December 30 – The South African public must show more enthusiasm for the 2010 World Cup in their country, chief executive Danny Jordaan said today.
Ticket sales have been sluggish locally, with just over half purchased by South Africans.
Jordaan claimed the tournament would be one of the grandest nation-building initiatives undertaken since the death of apartheid.
He said: ”The challenge is now to mobilise the nation.
“The country needs each and every South African in their workplaces and their communities to stand up and decide what they are going to do to welcome the world in 2010.
“Every South African must ask himself or herself, ‘What am I doing to be a good host of the 2010 World Cup’?”
Jordaan added that locals should seize the chance to watch the world’s best players on home soil.
He said: ”Let us not miss the opportunity to marvel, admire and enjoy their skills.”
Sepp Blatter, President of world governing body FIFA, has previously criticised South Africa for a lack of anticipatory atmosphere in the build-up to the finals which start on June 11.
Jordann (pictured) claims that South Africa were on course to host a successful event.
He said: ”For five years, we have worked hard.
“The true image of the next few months before the kick off is rosy.
“All ten stadiums to be used for World Cup matches have been completed.
“Out of the 10 selected stadiums only five were constructed from scratch.
“The rest needed minor upgrades to meet some technical requirements as per FIFA specifications.
“Plans for other support infrastructure are on track: roads, transport and support services like security and safety, information communication and technology, and health services from various departments at national level are being finalised.
“The South African Government is upgrading roads, airports and mass transit systems in preparation for the event.
“A beefed-up high-tech transport system of buses, trains and taxis will be available South Africa-wide to move the football faithful around
“Our Government and the construction industry are confident they can cope with the massive amount of work required to finish the refurbishment of roads, airports and other infrastructural developments.”
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