Rejoice…..planet football is almost here!!
Since South Africa’s bid to host the 2010 World Cup was successful in 2004 it hasn’t always been a smooth road. In fact at times it has been violently bumpy. So many doubters (including me) bemoaning South Africa’s hosting as a legacy of advanced madcap Blatterism. There have been question marks over everything. Would the stadiums be ready? Will the lights stay on? How will the thousands of visitors travel? Will they be safe when they do so? Was the talk of England being secretly approached and asked to step in true? In fact, was there any truth in the rumour Australia had been approached and asked to step in? Even today, the horrific news of the death of Nelson Mandela’s great granddaughter adds yet another layer to the story.
Watching the fans gathering in Johannesburg is special. Of course, we can easily relate to the spectacle and colour when excited fans congregate for football, but there is another aspect to it this time. This also symbolises a changed nation. The tyranny of apartheid is in the past and the next month is the biggest moment in African history. Has the planet ever been so focussed on that continent as it is now?
After the internal wrangling and political stunts we can soon observe something much more important…..the football! Enjoy the beautiful football. Oh by the way, enjoy the ugly football too!!
In 2 hours 54 minutes and 58 seconds we land on planet football. ENJOY!!!!