Ecstasy spreads throughout Africa. People around the globe welcome the World Cup. It is not a mere soccer game. It is a symbol. A symbol that Africa has risen to a higher level. For the first time in soccer history, the quadrennial event will be staged on the Africa continent.
For South Africans, the jubilation is similar, or even greater, than when their Rainbow Warriors won the 1995 Rugby World Cup in Johannesburg. The then president Nelson Mandela used rugby as a tool of soft diplomacy to get rid of apartheid practices. Fifteen years ago, people saw it as Mandela’s miracle, a political redemption to erase the discrimination between the whites and the coloreds. Today, people see the World Cup as an economic redemption.
South Africa has hopes the event will bring robust economic benefits not only from the staging of the event itself but from other related industries, such as tourism, airlines and more. In the wake of the global economic crisis, and when the world has yet to fully recover from the shock, no wonder South Africa hopes the World Cup will become their parachute to escape from the crisis.
The presence of world soccer stars — Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, Steven Gerrard of England, Didier Drogba of Ivory Coast, Kaka of Brazil, Lionel Messi of Argentina — requires tight security for the safety of these footballers. That casts doubt upon whether South Africa can guarantee safety and security in the month-long event starting today. High crime rates and recent supporter brawls have made people question FIFA’s decision to name South Africa the host.Questions linger about what will happen once the final is over and the guests return to their countries.
What will happen to the 'white elephants'?
Despite doubts and questions, the world should warmly welcome the decision to embrace South Africa as a host nation for the prestigious and second biggest sporting event in the world.
Soccer fans around the world have prepared themselves to enjoy the euphoria. They only have one goal: happiness. They are happy to see their favourite teams play, let alone win. They are happy to be part of the jubilation.
Soccer has long been the favourite sport in most countries, including Indonesia. Soccer is no longer a mere sport. It has become an industry in itself. Matches of the world’s favourite leagues, namely the English Premier League, Italy’s Seria A and Spain’s La Liga, have collected big bucks for clubs and broadcast right holders.
Merchandise, sponsorship and endorsement have reached unbelievable digits.
And after the World Cup, when we all find out who will bring home the coveted trophy and who will be named the best footballer, then we will know whose pockets are getting filled.
Doubts about South Africa’s ability to successfully host the World Cup should not be in question. The world should support the country and the continent to be on the same level as others in terms of soccer.
World Cup fever has spread everywhere. Indonesia is no exception. Let’s join the celebration.