Preparing to host the World Cup in some ways is similar to a club's preparation for a new season. It is only when the action begins that we really know if the build-up worked or not. Sure, we know that there are enough players to field a decent team, just as we know that ultimately, the stadia will all be ready but it is how everything gels and comes together when it the curtain is raised that determines if it is successful or not.
It doesn't stop the speculation though and as weaknesses in squads can sometimes be seen long before the curtain goes up, eyebrows have quizzically travelled in the same direction in regard to South Africa's suitability/readiness/ passion for what is, after all the world's biggest sporting event.
As you would expect, there are some rough spots that need ironing out and these have been well-discussed elsewhere. Talking to locals in the various cities I visited last month, they were quick to point out that they have hosted Cricket and Rugby World Cups and economic and political conferences among other events without a hitch.
The Confederations Cup gets a good deal more play in the world's press than any of these events and this eight-nation tourney pales in comparison with what is to come. For the Egypt-Italy match, I think I just managed to get the last remaining hotel room in the, very pleasant, city of Bloemfontein. If you can't get a place in the city, Kimberley is only a couple of hours away. Anybody looking for a place to stay on the Saturday night, when Bafana hosted Spain in the Free State Stadium, really struggled. The same could be said of Rustenburg, a city that may be the fastest-growing in the country but one that doesn't boast much in the way of accommodation.
If there are such problems for the Confederations Cup when few fans from overseas visited and most matches were not sold out, the situation in store next year when 400,000 plus are expected is worrying. It is not an easy or quick problem to solve as South Africa has been building hotels at a fast pace ever since the announcement was made in Zurich in 2004 that the World Cup was on its way. The usual campsite option is not really on as it is just too chilly in the months of June and July. More rooms are promised but the best thing to do is book early.
Public transport is also a big problem but one that is slowly being dealt with in Johannesburg at least. The Gautrain that will link the airport, Park Station, Sandton and Pretoria is not yet ready but should be by the time the competition kicks off and the same can be said of the rapid bus transit system. Other cities also have much to do.
Johannesburg does actually have a metro train though there are dire warnings for those brave enough to step on the yellow trains. The crime issue is everywhere - in the papers, in conversation, in soap operas but, personally, I had no problems and never felt unsafe. If I had gone to Park Station, Johannesburg's transport hub, without reading and being told that it is also crime central, I would never have thought that it was anything other than a fairly modern train station.
What South Africa calls for, in contrast perhaps to Germany, is pre-planning and organization. This is not going to be a World Cup that will reward last-minute decisions to attend.
With a little planning, a great time should be had by all because, from what I saw of South Africa, it is a wonderful country. The stadia are going to be great, unusual and atmospheric (the giraffe and zebra effect of Nelspruit's arena promises to be special) and most of them have their own identity. The people are welcoming, passionate, knowledgeable about football and simply desperate to portray their country in a good light.
With all the bad press, they have a job on their hands but the feeling is - it is going to be great.
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