Here is an interesting article on the World Cup draw “show” and match-ups hosted by Theron. It was funny how the article mentions, “The only uncomfortable moment came when Blatter forgot the venue of the World Cup’s first match (which, of course, is Johannesburg). The FIFA president redeemed himself, however, when he announced that the World Cup trophy would remain in Africa, as a gift, after being presented to the tournament winners.”
The article then goes on to say, “FIFA’s desire to leave a legacy on the continent was further underlined by a video presentation that announced investment of more than $40 million in African soccer projects. They might have been better off spending the money on security.” This brings us back to our conversation on infrastructure projects in South Africa and the true functions for which they are being constructed, as well as their legacies after the event ends. The article seems to have a rather disdainful attitude on all the money spend on the stadiums and venues when there is poverty knocking nearby.
I’d be interested in seeing how the television rights holders plan on portraying this South African poverty considering that they are “anticipating record audiences.” If they plan on doing background stories on certain players or teams, like ESPN often does, I would hope that they would include a commentary on the social conditions in South Africa as well.
