Barry Lavery

From: Durban

Living: New York

Being in South Africa during the 4 December 2009 draw gave me an impression of what this immense World Cup event is going to be like when all eyes around the world will be fixated on South Africa over the next few months. South Africa is experiencing an electric vibe overload of anticipation and hope.

Visiting the South African Consulate General in New York some months ago, I first got to experience the excitement of the event from an overseas perspective. There was a sign-in booklet in the reception filled with signatures of people all having had applied for visas. I cannot even recall the number of different nationalities I saw. And the best thing about this setting was the huge Zakumi mascot taking up most of the lobby. Everyone had huge smiles on their faces, something I had not seen in a government office for a very long time. It was a truly pleasant first impression for foreign visitors to the country.

Critics of the South African’s capacity to the host the event have so far eaten their words with the finalised construction of the awe-inspiring stadiums, and the on-scheduled preparations. People still doubt the outcome of this sporting spectacular. I pray for a success, for the leaders of the country to recognise the importance of this event and for the people of the South Africa to do their best to promote our country. While I will not be able to attend the World Cup, I will be watching every Bafana Bafana game and encouraging others to join in the experience. I even have my vuvuzela which will certainly give my neighbourhood something to talk about!

I also got some opinions from a variety of people, South Africans and foreigners, living all over the world – what do they really think about South Africa hosting the event and has the profile of South Africa been raised by the exposure?

Roxy Jacobs

From: Durban, RSA

Lives: Kelowna, Canada

I think it is great for the country. However, that type of money may have been better spent on funding community projects and finally elevating some of the poorest people. I hope that the World Cup earnings will be going towards helping local communities. It is of my opinion, living in a foreign country that does not play much soccer that it hasn’t really done much for the country’s profile. All I get asked is ‘will it be safe?’

Aleen Sevadjian

From: Long Island, USA

I think it is exciting that an African country will finally host the World Cup. During the 2006 World Cup, I was in Tanzania, and though I have no interest in soccer, the enthusiasm of the local people encouraged me to watch the games. The African support was contagious. And by hosting an international sporting event, South Africa is gaining huge positive international exposure.

Aya Kikimova

From: Almaty, Kazakhstan

Lives: New York City, USA

I have never been to South Africa, but the biggest impression for me are those accents! I am all for South Africa hosting the World Cup. The huge number of international soccer fans will certainly be more interested in South Africa with the competition being hosted there. The benefit to the country’s profile may only come after the competition has been successfully completed.

George Urumpipara

From: Mumbai, India

Lives: New Jersey, USA

I love soccer. I am a huge supporter of club championships around the world and I can’t wait for the World Cup. I am not sure about South Africa’s chances for winning the championships, but I am excited to hopefully get to watch some of the games with an actual South African. You hear mixed reviews about the country. I think the World Cup is an opportunity for South Africa to become better known as a great country.

Dessi Lavery

From: Sofia, Bulgaria

Lives: New York City, USA

I have loved this country since first going. It is indescribable and has everything from beautiful landscapes and amazing nature, to great food and wine and awesome people. Hosting the World Cup is an opportunity for the country to boost its national and local economy. For people who don’t necessarily know about the country, the World Cup is an opportunity for South Africa to become known. People should never stereotype a place because of a bad history, or because it is on the African continent.