FIFA Calls on South Africa to Fix Transportation Issues

Transportation has become one of the major concerns facing FIFA officials ahead of the 2010 World Cup, and they are calling on South African officials to focus on improving transportation in host cities as they prepare for the tournament. The concerns were amplified by recent troubles during the Confederations Cup tournament in June.

Soccer’s ruling body Fifa flagged transport as a major issue after the Confederations Cup tournament last month, which was seen as a dress rehearsal for the much bigger 2010 competition, the world’s most watched sports event.

There were serious difficulties with getting fans away from stadiums after matches in the eight-nation tournament.

Fifa also highlighted lack of accommodation and security in crime-plagued South Africa as issues to be solved before 2010.

SA to fix 2010 transport concerns
The Times
July 3, 2009

Crimes at Confederations Cup Bolster Security Concerns

Reports of crimes and security breaches during the recent Confederations Cup have bolstered the concerns of many who fear South Africa's high crime rate will be a blight on the upcoming World Cup. Officials, however, downplayed the recent crimes, which included some teams being robbed, journalists being mugged, and fans being forced to pay bribes to corrupt police.

Deputy security minister Fikile Mbalula downplayed concerns on Monday, saying the incidents were isolated and did not constitute any "major breach of security."

Crime threatens to mar Confed Cup
The Times
June 23, 2009

Transit Bogged Down During Confederations Cup

Transportation in the four host cities of the Confederations Cup has been a challenge due to crowds and delays in the development of public transit systems.

Johannesburg was supposed to have a new rapid bus system in place for the Confederations Cup, but the all-powerful minibus taxi industry, fearing for its market share, put the brakes on the project. The first phase of the bus-rapid-transit (BRT) is now only due for completion by September.

Confed Cup still dogged by transport difficulties
Mail & Guardian
June 19, 2009

KwaZulu-Natal Hosts Public Viewing Areas

The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has invested 20 million Rand (~$2.5 million) to set up four public viewing areas where locals can watch Confederations Cup games.

The province will host public viewing areas (PVAs) at four key districts in the province to give people a taste of the Confederations Cup excitement.

Entry to the PVAs is free.

Big screens for Cup action
The Sowetan
June 11, 2009

Security Concerns Draw Extra Police at Confederations Cup Stadia

With security arrangements not set up by the Organizing Committee until two weeks before the Confederations Cup, the South African Police Service has stepped in with an additional 800 officers to provide security services at three of the four stadia used in the tournament.

The Mail & Guardian has established that 300 extra police officers were deployed at Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg where the opening match between South Africa and Iraq was played on Sunday. Another 250 officers were deployed at both the Royal Bafokeng stadium in Rustenburg and at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

This is in addition to the 8 000 police officers already providing “national security” services to the tournament.

Confed Cup security headache
Mail & Guardian
June 16, 2009

Poor Attendance Highlights Confederations Cup Ticket Pricing Concerns

World Cup organizers are voicing concerns about poor attendance numbers so far at the first games of the Confederations Cup, running June 14-28. One game saw its stadium only half full. Some argue the ticket prices are too expensive for most working class South Africans.

The cheapest ticket for a group match in the Cup is R70 (~$9) - more than half a labourer's average daily earnings. After that, the prices climb threefold to a minimum R210 (~$26).

Asked whether Fifa would consider lowering prices for upcoming games, Mkondo said: "It was mentioned in some quarters. It is an issue that the organising committee and Fifa will look at."

Organisers mull how to fill Cup stadiums
Mail & Guardian
June 15, 2009

Backup Plan To Ensure Transport During Confederations Cup

Despite concerns and troubles related to the taxi industry's opposition to bus rapid transit plans, a backup plans has been set up to ensure the operation of public transport in Confederations Cup host cities during the tournament, according to Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele.

These preparations included infrastructure development at airports, roads, the rail sector and traffic management.

Ndebele said he had been briefed about the bus rapid transit (BRT) system and and had met with the teams of the BRT implementing cities of Joburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth to discuss the government's further talks with the taxi industry to ensure successful implementation.

Source:
Country's transport plans get the nod
The Star
May 29, 2009

Joburg BRT System Still Needs Ticket Operator

Johannesburg's new bus rapid transit system is coming online. The first part of the system is expected to be operational in time for the Confederations Cup soccer tournament that begins June 14. Though a request for bids has been released, no firm has yet been selected to operate the system's automated ticketing capability.

The City of Joburg mayoral committee member for transport Rehana Moosajee recently announced the BRT system will be “completed on a sufficient scale to serve the needs of the Confederations Cup”. Moosajee stated the BRT fare system – which forms part of the intelligent transport system implementation – would be available in time for the Confederations Cup.

The cashless, prepaid, electronic ticketing system was supposed to enable the BRT system to transport 69 300 passengers per day, but this number could decrease if the tender is not finalised.

The first phase of the project is set to cost R2.5 billion. Phase 1A of the BRT was supposed to be in place by May to support the Confederations Cup. Phase 1B is scheduled to be completed by the next May, in time for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. The first phase is set to be completed by 2013 and the whole system will be fully deployed beyond 2020.

Source:
BRT e-ticketing delayed
ITWeb
June 1, 2009

Ambassador Confident IPL, Confederations Cup Will Prepare SA Security for World Cup

Its current experience hosting the Indian Premier League cricket tournament and the Confederations Cup will be sufficient practice for South Africa to maintain security during the World Cup, according to the country's US ambassador.

South Africa's US ambassador Welile Nhlapo said on Monday that past cricket and Rugby World Cup successes together with the ongoing cricket matches moved from India for security reasons will allow for greater testing of security measures.

"These events will give us the chance to deal with all sorts of situations, give us time to correct anything that might be needed and provide a secure World Cup," Nhlapo said. "By the time we host we will be ready."

Source:
IPL boosts SA confidence for World Cup
Mail & Guardian
April 28, 2009

BRT Revenues To Benefit Taxis; Confederations Secutiry Numbers Announced

This piece from the Independent looks at the projected revenues from the new BRT system, and also gives an update on security and law enforcement personnel that will be on hand during the Confederations Cup tournament in June.

Radebe said the first phase of the BRT was expected to have an annual revenue of R1.5 billion. This meant taxi operators involved in BRT companies would share an expected profit of R150 million amongst themselves.

Some figures around safety personnel to be present during the Confederations Cup were also released on Tuesday.

During the tournament, 8000 members of the police, army, metro police and emergency services would be in host cities. At stadiums and precincts 3445 security officials would be on duty. These would be made up of private security guards and people currently being trained to receive professional accreditation in the security industry.

At least 700 of these stewards and private security guards would be in action on match days.

Source:
'Retain the skills and expertise of Moleketi'
Independent Online
April 28, 2009

No Fan Parks for Confederations Cup

The Local Organizing Committee has announced that no fan parks will be set up during June's Confederations Cup.

The LOC is optimistic that the local hospitality industry will be the biggest winner from the absence of fan parks for the tournament.

“Although there will be no official fan parks for the Confederations Cup, the atmosphere around the host cities, and also the rest of the country, will be electric as the top teams in the world battle it out on our own soil,” says an optimistic LOC spokesperson Rich Mkhondo.

The LOC says those in the hospitality industry can do good business during the tournament in June.

Source:
Fans Don’t despair - More public viewing areas planned
Sunday World
April 18, 2009

Cricket Match a Test Run for Tournament Parking and Security Rules

A cricket match this week at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria will act as a practice run for the upcoming Confederations Cup, with organizers implementing security and parking rules similar to what will happen during the June tournament, and during next year's World Cup.

Loftus will implement the "World Cup security system" on Thursday. No parking will be allowed at the stadium and surrounding areas and fans are urged to arrive early to avoid a delayed kick-off.

Shuttle buses won't be provided for fans to get to the stadium but Park and Schoeman streets can be used for parking.

The area around Loftus will be cordoned off to ensure everything runs smoothly. This system will be used to test readiness for the Confederations Cup and the World Cup.

European countries such as England, Italy, Germany and Spain have been employing this system for many years.

Source:
Key Loftus clash will be a test run
Pretoria News via Independent Online
April 22, 2009

IPL to Serve as Extra Trial Run

When South Africa hosts the Indian Premier League cricket tournament, it will be one more chance to prove the country's readiness for the World Cup, according to security officials.

"We are ready for both the IPL and the Confederations Cup," said Susan Shabangu, Deputy Minister of Safety and Security.

"In fact, we see the IPL and the Confederations Cup as part of our dry run in preparation for the 2010 World Cup.

"If you talk about a dry run, that's where you want to flex your muscles and see to what extent you are ready for the big event."

Source:
Cricket test for 2010 World Cup
BBC
April 17, 2009

Bloemfontein Satdium Upgrade Complete

The upgraded stadium in Bloemfontein is now ready for the 2009 Confederations Cup and the 2010 World Cup, according to local officials. The renovation cost roughly $35 million.

The Free State stadium, which would become the home ground of the Cheetahs as well as Celtic, was upgraded from a seating capacity of 38 000 to 46 000.

It now has 100 private suites with 200 seats as well as a VIP suite which was upgraded to 650 seats. Other upgrades include a bigger media centre, parking and security features.

The chief executive officer of Mangaung 2010, George Mohlakoane, said the upgrades cost R315.5 million, while some R325 million was allocated.

The rest of the money would be used to do considerable upgrades at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium, which would be a training venue for 2010.

Source:
Bloemfontein stadium ready for Confeds Cup
Sapa
March 26, 2009

Cities Will Be Ready, According to Government

Government officials in South Africa are quick to contend that the country's host cities will be ready to host the 2010 tournament, but low ticket sales for the 2009 Confederations Cup have many concerned about the local demand.

Sports Minister Makhenkesi Stofile was equally glowing, calling the meeting an enriching exercise.

"The stadiums are 99 percent complete," he said of the stadiums in the host cities. "We are now dealing with the overlays, such as the walkways."

Not a single city had asked for additional funding, he said. They had tightened their belts.

Deputy National Police Commissioner Andre Pruis agreed that everything was on track.

He said South Africa was well equipped and prepared to handle the security for such an event. In fact, security was so good that there had been only a single incident at the 141 major events staged since the advent of democracy.

Source:
Venues ready, but where are the fans?
Independent Online
March 20, 2009

Jordaan Assures UEFA That South Africa Will Be Ready

In a meeting with the Union of European Football Congress, 2010 Fifa World Cup Organising Committee South Africa Dr Danny Jordaan assured officials that the country would be ready in time for the June 2010 tournament.

At the invitation of Uefa president Michel Platini, Jordaan assured Uefa member associations at the congress that South Africa's stadiums were on course to be completed by October this year, in line with its Fifa deadlines. He also updated them about the country's transport, safety and fan park plans for the first African World Cup, taking place in June next year.

A substantial number of the anticipated 450 000 international visitors who will travel to South Africa for the 2010 Fifa World Cup are expected to come from Europe, with the likes of England, the Netherlands and Germany traditionally having among the largest fan bases at tournaments.

"Already well over 800 000 applications have been received for the 743 000 tickets that have been made available in this first round of ticket sales, many of them coming from fans in Europe. This means that the tournament is already oversubscribed, but it is still of utmost importance that the associations know exactly what to expect in South Africa in 2010," said Jordaan.

Source:
Jordaan paints bright picture of 2010 plans
Independent Online
March 26, 2009

Success on the Field, But African Demand for the Game Has Some Worried

As African nations enter the climactic stage of World Cup qualifying, the sport is experiencing an unprecedented success on the continent. African players are increasingly among the world's top players, earning some of the highest salaries. Investment in the African Champions League is also at an all-time high. But while the sport is benefiting, ticket sales for the upcoming Confederations Cup are disproportionate. Worries persist among many that the local audience for the Confederations Cup and the subsequent World Cup will be small.

Yet football's world governing body is concerned that when the best teams in the world arrive for next year's finals, there might be few locals to watch them. Although global ticket demand for the World Cup is high, the local pick-up has been slow and FIFA is unhappy with South Africa's marketing for its forthcoming tournaments. "There isn't a single promotion of the events, even when you arrive at the airport," secretary general Jerome Valcke lamented earlier this month.

This might partly explain the poor ticket sales ahead of June's Confederations Cup, the eight-team tournament featuring the various continental champions not to mention the last World Cup winners too: Italy being joined by Brazil, Spain, Iraq, New Zealand, America, Egypt and the hosts. Yet with just three months to go, little more than a quarter of the tickets have been snapped up.

...

As the African Diaspora flourishes, the game is also advancing back home - at least monetarily. While the continent's domestic football will always be plagued by inadequate pitches, poor preparation, nutrition, salaries, administration and of course, corruption, sponsors are now pumping record amounts of money into the African Champions League.

Source:
African eyes all turn to World Cup
ESPN
March 26, 2009

Confederations Cup Organizers Stressing Over Low Ticket Sales

Low ticket sales for the 2009 Confederations Cup have event organizers and World Cup boosters uneasy about the local response the the international tournaments.

Fifa and the Local Organising Committee have persuaded South African Rugby, Cricket South Africa, Cosatu and the ZCC to help promote the tournament.

In spite of the world’s leading teams coming to South Africa to take part, ticket sales have been disappointing.

The chief marketing officer of the LOC, Derek Carstens, said: “We want to encourage South Africans to take ownership of this tournament, to see themselves as hosts, and the best way is to go out and fill the stadiums and welcome the teams and visitors to our country."

Source:
Divine inspiration sought for Cup
The Times
March 19, 2009

Booted From Confederations Cup, Port Elizabeth's Stadium Now Ahead of the Curve

Cut as a host for the 2009 Confederations because of development delays, the stadium in Port Elizabeth is now nearly constructed -- and on track to be the first of the country's new stadia completed. The irony is not lost on blogger Craig Urquhart.

Jordaan was able to walk on the newly laid pitch and take in a view of a venue that has 40 000 of its 48 000 seats already installed. More than half of the 36 girders that will support the roof have been erected, and the columns, slabs, precast seating, precast raking beams and moat are already complete.

Like every other 2010 stadium, it has come at a price. The initial cost was estimated at R250-million, but this rose to R1,2-billion a year ago and it now stands at R1,95-billion, of which the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality will have to pay 10%.

Source:
Rags to riches for PE
Mail and Guardian Sports Leader Blog
February 5, 2009

Securing South Africa's Airspace

Police forces in South Africa are training for possible airstrikes during the upcoming Confederations Cup and World Cup.

...[T]his week's joint defence force and police training simulation, dubbed "Exercise Shield 3" was aimed at testing their ability to secure airspace during high visibility events.

The operation at Swartkops airbase included a staged hijacking of an aircraft and a demonstration of how two Hawk fighter planes can intercept a hijacked plane, forcing it to land.

The simulation also made use of bomb disposal units, hostage negotiators, sniffer dogs, and a remote-controlled robot.

SAPS Director David Garnett said the intervention teams would be deployed in all host cities to deal with any threats relating to the soccer event.

Source:
Security forces get ready for Fifa tournament
Independent Online
March 21, 2009