South Africa — an old hand in organising mega sporting events — still needs to iron out a few wrinkles. Rugby World Cup 95’, ’96 African Cup of Nations, ’98 athletics World Cup, 2003 cricket World Cup; as someone who was there for the last event, here a few things which certainly could have been better: SAFETY ASPECT: Though the locals will needlessly debate about their country being ‘as safe or unsafe’ as any other country, one can never be sure. After being witness to one mugging, a mobile-snatching episode and one helicopter-car chase I have my doubts. Clear instructions about avoiding certain areas need to be well-advertised. And the tourist areas need proper policing. TRANSPORT PROBLEM: Local transport too can be a hazard. Taxis are easily available but are hard on the pockets. Mini-bus and the railways are plenty but then aren’t exactly safe. DON’T LOSE HEART: Another noticeable thing during the cricket World Cup was the sudden drop in interest among the locals after the home team lost. The reason the rugby World Cup was a big hit was the fact that South Africa won it. While in 2010 an early exit for the local team is on the cards, let’s hope they don’t take it to heart. STADIUMS AND TICKET DISTRIBUTION: Ticketing should be simpler unlike the internet distribution during the cricket World Cup which led to jammed lines and angry fans. At most stadiums temporary stands took care of the huge number of fans but few exit and entry points meant chaos at the start and end of the games. CONTROL THE SPIRITS: The India-Pakistan game saw a few beer-sprinkling encounters between the rival fans. Football will see many such intense rivalries and maybe more volatile fans.
