World Cup Trophy reaches final destination

By Gilbert Wandera in Cape Town

The Fifa World Cup trophy landed in Cape Town on Tuesday in what was described as the ‘death of doubt’ regarding South Africa’s ability to host the 2010 World Cup.

Its arrival in this coastal city marked the end of its African tour which began more than two months ago.

Speaking during a reception to welcome the trophy, Danny Jordaan, the Chief Executive Officer of the Local Organising Committee said the arrival of the trophy should now silence critics who have doubted their ability to host football’s biggest show. He said: "The arrival of this trophy should be end of doubt over our ability to host the World Cup. The trophy is here, the stadia are ready, the World Cup can go on."

He said the trophy was a symbol of hope to all the 32 teams who will take part in the competition and by seeing it fans whose countries have not qualified for the tournament can also have hope.

"Not every country will be represented in the competition but the fact that this trophy has toured all countries on the continent is a symbol of hope to millions of fans who will not travel to South Africa," declared Jordaan.

Bill Egbe President of Coca Cola South Africa said the company will run promotions in different parts of the continent to enable fans win tickets to watch the tournament.

"We understand that most fans may not be able to afford to buy the tickets or even travel to South Africa to watch the tournament. It is for this reason that we will run various initiatives to give fans an opportunity to win tickets to watch the competition," he said.

He also said that beginning next year the Annual Copa Coca-Cola tournament will be expanded and winning teams in different countries flown to South Africa.

While in South Africa the teams will attend a two week course where they will be taught life skills and watch the opening match of the 2010 World Cup.

This will be a great opportunity especially for the Kenya under-17 team which took part in this year’s tournament also held in South Africa.

The Copa-Cola tournament attracts more than 3,000 young players in the countries it is played in.