‘Mandela Mundial’ in 2010

ZURICH: South Africans were handed Africa’s first football World Cup yesterday. Prepare yourself for the “Mandela Mundial.” Although frail, 85-year-old former president Nelson Mandela may not be around when South Africa host the 2010 World Cup, his legacy will linger. The Rainbow Nation knows he played a major part in bringing the championship home. Horns blared and supporters saluted a beaming Mandela as South Africa ended four years of heartache and finally landed football’s most lucrative event. “I feel like a young man of 50,” said Mandela, who championed the bid and yesterday lifted up the World Cup Trophy in triumph.

The South Africans won a opening-round knockout victory over Morocco and Egypt for the right to host the first World Cup to be staged on African soil. Before now it’s largely been shared by Europe and Latin America. Beaten by one vote by Germany for the 2006 championship, the South Africans erupted with joy as FIFA president Sepp Blatter read the winner’s name during an emotional news conference at Zurich’s World Trade Centre. “The 2010 FIFA World Cup will be organised by ...,” Blatter began after he opened the envelope. But the words “South Africa” were drowned out by the cheering supporters when they saw what was written in large letters on the card. Before Blatter could continue, the national flag was draped over Mandela, who was sitting in the front row, and South African supporters chanted.

The roar of joy reverberated in many areas of South Africa, where the news conference was broadcast live on big outdoor screens. Champagne corks popped at football stadiums, public squares and community centres as black and white united in celebration. But it was relief, too, after a seven-year campaign to bring the game’s most lucrative event to a country once plagued by apartheid and sports boycotts. “The World Cup is a big victory for one and a big defeat for others in our experience,” said Danny Jordaan, who led the unsuccessful bid for 2006 and was also part of this team. “Members of the executive committee, I hope you understand what you have done for so many people in South Africa — unemployed, no food, but now with hope. You have turned a dream  into hope and that dream has come true today.” Now the nation can start their six-year buildup to team sport’s biggest jamboree, which is expected to take place in June, the start of the South African winter.

A five-horse race effectively came down to two as South Africa beat Morocco 14 votes to ten. The FIFA executive didn’t give a single vote to Egypt while Libya were disqualified before voting began because it didn’t meet all the “relevant conditions.” Tunisia, who wanted to co-host with Libya, withdrew on Friday after the executive committee explained that was not possible. FIFA decided three years ago to rotate the World Cup round the continents and Blatter has long campaigned for Africa to stage the tournament. Nigeria and Cameroon were the last two winners of the Olympic football title.