All that glitters is gold

Victorious soccer moments of fame over the past 25 years have featured a golden earth orb supported by two human figures as the centre-piece of crowning glory – and yesterday in Nelson Mandela Bay thousands of citizens found themselves able to get up close to that very icon – the official 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Trophy.

The trophy is on the final leg of a global tour that started in Zurich, Switzerland in September 2009.  It first stopped in Egypt and criss-crossing Africa, visiting 86 countries in 225 days. The golden icon finally touched base in host country, South Africa, where will be displayed in 34 areas country-wide in a final month-long tour.

The authentic, 6kg solid gold trophy was unveiled by the acting Nelson Mandela Bay mayor, councillor, Oscar Mgwanza and Coca-Cola South Africa’s Senior Director of Operations Planning Alex Maditsi.

“It’s a novel experience to see the World Cup trophy in the Metro. This is indeed a historic moment,” said Mgwanza. “We are with, for the first time, FIFA’s trophy and we are waiting anxiously for the first match in Nelson Mandela Bay on June 12.”

He also took the opportunity to affirm the Bay’s readiness with only 29 days till the event comes to the Host City. “We have world-class facilities, accommodation, and infrastructure as we expect tourists, both domestic and international, to come to our shores to experience the Friendly City and true African humanity, Ubuntu.”

He also said safety and security was a top priority and that visitors should “put their minds at ease and come share the World Cup with us”. He added that the mood was set.

“People are excited. People are eager to experience for themselves the events of the World Cup. Some of us grew up in the dusty streets of the township playing soccer, but there are people who are not necessarily soccer loving people who still want to be a part of it,” said Mgwanza.

Maditsi commented on the symbolic importance of the trophy tour: “It is an honour and a privilege to bring the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy … for the first time to the Eastern Cape province of heritage and culture. The trophy has started bringing excitement and passion (to South Africa).

“We saw evidence in the Western Cape how people braved cold, windy weather to witness this trophy and to be a part of history. We knew it would be the same in the Eastern Cape,” said Maditisi.

“The trophy itself brings a special experience to the people of the Eastern Cape. They can come and actually see the World Cup trophy – and it’s often people who won’t necessarily be able to go to games,” said Maditsi.

Coca-Cola, which is sponsoring the Trophy Tour, is also focussed on leaving a legacy beyond the World Cup. They have made a commitment to provide clean drinking water and sanitation facilities to thousands of school children and their immediate communities. In the Eastern Cape, St Ignatius School in Kirkwood will be one of the first beneficiaries of the Water for Schools initiative rolled out to 100 schools nationwide by the end of 2010.

Bay soccer fans came in their droves to get up close and personal with the glittering golden trophy – blowing vuvuzelas and bouncing about in anticipation.

Over 600 Coca-Cola employees also joined the throngs of those interested in capturing their “pashasha” moment with the trophy.

Amongst the eager happy-snappers was Herald Spec-Savers Miss Port Elizabeth, Bianca-Ann Harper (24) who was thrilled to have her picture taken with the trophy. “It’s exciting, I have goosebumps! Not everyone gets an opportunity to do what I did. This makes you feel special. Port Elizabeth always gets excluded from things, so it’s great to be made to feel so special.”

Coca-Cola employee Xolile Ntuli (30) from Zwide, said his company had done well by giving all employees the chance to see the trophy. “This is a great dream come true and I’m lucky to work for a company that is very motivated in helping people’s dreams come true,” he said.

Andile Mazamba (27) also a Zwide local was adamant that South Africa was in the running to win the trophy. “I thank Danny Jordaan for bringing this World Cup to South Africa and changing our lives.”

Bruno Freddi, a 70-year-old Italian living in the Bay, said the trophy was a “beautiful six kilograms of gold”: “This is my only chance to ever see it – I’m so happy for my once in a life-time opportunity.”

The South African leg of the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour started on May 7 in Khayelitsha, Cape Town and moved through to the Eastern Cape yesterday where it stopped in Nelson Mandela Bay. It is in East London today and Mthatha on Friday.