The International Writers Magazine: Sport

Rainbow Legacy • Odetola Oluwatobi

Now, the FIFA World Cup has come and gone. Despite the fears and doubts of the rest of the world, diamond-rich South Africa gave to the world one of the best World Cups ever. It was indeed a spectacle to behold.When South Africa lost out to Germany in the race to host the 2006 World Cup in controversial circumstances, Africa-loving President of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) declared that only countries from Africa would be eligible to vie for the rights to host the 2010 edition of the second biggest sporting event on earth after the Olympics. To no-one’s surprise, the country of Madiba’s birth brushed aside all comers to win the hosting rights. And the rest, they say, is history!

I remember vividly when satellite sports television station, Supersport started its countdown to the biggest football event on earth. Virtually all the major roads in Lagos and other parts of the country bore banners of MTN, screaming the soon-to-be famous “We can’t wait,” slogans. Next came along the futuristic adverts featuring various people in different parts of Africa re-living the memories of the 2010 World Cup in 2025. The phrase ‘Once in a lifetime’ became one of the most aptly coined phrases ever. To the surprise of many who believe that nothing good can come out of Africa which their forebears dubbed the Dark Continent, we watched a soccer fiesta with stadiums artistically comparable only to the ones seen at the 2002 edition. Is it the calabash-inspired Soccer City in Jo’burg, the Dome of the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban or the aquatic splendour of the Port Elizabeth stadium in the Nelson Mandela Bay? They were the appropriate answers to questionable remarks about Africa – regardless of the Western influence.

The tournament saw the hugely diverse nation take a further step towards becoming a united society. In the face of the ever present racial tensions in the country, all the peoples came together in support of the Bafana Bafana and the World Cup in general even when football is not as popular as rugby or even cricket among the country’s elite. The Danny Jordan-led Local Organising Committee’s handling of accommodation, transportation and security matters was exemplary, putting to shame those who had predicted the most chaotic competition ever. The period of the tournament registered one of the lowest crime rates in South Africa’s history. It seemed as if the menace of the night in dangerous streets of Jo’burg especially in Soweto were on holidays, enjoying the exciting matches of the World Cup.

There are two things that the Word cup 2010 will forever be remembered for. The first one is the Vuvuzela which was a constant all through the competition despite the public campaign – especially in Europe – against it. The locals saw an opportunity to make popular an item that has been in use in the country’s local league and grabbed it with both hands. They made it the sound (and sight) of the competition – although with the help of the LOC which played pre-recorded sounds of the Vuvuzela at match venues through the public address system. Even England’s Jamie Carragher returned home with two Vuvuzelas in his bag for his kids. If historians say that Mexico ‘86 gave the football world the Mexican Wave, they must not forget to tell generations yet unborn that South Africa 2010 gave us the Vuvuzela.

The second is the Jabulani ball which is even more controversial than the Vuvuzela. This latest brand of the synthetic ball was the subject of many discussions among players, coaches, officials, analysts and fans alike. The ball was accused of being too lightweight and liable to unpredictable swerves. One goalkeeper even compared it to the common beach ball. We saw people like Uruguay’s Diego Forlan (arguably the ‘sweetest’ striker of the ball of his generation) and Germany’s Thomas Muller master the much criticised Adidas ball while others like Robert Green went home with their international careers hanging in the balance.

The credits must begin to roll. First, all must thank Sepp Blatter for his unflinching support for an African World Cup even when faced with delays in construction schedule. I remember his response when asked about the possibility of a South Africa 2010 in the face of union strike actions and setbacks in stadium and infrastructure construction. He told all who cared to listen that South Africa was Option A and also Option B, ruling out moving the competition to another country. Worthy of mention is Nelson Mandela for being vital to securing hosting rights. His lead role on the campaign team must be commended.

To the makers of the Makarapa, thumps up for adding colour and ingenuity to the World Cup. Millions of Nigerian fans owe the official broadcaster of the event, Supersport, a million gun salutes for a captivating coverage. From the easy-on-the eye studio, to the in-depth match analysis, to Harambee, we enjoyed them all. Also, the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) must be commended for its innovative studios and style.

Congratulations to the Champions, Spain, who with their artistry and economical use of the ball beat all comers to the trophy. It would have been most unfair if such as fine group of players had not won the highest prize in football. Need I say that the psychic Octopus, Paul added spice to the competition? Paul’s prediction was the gambler’s bet.

Credit must also go to the South African people for still filling up the stadiums despite the early exit of their national team. The hitherto xenophobic people surprised the entire world with their warmth and comportment all through the fiesta. The streets hosted all-night carnivals as fans from the world over mingled in celebrations.

Much gratitude to the sponsors of the event especially Coca Cola whose official song, done by K’naan became an instant hit worldwide among both football-loving and football-indifferent people. Proving that not all Africans are corrupt, the Mr. Jordan-led LOC made public the total expenditure and even declared a respectable profit albeit the real benefits of hosting such a huge event are still being reaped.

Ah! I almost forgot Shakira who blessed the continent with Colombia’s other major export – asides drugs — belly dancing. Her hips definitely don’t lie.

To those of you, who have fallen in love with the beautiful isiZulu language, join me in saying to the people of the Rainbow nation, Ngiyabonga na hambani kahle!.

Odetzworld@hotmail.com
© Odetola Oluwatobi September 2010.
Lagos, Nigeria.

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