Soccer Coaching Drills

The whole world can’t wait for the 2010 Soccer World Cup to begin. South Africa has emerges as the host for the 2010 world cup after a lot of debate, bidding and voting.. South Africa and Mexico are the first in line on the 2010 soccer calender being the first teams to compete.Many theorize that it would become likely for the final world cup winners football game to have an African country involved however this is yet to be seen. Many may not have time to follow the whole tournament, so if you’re wondering what sort of world-class stadiums our favorite teams will be doing their soccer tricks. Well South Africa really took to heart their being the 2010 hosts and over the years constructed five totally new stunning stadiums.Here’s a peek for all you ‘soccerholics’:

*Moses Mabhida Stadium- constructed on the site of the former Kings Park Soccer Stadium, this teflon-coated, glass-fibre roofed stadium was officially opened on November 2009.

o Capacity: 70,000 o Location: Durban o Design: looks like the South African flag from an ariel view.The legs of the arch join which signifies the uniting of the formally devided country.This arch has a staggering height of 347 ft at the  highest point. The roof glows when under light.
* Green Point Stadium- will  hold the first six round matches, one second-round, one quarter and one semifinal match.The original stadium was demolished and reconstruced in 2007.

o Capacity:70,000 o Location: Cape Town o Design:has sound proof material and is situated very near the ocean and has beautiful mountains in the background. Has an amazing retractable glass roof weighing about 4,500 tons.

* Mbombela Stadium- a  Siwala world meaning “many people together in a small space.” o Capacity: 40,000 o Location:Nelspruit o Design:  has giraffe looking roof designs and seats that resemble the stripes of a giraffe. * Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium-not to be confused with the former president Mandela but the Nelson mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality.Will be hosting five first round matches, one second round, one quarter final and the third place playoff.

o Capacity: 50 000 o Location:Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth o Design: resembles a ‘sunflower’ with the roof made up a series of white petals.Is overlooking the North End Lake making it a one in a million stadium.

* Soccer City Stadium- The largest stadium in Africa. Will hold the first and last matches of the Cup.

o Capacity:94,500 o Location: Johannesburg o Design:very lit during the night and resembles an African pot.

This years Cup is one to go in the books with all these great stadiums. Wouldn’t you want to just book the next flight to Africa to witness this event?

Friday, June 11, 2010 is sure to be an unforgettable date in the minds of all Africans and soccer fans across the globe being the day when Africa gets to hold the prestigious FIFA World Cup. The Americas and Europe have had the priveledge of hosting the FIFA World Cup for the past 801 years. How does the venue for the FIFA World Cup get chosen? Currently, the policy for selection is that any country can bid to be the venue for the World Cup guaranteed that their continent hasn’t hosted it in the past two years making Africa a good candidate. South Africa had a narrow loss against Germany in the 2006 bidding with 12 votes to 11 as the final tally. All countries that bid for the 2010 World Cup were African including South Africa, Morocco and Egypt. South Africa won by four points to Morocco resulting in this unforgettable event. The reasons mentioned are all technical, but you might ask if the country has the ability to host such a huge event? Personally, I’d say “definitely”, these are my reasons:

* I love their team- it’s a fact, the definitely deserve to hold the cup. Wouldn’t holding the Cup in a country who’s team isn’t even that good be a total let down? Even if  you look back, the soccer teams of countries hosting the cup are usually first class like Brazil (1950), Argentina(1978) and Italy(1990). Adding South Africa to the list would make sense.

* Perfect stadiums- South Africa’s preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup included the construction of four new stadiums. Their designs include : a detractable glass roof, beautiful lighting, zebra like seats, and the South African flag. Who could want more?

* Good weather- South Africa is well known for it’s good weather-aside from the wildlife. The World Football Tournament will be held during South Africa’s winter season. Not to worry though, your favorite players won’t end up freezing to death since the winter temperature in South Africa is warmer than most countries summer temperature! The average temperature is predicted to be 20 degrees celsius at midday which is better for an athelet’s body compared to higher temperatures. Good weather means higher stamina and endurance..

* It’s in Africa- what could be a better place for the world to unite than in the very place that civilization is said to have begun?And the place where soccer is in the heart of every African?Soccer in South Africa has in the past been a cause for unification and a force for apartheid resistance during President Mandela’s era. The finals being held in Soweto which has been the center of South African soccer really adds meaning to the whole event making it not simply a sports event but a historical one.

In my opinion, no controversy in the past four years can change the  fact that South Africa is the best place for  the 2010 FIFA World Cup and everyone should be proud that for the first time in  history, Africa is holidng a sporting event this big.