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Soccer News of Monday, 16 June 2014

Source: suncity radio 97.1-sunyani

Jordan expects Ghana, Ivory Coast and Nigeria to shine

Danny Jordan expects Ghana,Ivory Coast and Nigeria to shine in Brazil

Mr. Danny Jordan the chairman of the Local organizing Committee of the 2010 world cup in South Africa and also the current vice president of the marketing committee of CAF believes legacy should be part of planning to host any tournament. He made his thoughts known in an exclusive interview on Suncity radio 97.1 in Sunyani on what legacy the 2010 world cup left his country, South Africa as part of the Stations quest to bringing more meaning to football issues.

Mr. Jordan, who spoke from Brazil, also believes hosting the 2010 Fifa World Cup has boosted South Africa’s tourism industry, allowing more tourists coming into South African than before, great infrastructural development and also a great sense of national pride .Mr. Jordan also mentioned African solidarity which was greatly demonstrated when all South Africans supported Ghana when she was the only African country left in the 20110 World Cup hence, the name BAGHANA BAGHANA. Mr. Jordan said, they wanted the world to experience and appreciate the African World cup which was achieved and South Africa 2010 will go down in history as one of the best world cup ever hosted not only in Africa but in the world at large.

On his assessment of the African teams participating in this year’s World Cup in Brazil, he stated he expects much more from Africa notwithstanding the fact that a country like Ghana finds herself in a very difficult group .According to him, ‘we have to do better than what was achieved in 2010 in South Africa, I believe Ghana is a strong team, so is La Cote D’voire, and Nigeria who are the current African champions and the rest of the African countries”

Mr. Jordan also says he will continue to play his role in football in Africa (CAF) and FIFA as long as the African people want him to.

Addressing the numerous challenges African countries have in attracting sponsorship packages for their various leagues,Mr.Jordan said, ‘They have to engage businesses in their countries and also on the continent and make clear commercial agreements for deals they can benefit from.’ He believes football on the African continent needs more investment, more money, and also leaders who will put their heads together to develop a plan not just for some countries but all countries to benefit from.

The current Vice President of the marketing Committee for the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil believes South Africa has opened the door for other African countries to also put in a bid to host the World Cup once the opportunity presents itself. According to him, even when people doubted Africa to host a big event like the World Cup, South Africa showed the whole world Africa is ready ‘about 22 African Countries are part of the fastest growing economies in the world. He however, cautions, ‘ any country wishing to host the world cup should start investing in infrastructure like Airports which is the first point of call for anyone entering your country, Hotels, Telecommunication and also make a 10-20 years development plan to be able to host the world’s biggest event FIFA WORLD CUP’. Reiterating the need for countries to invest in their Airports if they want to build a brand. According to him, Qatar has many years to prepare for the World Cup in 2022, and many other African Countries given such luxury can plan and execute a very successful event like the world cup.

Mr. Danny Jordan is also member of the Organizing Committee of the FIFA world cup in Brazil