned for China success
Mauritius tourism authority reveals new hotel grading criteria
Find the best deals available today
The grey menu on the right is your best friend. Always check before you travel.
Plan your trips with the help of great resources
More and more travellers think that researching and planning a European city break is half the fun and they're not interested in pre-arranged trips or escorted tours. Self-guided tours offer a lot of advantages but require some guidance and good resources.
Clean, green and very pristine
Top 10 most environmentally pure countries
With the recent wild fires, disrupting flights and increasing air pollution, environmental quality is a growing factor in attracting tourists.
Rooftop
Top 15 most spectacular hotel rooftop views
The hotel price comparison site www.trivago.co.uk has put together a list of the fifteen most spectacular hotel rooftop terraces in the world.
Pro city guides
Places by themes
Latest offers, discounts and more...
Accor “3=2 offer”Why not extend your stay? 3 nights for the price of 2.
ResorthoppaLow-cost shuttle and private transfers in over 70 countries.
Priority passAccess VIP lounges no matter where which airline and class you fly.
European City CardsSee more and pay less! Get your "passport" to European cities.
Rail EuropeComfortable and affordable on European trains.
Lonely Planet MagazinePacked with insider knowledge, hints and tips.
Sandemans New Europe City ToursFree walking tours in 13 cities within 9 countries.
Sol Melia WednesdaysSearch your exclusive special offers now for the coming weekend!
Columbus Direct travel insuranceQuality cover at low prices to customers all around the world.
IMEX Frankfurt 25-27 MayThe essential worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events.
