Soccer world cup

[adrianh]

I must admit, I was one of those people who thought that the world cup was going to be another South African right royal stuffup.

But man, was I wrong...

I can only commend the organizers and the entire country for a job well done. It was absolutely brilliant. I never really liked soccer much but I am now a faithful follower. To me soccer is no longer just game, it represents an ideal that was reached during the world cup.

Isn't it amazing what the country can accomplish if it puts its mind to it....I for one will continue to Wave My Flag

Yes yes, I sound like I'm on Prozac, but that's ok, this is how I see the event.

[KimH]

Couldn't agree with you more on this point Adrian.

Considering all the drama leading up to the completion of the stadiums, strikes and negative publicity - SA met the challenge head on and exceeded everyone's expectations.

Big up to SA!!

I hear that Ecclestone is even looking at bringing the F1 to SA - how awesome is that!

[adrianh]

F1 through Cape Town like Monaco. I was in town on Sunday and the vibe was just amazing.

Cape Town should have a Rio-like carnival. No not just the Cape coons, but a real carnival. It could be done once a year in celebration of the world cup.

As you may have noticed I am just a teeny bit biased towards Cap Town!

[wynn]

In another life years ago, when I lived in Simonstown, there used to be an annual "Fishhoek Mardi Gras" is this still an event?

[Mark Atkinson]

Couldn't agree more!

Everybody was so damn pessimistic about SA's ability to host the world cup (including me!). What they've done is organise the most successful even ever!

I'm so sad it's over already. It feels like just yesterday that people were saying "The stadiums are never going to be ready in time!"

Right now, I'm extremely proud to be South African!

[AndyD]

It was amazing what was achieved and in the time available.

If only the formula that was used to achieve it was always used;

General expectations were high.
National pride and being in the world spotlight were great motivators.

Clarity of the end goal.
There was no doubt what had to be done and when it had to be done by.

Available expertise.
The experts were nominated by merit, they weren't political or nepotistic positions.

Very firm and driven leadership in the form of FIFA.
Need I say more......? A definite and firm commitment was made by all parties before the project started. Realistic ongoing assessment of quality and progress and a lack of maneuvering room to keep everyone on the path forward.

It's a model that this country should study and learn from. Great things were achieved that most thought were not possible. It's a shame the quality of the actual football played wasn't as high as the work that went into the preparations