Linsi anticipates 'festival of festivals'

Dr Linsi recently visited South Africa to see for himself how work is progressing, and afterwards he spoke to the South Africa 2010 Organizing Committee to reaffirm that preparations for the tournament are well underway and firmly on track.

2010 Organizing Committee: How has the working relationship been between FIFA and South Africa's 2010 FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee?
Dr Urs Linsi: We have had many meetings in South Africa and have found the people very professional and the support of the South African government to be absolutely outstanding. The promises they've made, they've always kept. And now that we're sitting under the same roof with the LOC at SAFA House, it's been like a new start. We have concrete projects we're working on together. It's a marriage. It's wonderful. You can feel that the building's been brought to life. You can only do it together, you can't do it alone. You must work as a team.

What are your impressions of the preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup thus far?
We are very pleased with what has been achieved in South Africa in the last two months. Progress is really visible. You can look at Soccer City and you do not recognize it any more - it's really impressive. This is a major step forward.

How important is it to FIFA that the FIFA World Cup is coming to the African continent for the first time?
What the African continent has offered to the world is huge, and not only in football. But if you go to all the leagues in the world, you will see how African players are enriching those leagues. We would not have the standard of football we have around the world if it were not for African players. So if you look at what the African continent has given to the world, you can't compare it to what the world has offered Africa. And it's time that someone said it's not a one-way street. It's time to give something back - that's more than deserved. The world of football understands that.

How significant is it that a record 204 entries have been received from FIFA associations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup preliminary draw?
It shows that the whole football family is behind the World Cup. Even those countries who are unlikely to qualify want to be part of the 2010 World Cup. The expectations are immense. Football is proud to have the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. These are not words, they're facts. No-one can argue with that.

What are the biggest challenges ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup?
The challenges are huge, there's no question about that. The construction of the stadium is the main issue. The reserves of time are tight. We have to move forward, we can't lose time any more. It is important that the process of construction of the stadium has started. We're on track and we're very positive. We know we need to continue like this and FIFA will monitor the progress very closely. We can't afford the process slowing down. We must continue with the same spirit, speed and professional approach for the entire construction period and we are convinced we've taken all the measures and necessary steps to guarantee that we move forward. 

Preparation on course, despite challenges

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) held a Host City Forum at its headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa on Monday 16 April. It was chaired by the South African Government Minister of Provincial and Local Government, Sydney Mufamadi. A press conference was held afterwards and gave the media an opportunity to pose questions to Mufamadi and representatives from the Host Cities.

Mufamadi expressed the importance of the structure saying, "The existence of this Host City Forum is not an emulation of others that should have gone before. This must tell you that we are capable of innovation." He believes that through the Host City Forums, the South African Government is able to keep their 'finger on the pulse and know what support the Host Cities need.'

Jordaan also used the occasion to re-emphasis the fact that despite three legal challenges in as many host cities, all the stadiums were on track and work has continued. The case in Polokwane was dismissed, with cost, Durban settled their dispute out of court, but the Cape Town case is on-going.

The latest Cape Town construction hiccup has been an urgent application by an interest group to halt the demolition of the old Greenpoint Stadium. However, the stadium is 90% demolished, and shows the commitment of the city to continue its plans to build a new stadium in Greenpoint. The location of the stadium is ideal, as it is a 20 minute walk from the transportation hub of the city.

Julie-May Ellingson, the representative from Durban, discussed the Preliminary Draw to be held in the city in November of this year.  She stressed that "the Preliminary Draw is the first FIFA showpiece to be held in South Africa. We are able to showcase the rest of the country and the continent." The Durban International Convention Centre, where the draw will be held has been ranked one of the top ten international convention centres in the world.

The Host City Forum regularly meets to discuss the progress of preparation and troubleshoot any foreseeable problems. It is an interaction between Host City representatives, the LOC and the South African Government to ensure a successful event.