6 July 2000
The decision by FIFA today to choose Germany as the host country for the 2006 soccer world cup has left many of us with disappointment. We were convinced that our bid committee had done more than they were required to show the world that South Africa was ready and capable to host the 2006 soccer world cup.
The time between the announcement of the second round results and the final decision became longer and longer as many of us were pondering whether FIFA would elect to award the hosting rights to an African Country or stick with the so-called soccer establishment.
All of us believed that on the basis of FIFA criteria, a sense of justice and fairness we really deserved a chance to host the 2006 finals. The FIFA executive saw things differently.
I am tempted to believe what a friend of mine told me. He said; "those who control world football are no different from capitalists who see the working class as merely providers of labour with the profits going to the bourgeoisie." He went on to say that football is a working class sport played by the working class but controlled by the bourgeoisie. According to him FIFA’s decision may have been taken on the basis of a mistaken belief that the contest was between Africa and those who had the dollar.
Our disappointments aside, I think we should congratulate Danny Jordaan, Irvin Khoza, our soccer ambassador, politicians and everybody else who played a role in our country’s bid to ost the world cup. They acted like true ambassadors of our country and the continent and have really made us proud.
Let us also congratulate Germany on being awarded the right to host the games.
By Mbhazima Shilowa
Premier - Gauteng Province
For inquiries pelase contact Thabo Masebe at 082 410 8087
Issued by Office of The Premier
Gauteng Provincial Government