South Africa Not Only Country Ready for 2010

I've been here and there on Road to 2010 for too long.
Time to step it up ...

The 2010 World Cup in South Africa is fast approaching. And while South Africa is keen to reap financial benefits from staging the world's biggest sporting event, it's not the only country in Africa that feels this way.

Countries like Namibia, Botswana and Zambia have embarked on campaigns to persuade teams and their fans to visit them before the World Cup begins.

Even Kenya, which is a four hour flight away from Johannesburg, is hoping for some of the action.

As South Africa continues its preparations to host football's showpiece event, a similar - if less frantic - process is taking place across its borders.

An example involves tourism officials from Namibia, who were highly visible at a recent football convention held in Johannesburg.

Namibian officials are hoping that football supporters heading to South Africa in 2010 will also spend time, and money, in their country.

Shareen Thude from the Namibian Tourist Board wants the whole region to benefit.

"I personally do not see Namibia as competing with Zambia or Botswana or any country in the region. Southern Africa as a brand is very strong it's a very very powerful brand," she said.

"I think there's a lot of potential for all of us. Each country will sell on our own particular strength and our own particular niche and present our own unique positioning," she added.

Namibia and other southern African countries are concentrating their efforts on boosting tourism.

In contrast Kenya wants to attract one of the qualified teams to base itself in Nairobi prior to the tournament.

Sam Mwai has the task of convincing a leading football nation to get its players to stop off in Kenya on their way to the World Cup.

"We do have two world class facilities in Nairobi. Nairobi altitude is similar to Johannesburg and a few other cities in South Africa," he said.

"We're offering those teams a chance to fly out of Europe, South America, Asia, acclimatise in Nairobi for a few days, do a bit of training, sight seeing, and then fly down for the World Cup, it's only a four hour flight from Nairobi to Joburg," he added.

He said such an eventuality would be wonderful for a football mad nation such as Kenya.

It is an ambitious target, but countries like Kenya and those closer to South Africa are hopeful the 2010 legacy will extend beyond the world cup hosts.

MY POV: This is exactly how the World Cup can reap benefits for the entire continent. As has been stated before, this isn't just South Africa's World Cup. This is Africa's World Cup ... it's great to see the ingenuity of Namibia and Kenya's tourism boards as they try to garner visitors to their great countries.

I really believe they're doing a great job getting people to at least recognize what they have to offer ahead of the 2010 Cup ...

Zimbabwe Tickets Prices are $10 Billion!!

This is just beyond crazy ...

According to South Africa's Football365 website, fans wishing to watch Zimbabwe's 2010 World Cup/African Cup of Nations qualifier against Namibia on Sunday will have to fork out up to $10 billion for a ticket.

This isn't a joke. This is ridiculous!

The cheapest ticket is pegged at $1.5 billion!!!

However, those not keen to seat with the povo (a loose term referring to the common people of that country - to use Zimbabwe liberation struggle parlance) will have to pay either $5 billion for a seat in the Upper West stand or $10 billion for the VIP arena.

A full house is expected at the Rufaro stadium as a country ravaged by political turmoil and hyperinflation welcomes the opportunity to escape, albeit temporarily, the hardships of everyday life and finds reprieve in a game of football.

Zimbabwe pulled off one of the surprise results of the opening round of the 2010 qualifiers by holding Guinea to a goalless draw last weekend.

They will be hoping to build on that result by getting the better of early group leaders Namibia, who beat Kenya 2-1 in the opener last Saturday.

The match between the two African rivals, who both go by the same moniker - Zimbabwe simply known as 'The Warriors' and Namibia as 'Brave Warriors' - is accorded derby status. Bragging rights will also be at stake.

MY POV: Inflation has dragged this country's dollar way, way down. Having a derelict like Robert Mugabe in power doesn't help. While I don't intend to make this a political blog and stoke the flames, I do think he's an awful politician and a virtual dictator ...

Ok, with that out of the way, let's also say that $10 billion Zimbabwe dollars is worth about $1.69 American dollars ...

Still, take a look at this article about the Zimbabwean economy ... according to the article, a loaf of bread now costs what 12 new cars did a decade ago.

Inflation rose 1,063,572% in May ... ridiculous ...

The economic decline has been blamed on the collapse of key agriculture sectors following the violent seizures of farmland from whites. Mugabe claimed the seizures begun in 2002 were to benefit poor blacks, but many of the farms went to his loyalists.

Let's hope Zimbabwe does better in World Cup qualifiers than they've done in politics. The people there deserve that, at least ...

Ghana and Guinea Through; Senegal Coach Quits

A scintillating night of action saw African Cup of Nations host Ghana go through to the quarterfinals along with Guinea from Group A.

Ghana beat Morocco 2-0 while Guinea managed only a 1-1 draw against an overmatched Namibia.

Midfielder Michael Essien scored a goal and set up another as Ghana finished their group with maximum points from three games.

So who will they play next? Ghana, who will stay in Accra for their quarter-final on Sunday, will face the Group B runners-up -- most likely Mali although it could be arch-rivals Nigeria. Could be a wild one.

In front of a packed crowd in Accra, Sulley Muntari set up Essien for the opening goal in the 26th minute with a quickly taken free kick that found the midfielder in enough space to score from close range.

The favor was returned when Essien ran at the Morocco defence in the 45th minute and slipped a pass for Muntari to net his second of the tournament.

"We decided before (the match) we were going to attack and attack. We decided to make more room for Essien to take charge and to come forward," Ghana coach Claude Le Roy said.

Morocco coach Henri Michel, who led Ivory Coast to the final of the last Cup in Egypt in 2006, said: "We now have to look ahead and build a new squad."

As for Guinea, they finished with four points, one ahead of Morocco, despite being held by Namibia, who took home their only point.

Robert Nouzaret's side opened the scoring through Souleymane Youla on 62 minutes only for Namibia to equalise 11 minutes from time courtesy of Brian Brendell's second goal of the tournament.

The only cheers in an almost empty stadium came from the volunteers and policemen celebrating Ghana's goals in Accra. Jeez, I would have LOVED tickets ...

Today also saw the first coaching change of the tournament, as Senegal trainer Henryk Kasperczak said goodbye after his team's shock 3-1 loss to Angola. The former Poland defender quit with one match to play in Group D and with his team still holding a mathematical chance of progressing.

"I'm the only one responsible for the results," he said. "There is still a small chance and I think the players will respond to the presence of a new coach."

Senegal have one point from two games and face South Africa on Thursday with assistant Lamine Ndaye taking charge. Tough times for Senegal, one of the pre-tournament favorites.

Namibia Also Asked to Throw Cup Match

Looks like Benin isn't the only squad being asked to throw a match.

Today, word that Namibia were approached to fix a match at the Cup of Nations, having been offered $30,000 per player to throw their final group game against Guinea in Sekondi on Monday.

"My players were approached by a man saying he represented a syndicate and offered them money to lose the game," Namibia Football Association president John Muinjo told Reuters in Accra on Saturday.

It follows a similar approach to Benin coach Reinhard Fabisch before the start of the tournament by an unidentified man, purporting to represent betting interests.

"The players came to me immediately to tell me and we've informed the Confederation of African Football of what has happened," said Muinjo.

"The players were offered up to $30,000 to lose the game. They were offered half in advance but told they had to be able during the game to manipulate the score on the instructions of the syndicate."

Pretty disgusting, if you ask me. At least the players didn't take the offer, instead relaying the news to their coach.

"I'm very proud that my players came to see me straight away. I warned them about the impact accepting these sorts of offers could have on their careers. They are a team who believe in fair play."

Namibia have lost their opening two games at the Nations Cup and have only a slim mathematical chance of reaching the quarter-finals. An investigation is pending.

Morocco Cruise over Namibia and Ivory Coast-Nigeria Highlights

A first-half hat-trick from Soufiane Alloudi helped Morocco open their African Cup of Nations campaign with an emphatic triumph over Namibia on Monday. Here, highlights in French. I can't understand a word ...

Maroc vs Namibie : -Résumé complet du match-
Uploaded by marocvideo

And here, highlights of today's clash between Nigeria and Ivory Coast.

Nigeria - Cote D Ivoire 0-1 Can 2008 Foot , Résumé et But
Uploaded by Shad_2007

Cup of Nations is Around the Corner

The venues are being scrubbed clean, the tickets are printed and the cities are bubbling with anticipation.

The African Cup of Nations is but a mere 2 weeks and 2 days away from taking over the minds and hearts of football fans around the globe.

Cup finalists begin their pre-tournament preparations in earnest this weekend, led by defending champions Egypt who host Namibia in a friendly.

Saturday's match in Aswan is the first of three warm-up matches for the Pharaohs, still sweating on the availability of star striker Mido.

The Middlesbrough forward has a knee injury and is unsure of his fitness for the tournament, which starts January 20.

Namibia play their first match under Dutch coach Arie Schans, who has had less than a month to work with the team. His predecessor, the Zambian Ben Bamchuile died at the end of last month, casting a shadow over Namibia's preparations.

All but two of the 16 finalists will play warm-up internationals over the next three weeks before the tournament kick off.

Cameroon had planned a match against Kenya in Nairobi but the post-election violence in the east African country have seen the Indomitable Lions switch their preparations to Burkina Faso. To date, they have no matches planned and will not have played an international since their last qualifier in September.

Guinea play no warm-up internationals but will get match practice against club opposition in Marbella, Spain, where they will begin preparations next week. Among their planned opponents are Fiorentina and Borussia Dortmund. Heady competition, no?

Nigeria and Sudan are training in Malaga while Benin have gone to Brazil for a 10-day camp before heading to Burkina Faso for a warm-up match against Senegal on Jan. 17.

Angola have been in Portugal since before Christmas for their preparations.
Tunisia host Zambia at Rades on Sunday before a flurry of fixtures next week, which sees matches in Abu Dhabi, Spain, Portugal, Morocco and South Africa.

Under FIFA rules for continental championships, clubs must release their players for preparations a full two weeks before the start of the tournament, setting Sunday as the deadline for squad members to join up.

But there are likely to be some exceptions, notably Ghana's Michael Essien who officials said would likely be allowed to play for Chelsea against Tottenham Hotspur on Jan.14. Also, Samuel Eto'o will stay with Barcelona until mid-week next week, playing in a Kings Cup match before meeting up with his Cameroon teammates.

It's almost here, people. I'm excited!!

Kenya Situation Force Cameroon to Cancel Camp

The awful situation in Kenya has forced Cameroon's national team to cancel their high altitude training in Kenya ahead of this month's African Cup of Nations in Ghana.

The Indomitable Lions were scheduled to arrive in Nairobi on Sunday for a 10-day training camp.

They were also expected to play the Kenya national team in an international friendly but they have canceled the tour due to post-election violence that has rocked the country and left at least 300 people dead.

"We received a fax message from the Cameroon Football Federation that the team will be not coming," said Kenya Football Federation secretary Sammy Obingo.

Apart from Cameroon, who have in the past chosen Kenya as a training venue, the Namibia national football team had to cut short their stop-over stay in the country on Wednesday.

They head to Egypt where they will play a build-up match against the Pharaohs on Friday.

The situation in Kenya is grave. Let's keep our thoughts with the people of Kenya and wish them a quick end to their struggles ...

Namibia Coach Bamfuchile Dies

Shocking news out of Zambia today as Namibia football coach Ben Bamfuchile has passed away. He was 47. The Zambian succumbed to illness on Thursday night in the nothern city of Kitwe.

Bamfuchile became an instant hero in September after Namibia snatched a 3-2 victory in Ethiopia to qualify for the African Cup of Nations finals.

The Brave Warriors' victory left more fancied group opponents like the Congo on the outskirts of the finals.

It was only the second time the country had reached the finals of the African football showpiece.

Bamfuchile had previously coached his own country.

Zambian FA president Teddy Mulonga paid tribute to him.

"The association has lost a dedicated professional and a true patriot," Mulonga said.

"He was true to his faith and delivered the results. Ben was an achiever of the highest order. One of the memorable moments was in 2000, when he qualified Zambia to the Nations Cup finals without a loss and with the highest points in all qualifying groups."

After losing his job as Zambia coach in 2000, Bamfuchile bounced back as assistant coach to Kalusha Bwalya in 2003.

He quit that job this year, opting to join Nambia as head trainer.

During his career as a footballer, he played for fallen Zambian giants Nkana, who dominated domestic football in the '80s.

Later, Bamfuchile coached Nkana's arch-rivals Power Dynamos, with whom he won over six cups.

He also had coaching stints in South Africa.

Bamfuchile is survived by his wife and six children.

Sad news. Our prayers go out to him and his family.

13 Countries Qualify for African Cup of Nations

Thirteen countries booked their tickets to Ghana 2008 this weekend as qualification for the African Cup of Nations neared the finish line.

Guinea, South Africa and Zambia sealed their places on Sunday.

They join Angola, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Tunisia and hosts Ghana, who already secured their places.

The final three places at the showpiece of African football will be decided next month when Groups Two and Nine are completed.

African champions Egypt must avoid defeat at home to Botswana on October 12 to clinch Group Two's automatic ticket for the tournament in Ghana.

If the Pharaohs lose that game in Cairo then their southern African opponents will qualify for the competition for the first time.

Togo and Mali, who share the top spot in Group Nine with nine points, meet in the decisive game where both must effectively win to qualify.

Third-placed Benin could yet qualify as one of the best runners-up if they win away in Sierra Leone.

If victory eludes the Squirrels, then Uganda will qualify for the first time since 1978, having already reached 11 points with a plus five goal difference.

Zambia captain Chris Katongo grabbed a hat-trick within the opening 20 minutes, profiting from a series of defensive errors as South Africa imploded in their Group 11 game in Cape Town.

"It was a disaster, it was not our team out there," said South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira after the defeat, which saw Zambia come from three points back to win the group on a head-to-head count.

Tunisia, the 2004 hosts and winners, are also through as a best runner-up with 12 points, after finishing second in Group Four following their 3-2 defeat in Sudan.

Namibia netted a late winner in Addis Ababa to beat Ethiopia 3-2 and snatch top place in Group 10 after leaders, the DR of Congo were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Libya.

Both games were played on Saturday.

Manu Kaputose scored to send Namibia to only their second Nations Cup finals appearance as they came from 2-1 down going into the final 10 minutes.

The Congolese miss out on the finals after qualifying for the last eight successive tournaments.

Guinea's 4-0 win over the Cape Verde Islands saw them make sure of top spot in Group Eight on Sunday.

Senegal went one goal better in a 5-1 thumping of Burkina Faso in Dakar on Saturday to win Group Seven.

The Ivory Coast, without injured captain Didier Drogba, drew 0-0 in Gabon to finish top in Group One.

(Special thanks to the BBC for the information in this article.)

African Rankings and a Note About Antonio Puerta

We here at 2010 haven't looked at the FIFA world rankings in some time now. They're released every month, so let's take a peek and see where our friends in Africa rank with the world powers.

The Top Five of the August 2007 ranking are a Who's Who of world footballing giants, with Brazil ranked #1, followed by Argentina, 2006 winners Italy, 2006 finalists France and 2006 hosts Germany. Their positions are the same as the previous month.

The first African nation appears at #16 and Cameroon, who fell one place from 15th. Their spot is now occupied by Euro 2004 winners Greece.

Namibia were the month's biggest climbers, moving 12 places from 44th to 32nd. Burkina Faso also jumped higher, moving seven places and into the top 20 at 18.

Benin, who were the highest jumpers in July, moving up 18 places to 85th, continued to climb and moved another 6 places up to 79.

Ghana slipped some, dropping from 37th to 43rd, adding to their 18-place fall in July. They are now the 8th-best team on the continent, behind Nigeria, Tunisia and Egypt.

For the complete list, please
click here!

Here's the complete list of African teams, with their world rankings in brackets:

1. Cameroon (16)
2. Nigeria (26)
3. Ivory Coast (28)
4. Morocco (34)
5. Tunisia (36)
6. Egypt (40)
7. Guinea(42)
8. Ghana (43)
9. Senegal (46)
10. Mali (48)
11. Angola (59)
12. Togo (60)
13. South Africa (61)
14. Zambia (62)
15. Cape Verde Islands (72)
16. Algeria (73)
17. DR Congo (75)
18. Burkina Faso (77)
19. Benin (79)
20. Mozambique (86)
21. Libya (87)
22. Ethiopia (92)
23. Botswana (96)
24. Uganda (98)
25. Congo (100)
26. Zimbabwe (101)
27. Tanzania (102)
28. Equatorial Guinea (105)
29. Gabon (107)
30. Malawi (111)
31. Burundi (113)
32. Namibia (114)
33. Sudan (117)
34. Liberia (120)
35. Rwanda (121)
36. Eritrea (121)
37. Gambia (128)
38. Kenya (132)
39. Mauritania (136)
40. Chad (139)
41. Lesotho (143)
42. Mauritius (144)
43. Niger (146)
44. Swaziland (147)
45. Seychelles (147)
46. Madagascar (163)
47. Sierra Leone (164)
48. Comoros (182)
49. Central African Republic (185)
50. Guinea-Bissau (188)
51. Somalia (192)
52. Djibouti (199)
53. Sao Tome e Principe (199)

** We at 2010 send our condolences to the family of Sevilla's Antonio Puerta.
Puerta, a midfielder for the two-time UEFA Cup winners, died of a heart attack at the tender age of 22 after collapsing on the field during Saturday's La Liga contest against Getafe.

Seeing Puerta struggling for air, his teammates trying to stop him from swallowing his tongue and then seeing him walk to the dressing room seemed surreal. But it looked like it was an isolated episode and he'd be ok.

Then word leaked that he wasn't ok, that he was fighting for his life in a Sevilla hospital, collapsing upon arrival to the dressing room and suffering another cardiac arrest.

This morning, Puerta lost his fight. 22 years old, a wonderful talent, a comfortable living and a pregnant girlfriend. And now, he's gone.

It's so sad to think about. Football brings us so much pleasure. But it can bring so much pain. The heart beating inside Puerta's body couldn't take the constant punishment of the game and ceased to work. He collapsed and the last shot we'll have of the young Spaniard will be him lying on the ground, trying to breathe.

I shrug my shoulders and sigh a deep sigh. For all my troubles, for all the pain I may be enduring or may have caused, at least I'm still here.

I wish you well, Antonio Puerta. Vaya con Dios ...