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South Africa's World Cup preparations overshadowed by fear of failure | Owen Gibson and Jamie Jackson

Source: The Guardian

Nov 04, 2009

Summary

Everyone insists South Africa will stage a great tournament, but on the pitch the hosts could make unwanted World Cup history

Most South Africans, including former players and officials, are terrified about the impending World Cup. Not because they have any fears over the 10 stadiums not being ready, share international concerns over crime, believe transport links are not up to scratch or will admit to fears over providing enough beds for the hundreds of thousands of expected visitors.

All are insistent that South Africa will host a great World Cup. But they are less confident about the performance of their team, fearing that they could turn out to be the sort of hosts who embarrass themselves just as the guests are arriving and are forced to slink away from their own party early.

Mark Fish, the former Lazio, Bolton and Charlton defender, who was a member of the South Africa side that lifted the African Nations Cup in 1996 just four years after they were readmitted to world football, is clear where the blame lies.

"A lot of the blame goes towards the federation.

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