2010 World Cup in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)
13 March 2007
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele has strongly urged the Italian Soccer
Team to seriously consider KwaZulu-Natal as their host province during
preparations for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Opinion makers, Italian business and sports officials were today (13 March
2007) treated to a feast of what the province can offer - its rolling hills,
its transport infrastructure, its untouched beaches and its overall tourism and
economic potential. Among them were officials of the Italian Soccer Federation
and Italian media.
Premier Ndebele hosted this top level Italian delegation at the Durban
Hilton Hotel. The group then undertook a tour to the International Convention
Centre, the new stadium under construction, the Durban Harbour and other
tourist spots in the province.
Head of the delegation, Mauro Agostini, the Italian Under-Secretary of State
for International Commerce told delegates that the Italian Foreign Minister
will lead a business delegation of 250 top end decision makers who will come to
KZN in July to further assess the potential the province can offer.
The purpose of the delegation's trip, which started their tour a week ago,
was to examine and study places (within the main cities of South Africa) that
could potentially host the Italian national soccer team in preparations for the
2010 World Cup.
The delegation will also examine the opportunities available for Italian
investments in the economic, tourism and sporting sectors of South Africa.
Premier Ndebele was not shy too woo the Italians. He said: "Never in the
history of South Africa has a single sporting event so focused the minds of our
people as the 2010 Soccer World Cup."
"It is truly an event that has captured the imagination of our people.
Having already reached the status of an international host for events such as
the Comrades Marathon, the Dusi Canoe Marathon, the A1 Grand Prix and so on,
the Soccer World Cup is the culmination of our young nation and province's
aspirations to become the Home of Sport."
"KwaZulu-Natal has the climate, the facilities and more importantly, we have
a passion for the game of soccer. Weekend in weekend out, our people in every
corner of the country, in the rural backwaters, in the townships and suburbs
display their passion for soccer by being glued to the radio, television or
playing the game themselves."
The Premier said the crucial challenge for KZN, was to assess how 2010 could
be harnessed to bring about long term and sustainable socio-economic advantages
to the province.
Media contact:
Logan Maistry
Spokesperson to Premier Ndebele
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
Cell: 083 6444 050
E-mail: maistryl@premier.kzntl.gov.za
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
13 March 2007
