Hohoe, June 10, GNA - Some residents and soccer fans in and around Hohoe District of the Volta Region are yet to rise up to the billing of the FIFA South Africa 2010 World Cup as enthusiasm for the Mundial is at its lowest ebb, less than 24 hours to the opening of the tournament. The soccer euphoria and enthusiasm that charactarised the Germany 2006 World Cup is absent this time round.

A GNA Sports survey among soccer fans and enthusiasts revealed that apart from discussions on interpersonal levels which sometimes descend into group levels, not much is seen in terms of paraphernalia and insignia of the national colours.

Some fans say that their slow passion for the World Cup stems from the scare of the Black Stars-Dutch trial encounter, whose result they were still recovering from.

While others say they want to hold onto their feelings and would not sacrifice that at the altar of non-performance. Majority of the fans who could not readily diagnose the lackadaisical attitudes of the team towards the global tournament alluded to poor advertisement from the authorities.

They say that the barometer of assessment would be thicker in the major cities than in the rest of the country, which they said hinged on advertisement and other promotions. Tony Gborow, a soccer fan said Germany 2006 marked the first ever participation of the country in the Mundial and that naturally set the tone for the euphoria, enthusiasm and passion by support base for the team. He said but for few adverts on the radio, the occasion would pass as any event without the involvement of most people.

Mr Edward Akpatse said economic difficulties were a bane for him especially when players would receive value for their participation but seem not to be serious, adding "I am cool where I am".

Madam Esi Nyame told GNA Sports that the injury situation of the team and especially the exclusion of Michael Essien and Laryea Kingston has affected her standing and morale.

She was however optimistic that the Black Stars can spring a surprise when almost everybody is uncertain with their chances.