SA touched by World Cup glory

A photograph with the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Winners Trophy is not an everyday privilege. But for a handful of South Africans, the chance to stand next to the trophy that will be lifted by the victorious team on 11 July 2010 became a reality today.

"I could not believe I was standing next to the trophy, they took a photo of me and it was such a great feeling. It really makes me excited for the South Africa World Cup 2010," said 13-year-old KK Malefetse who was at Melrose Arch in Johannesburg, with hundreds of other eager people, to be near the FIFA World Cup Winners Trophy.

Brought to the country by FIFA Partner Sony, the FIFA World Cup Winners Trophy has been paraded over the last few days as South Africans have been clamouring for a look, hoping to get a photograph with football's most sought after prize.

Earlier in the day, gaming fanatics were treated to a competition at one of Johannesburg's morning radio shows where they battled it out for top spot in the Sony PlayStation football game, FIFA 09, with the winner taking home a new Sony Playstation and a photograph with the 2010 FIFA World Cup Winners Trophy.

Even though the competition was virtual, the anticipation for the real 2010 FIFA World Cup was tangible among all competitors.

"The World Cup is going to be awesome," said winner, Jarryd Soma, 23. A real estate agent and Orlando Pirates supporter, he hopes that one of the benefits of hosting the World Cup is that South African's will stick together, "I hope that there will be a sense of unity between South Africans, and that we will be friendly to all visitors."

For the Chief Communications Officer of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa, Rich Mkhondo, the tour is going a long way in making South Africans aware of what to expect in 2010.

"The World Cup is for everyone. We are all responsible for its success and now is the time to start generating excitement, be innovative with this opportunity and not only deliver a great event, but be the best ambassadors we can for this country."

Source: fifa.com