Leading figures in the world of football will next week grace the third and final edition of Soccerex to be held in South Africa.
Names such as German legend, Franz Beckenbauer, Mozambique born former Benfica idol, Eusebio and Cameroon’s World Cup 1990 sensation, Roger Milla have been pencilled in to share their thoughts on the beautiful game. This year’s Soccerex kicks off with a two day football festival this coming weekend.
On Monday, Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane will deliver the opening address to start the real business of Soccerex. The exposition runs until 2 December 2009.
According to the organisers, over 3 000 people representing around 100 countries will be in attendance. About 200 exhibitors are expected this year.
Addressing the media in Sandton on behalf of the Gauteng MEC of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Chief Director Ivor Hoff said the hosting of Soccerex was the ideal preparation for hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
“Gauteng made a bid for the rights to host Soccerex 2007 to 2009 beating of challenges from established economies like Dubai, Amsterdam, London and others simply because this convention was a perfect fit. Guided by the dictates of our Gauteng growth and development strategy now changed to Gauteng employment and growth and development strategy we knew that Soccerex will enable us to launch and activate new sectors of our economy.
“We were convinced that, as the gateway to FIFA 2010 World Cup and to opportunities in the continent, we needed to prepare ourselves using even unconventional methods. Our Gauteng competitive sports strategy positions the city region as a destination for major sporting events of international stature. Soccerex 2007 to 2009 indeed reaffirmed that position,” said Hoff.
He added that the Gauteng Provincial Government was already looking beyond the next year’s tournament with the “what’s next” programme.
“We are not just looking at using the infrastructure of the 2010 FIFA World Cup optimally, but strategically as well, to leverage the hosting of other tournaments beyond 2010,” said Hoff.
South African Football Association (SAFA) President Kirsten Nematandani and Soccerex Chief Executive Officer Duncan Revie commended the Gauteng provincial government for the successful hosting of Soccerex.
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
26 November 2009
Source: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
(http://www.gautengonline.gov.za/)
