By Joe Diedericks
The year was 1998 and Bafana Bafana had to win their match against Saudi Arabia to qualify for the second round of the tournament in France.
In a little flat in Sunnyside, Pretoria, sat a born and bred Blue Bulls (rugby) supporter and a bar tender from Botswana. The Bull supporter was shouting at the referee and the bar tender was jumping whilst pulling his dread locks out of his head. Bafana Bafana drew that match 2-2 that day. The Bull and the Rasta from Botswana both had a shot of "mampoer" to calm their nerves.
Considering that South Africa was placed on the world map for racial problems, there was something seriously wrong with this picture.
There was also something seriously RIGHT.
No retreat no surrender
It is no secret that when South Africa won the bid to host the 2010 Fifa World Cup that I wasn't a great supporter of the idea. When rumours started up that Australia is in back-up mode I was one of those who supported that option.
I have even gone and made fun of the government and their controversial ideas for 2010:
• I want my own red light district
• Start your own strip club from home
Needless to say our government will not be implementing red light districts for 2010 and there for you will have no need to start your own strip club in an attempt to capitalize from the Fifa 2010 World Cup.
So here we sit with 240 days to go till D-day.
Why aren't we backing down? Why not stop this madness and give it to Australia?
Because it simply isn't in our nature.
What is South Africa
Green Point stadium was built from scratch and with 240 days to go I am very optimistic. I can't turn around now and say that I always believed we could do it, because I didn't.
But I should have because we are South Africans.
South Africans from different races and backgrounds came together and started building it. They came with different ideals and they enjoy different lifestyles. They are black, brown, white and some are gay, some are straight and some are still wondering.
I have seen this before in 1994.
Back then they also said it couldn't be done. A South Africa where people with different political views can stand together as one nation. A South Africa where anything is possible. They said it couldn't be done and back then I said it could.
This time knowing what can be done I chose to believe otherwise - sadly.
We are South Africans and we have our problems like any other country, but - WE NEVER BACK DOWN.
Where do I stand now?
People say that it should be considered an honour to host the Fifa World Cup. Given that it is the biggest sporting event I would say - yes - it is an honour.
Not this time. Hosting the Fifa 2010 World Cup is not an honour for South Africa. Not given what we as a country have already achieved over the years leading up to this event.
Hosting the 2010 World Cup in South Africa is an honour for Fifa.
I won’t be sitting in a flat in Sunnyside next year. I will be sitting wondering what happened to my Rasta friend whilst I scream at the referee.
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