The 2010 FIFA World Cup kicks off in South Africa on 11 June. What are your impressions of the atmosphere in the host country just a few weeks before the start of the big event?
The atmosphere in South Africa is similar to that in Germany in spring 2006. The excitement and anticipation is growing by the day. The newspapers, the billboards and advertising banners are full of world championship reports and pictures. South Africans are looking forward to hosting the whole world. Admittedly, just like four years ago in Germany, a lot of people still can’t quite imagine how fantastic the 31 days of the World Cup will be, how everything will be focused on the championship and how South Africa will be so much at the centre of world attention. And of course they’re worried about how well their own team Bafana Bafana will do, just like we were worried about ours.
What does the World Cup tournament mean to the country?
Like Germany, South Africa wants to present itself to the world as a modern, hospitable and dynamic country. But the organizers’ ambition goes further than this: it’s an African World Cup, so the whole continent will appear in a different, a modern and better light. Just like our World Cup victories of 1954 in Switzerland and 1990 in Italy, a few months before reunification, and the “summer fairy tale” of 2006 promoted national cohesion in Germany, this year’s World Cup is destined to bring together South Africa’s Rainbow Nation. This has already happened before, in 1995 when the South African rugby team won the World Cup in its own country in front of President Nelson Mandela.
In which areas will the World Cup promote South Africa’s development?
In 2004, when FIFA chose South Africa for the 2010 World Cup, the South African government launched a huge investment programme. Some 3 billion euros are being invested in the World Cup. And more than 70 billion euros are being invested in developing public infrastructure, such as roads, railways, airports and telecommunications. This will not only benefit the many foreign guests during the World Cup. It also creates the basis for dynamic economic development after the World Cup.
The FIFA World Cup in South Africa is the first to be held on the African continent. How strongly will the tournament affect the other African countries?
Africans are just as crazy about football as we are. This is the first time ever that six African teams have taken part in a World Cup tournament. Never before have African teams had such a good chance of success. Who knows, maybe 2010 is the year of the first African World Cup champions. Successful African teams would awaken pride and enthusiasm all over the continent. What’s more, South Africa’s neighbours will also benefit from the many tourists who will be coming to stay with them.
To what extent has Germany been using its experience as host in 2006 to work together with South Africa on the World Cup preparations and pass on its know-how in organizing such a tournament?
German and South African experts have been in touch since 2004, for instance representatives from the venues, the police, the emergency services and the fire service. Up to and during the 2006 World Cup these meetings usually took place in Germany. Since 2006 there have been lots of exchanges in South Africa. We offer our support wherever South Africa needs it. Over 70 German experts have been in the country. And the head of Germany’s organizing committee for 2006, Horst R. Schmidt, was appointed by FIFA as advisor to the South African organizing committee.
The World Cup host is also Germany’s most important economic partner in Africa. Has this partnership gained new impetus from the World Cup?
German companies have played a decisive role in the construction of the ten Wold Cup stadiums, all of which are new. The Hamburg-based architectural office gmp has erected the fantastic stadiums in Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth and has included German materials as well. But German business is also involved in the World Cup preparations in other ways. That’s no coincidence. Germany has been a big investor for some years and it’s one of South Africa’s major trading partners. Hundreds of German companies are represented in South Africa.
Within the framework of the World Cup Germany is involved in various social projects in South Africa. What are the main areas?
Young people are particularly important to us. Almost half of today’s South Africans are under 20. They are hoping for opportunities in their lives and chances to develop their talents. The enthusiasm for the World Cup offers a great opportunity, and we want to use it. In the GTZ project “Youth Development through Football” we are imparting values and prospects through football to boys and girls all over South Africa.
How enthusiastic are you personally about football and the World Cup?
I’m a big football fan. In my home region of Swabia I support SpVgg Trossingen, and as a Berliner by choice I root for Tennis Borussia. But it’s not just a question of being a fan. I really respect the great achievements of our football clubs in their youth work – it’s most admirable. And as far as the World Cup is concerned, the best thing about it is that outsiders have a chance as well. Who would have thought years ago, that the newcomers of those days would now be on a par with the really big teams? I’m really looking forward to the matches of the African teams. And I’m crossing my fingers for Bafana Bafana just as much as I am for our team.
People referred to the 2006 World Cup in Germany as a “summer fairy tale”. Will the 2010 World Cup be an African “winter fairy tale”?
South Africa is well prepared for the World Cup. The stadiums are ready and preparations are in the final stages. I wish the South African hosts that extra ounce of luck that we had for our summer fairy tale: good weather – when was the last time Germany had 30 days of sunshine without a break? Apart from that, no mishaps and a truly inspiring home team.
How confident are you in the South African team?
Bafana Bafana has two months longer to prepare than the European teams. In April the South African team will be at an intense training camp in Germany for a few weeks to perfect its precision. There are many exceptionally talented footballers in South Africa. I believe that Bafana Bafana have got what it takes to surprise their own fans and the whole world.
And what are you expecting from the German team?
Germany is definitely among the favourites. Our team is a tournament team. I’m sure that we’ll go a long way again this time.
Will you be at the Wold Cup final in Johannesburg on 11 July?
If the German team is playing, yes, definitely.
And what’s your tip for the world champions?
I’m looking forward to some exciting matches, and I’m sure we’ll be seeing some surprises. The level of play has become very even. During the Federations Cup tournament Egypt beat the last world champions, Italy. Let’s just wait and see!
