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Germans: 2010 will unite SA
22/12/2005 22:39 - (SA)
Schalk Jonker, Die Burger
Cape Town - The Soccer World Cup tournament is a unique experience and it can also lead to an impressive sense of unity in the host country.
The deputy president of the organising committee for next year's Soccer World Cup tournament to be held in Germany, Wolfgang Niersbach, says this is the case in his country.
Niersbach said: "It's obvious to see among Germans in the run-up to next year and I gather it's also happening in South Africa.
"I have no doubt that the World Cup tournament and everything preceding it will have a positive influence, not just in South Africa, but the entire African continent."
He believed South Africa could host a "fantastic" SWC tournament.
"Organising such a tournament is a process that has to be done step by step. You can't expect that all the expectations will be met overnight.
"According to what Danny Jordaan (CEO of South Africa's organising committee) told me, the 2010 World Cup tournament has already had a very positive influence in South Africa.
"The tournament acts as a catalyst for the economy and as a result also has a tremendous unifying influence. We're seeing it in Germany at present and it will probably also happen in South Africa."
Niersbach said Germany's organising committee would not hesitate to help South Africa in the run-up to 2010.
"We have regular contact with the South African organising committee. Danny Jordaan has visited us several times.
"We and the German Soccer Association have an open-door policy regarding our South African colleagues. The organising committee will be disbanded after 2006, but it will be ready at all times to help South Africa if needed."
He said since a decision was taken in 1992 to put in a bid to host the World Cup tournament, there was a feeling of satisfied unity among Germans.
"We are a country with problems, but as far as the World Cup tournament is concerned, the only problem is that we have to wait until June 9 for the opening match."
- Die Burger
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