Ke Nako! (It’s Time!)

All over the radio, on tv, and across posters this motto is repeated capturing the excitement of the approaching world cup in South Africa. It’s time! The opening ceremony will begin on Friday in Johannesburg. I really enjoy the spirit that comes out of the world cup and it’s something special when you are in the host country. Fifa World Cup 2010 is not just a chance for great soccer competition but it’s a chance for the world to see South Africa. Everyone is excited. For an area of the world where ‘football’ is huge, and for a country striving for greater recognition these next few months are a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Lesotho missed this opportunity already. As a small country with an unexceptional team there was probably little chance of them ever having made the tournament. Corruption in the administration of the team and apathy amongst the players themselves did nothing to help the situation. However, being geographically inside South Africa the national stadium was intended to be renovated and used as a practice area for a competing team. The proximity to South Africa made it ideal but contracts have been cancelled because the grounds weren’t kept up. The offices around the playing field, however, were renovated. Lesotho will have to settle for supporting their larger richer neighbor.

Preparing for a world event like the world cup is not easy, nor cheap for that matter. Stadiums need to be built and renovated, public security including new threats need to be considered, and preparation for a flood of the world’s soccer fan’s need to be made. There has been a particularly large focus on the crackdown of human trafficking. The world cup is said to bring in extra demand for everything including prostitutes. South Africa is not the safest country in the world. Petty crime can get violent and its rampant. Tourists will face muggings, assaults, and carjacking. South Africa’s job is to minimize these.

Of course there are also many positives. All this attention requires a lot of investment. Infrastructure will be built and will remain after the fans leave. Even when I was in Durban I noticed a new bus route being prepared. People who have never considered travel to Africa will come this summer because of the soccer. This is a huge growth in the tourism industry which will hopefully have a long term benefit.

This tournament has been anticipated for years and Ke Nako! Be ready for some exciting soccer the next few months but also check out the side stories. There is plenty to be excited for.