Use World Cup to change Africa’s image: UN chief

soccer_city_stadiumJOHANNESBURG -- United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has urged FIFA 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa to grab the powerful opportunity presented by the tournament to change Africa s image. (Pictured: South Africas 89 000-seater calabash-inspired Soccer City stadium that will host the 2010 World Cup final match)


There is great power in this (South Africa s hosting of Africa s first FIFA World Cup). It is a time to present a different story of the African continent, a story of peace, democracy and investment, Ban told local organising committee Danny Jordaan last Thursday.

Jordaan, who met Ban at his New York headquarters, thanked the UN Secretary General for his assistance in helping South Africa take the message of hope to the world.

Peace is not just the absence of war. Peace is creating circumstances that create hope. The legacy of this World Cup embarks on changing the circumstances of many people through its social legacy projects, job creation and advancements in telecommunications and infrastructure, said Jordaan.

The World Cup finals in South Africa next year will be the first time ever that the soccer tournament will be taking place on African soil.

The tournament that attracts millions of visitors from all over the world is expected to boost the tourism sectors of South Africa and its neighbours.

Post published in: Zimbabwe Sports News

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