As the 2006 World Cup in Germany reaches a climax with the final on Sunday in Berlin, some eyes are already turning to the next one in South Africa in four years time, BBC reports Wednesday.
Organisers are hoping the first World Cup to be played on African soil will produce “Football for a Better World” and Fifa will flag up preparations already on Friday at Berlins Brandenburg Gate.
High-ranking dignitaries will include UN secretary general Kofi Annan, South African President, Thabo Mbeki, Fifa chief Sepp Blatter and German legend Franz Beckenbauer.
Former South African President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela will also send a live video message to the “Football for a Better World – From Germany to South Africa” gathering.
Fifa is dubbing the festivities in Berlin as “the biggest single football party ever,” comprising six hours of football and music. Among music stars playing are African music legend Youssou NDour. NDours band includes African artists including Angelique Kidjo, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Vusi Mahlasela, MC Solaar and Rokia Traore.
Representing the football world will be several African greats, among them Liberias George Weah, Cameroonians Roger Milla and Abedi Pele of Ghana.
Fifa will also use the event as an opportunity to publicise its “6 villages for 2006” charity campaign in conjunction with SOS Childrens Villages. The project is designed to create six new childrens villages for destitute youngsters in Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, Ukraine, and Vietnam.
