When it was first announced that the World Cup would be in South Africa there was general rejoicing. Not only would it be a recognition of the emergence of Africa as a footballing force on the world stage, it would be an endorsement of the rainbow nation and the ultimate tribute to Nelson Mandela.
So far, the South African organisers have done a fantastic job. All the stadiums are in excellent condition – no turf problems like there are at Wembley – and the outbreaks of violence predicted by some cynics have not occurred. In virtually every respect this tournament would be a fantastic advertisement for the host nation and, by extension, the host continent were it not for one thing: the vuvuzela. (To read more, click here.)
