South Africa 2010
Jun 11th, 2010 by admin
Did you see watch the opening ceremony of the world cup? In Nigeria, that was the question everyone asked. For many, it was simply a job well done, a breathtaking performance. All performers were excellent. It included music and dance from six African countries, South Africa’s legendary trumpeter Hugh Masekela, Nigeria’s Femi Kuti did not disappoint and American R-and-B star R Kelly was also there. I had my mouth open as I watched the opening ceremony, I could not help but think of a bright future for Africa. There was no doubt that a great amount of planning and work had been done to achieve such a successful opening ceremony. South Africans had a dream and were focused and what seemed like a dream many years back today became a reality.
Many years ago it would have been a joke to think of an African country hosting the games but the South Africans not only dreamt but worked towards achieving the goal. Thankfully, once the idea was sold, the necessary bodies worked towards bringing it to life. I must say I am jealous of South Africa right now at the same time proud to be African. Jealous, because I wonder when Nigeria will wake up to the endless possibilities available if they can dream and plan, I wonder if the Nigerian factor will not derail every good thing that may promote the country, I wonder if corruption will not be uppermost in the minds of many if a program of this magnitude was planned to take place in the country, I wonder how long pessimism will continue to influence our ideas, I wonder if electricity willnot fail. It is sad when you put all these together and realise that Nigeria conveniently sets goals and conveniently fails. South Africa believed and focused on a dream. For the next couple of weeks from today, South Africa will be on the world map because the world cup is a big deal.
As fans gathered at the largest stadium in Africa, and watched South Africa proudly lift the continent, the giant of Africa has to get to work and start making a mark. That said, South Africa put together the mother of all opening games; and I cannot but wish the Nigerian team, the Super Eagles in South Africa Good Luck.
For every one the death of Nelson Mandela’s great grand daughter, Zenani Mandela, 13 who died early Friday morning while returning from the world cup tournament’s kick-off concert was not only sad but a tragic loss for Mandela who played a key role in bringing the tournament to South Africa.