VOICED : Anticipation builds in South Africa

The transcript discusses the preparations for a football tournament in South Africa, highlighting the use of vuvuzelas and the impact of the 2010 World Cup on quick preparations. It covers the readiness of stadiums and the change of host from Libya to South Africa. Challenges in planning due to a compressed timeline and issues with ticket sales are noted. Marketing struggles and reliance on government funding are mentioned, along with the lack of big-name sponsors. Security measures are in place to ensure safety, and organizers hope for a festive atmosphere to counter any criticism.

What was one of the main reasons South Africa could prepare quickly for the tournament?

• The support from local businesses

• The financial aid from international sponsors

• The early withdrawal of Libya as the host

• The experience from hosting the 2010 World Cup

What was a significant challenge faced by the organizers due to the compressed planning timeline?

• Dropping some plans and initiatives

• Difficulty in recruiting players

• Lack of available stadiums

• Inability to secure enough volunteers

Why did South Africa struggle with ticket sales?

• Tickets were too expensive

• Tickets were only available in parcels and online

• Tickets were sold out too quickly

• Tickets were not marketed well

What was a major issue with marketing the tournament?

• Lack of interest from local media

• Absence of big-name sponsors

• Poor quality of promotional materials

• Limited advertising budget

What measures were in place to ensure the safety of players and spectators?

• Increased police presence in cities

• Installation of surveillance cameras

• Deployment of military forces

• Comprehensive border and crowd control