Big 2010 soccer plans for Paarl
2007-04-12
ACCOMMODATION will be one of the key factors affecting Drakenstein’s chance of serving as base camp for one of the sporting nations’ participating teams during the 2010 Soccer World Cup tournament.
This fact was emphasised at a recent meeting with business people of the valley.
Councillor Arthob Petersen, chairperson of the Drakenstein 2010 Management Team, says they have already discussed Paarl’s need for a large hotel, preferably with 100 rooms, with the hospitality industry.
“We need to improve our transport infrastructure so that we can facilitate the movement of the visitors who will descend onto our area, come 2010.
“We should develop a key restaurant and pub positioning plan to cater for the visitors. Coupled with this, we should have affordable accommodation. Sky-high and unrealistic prices may actually be a total turn-off for many potential visitors.”
Petersen said they have already identified potential base camp nations.
“These include the popular and flamboyant Brazil, two-time winners France, Germany, one-time winner England and the current World Cup champions Italy. Our Municipality has published two books as part of the ongoing lobbying and marketing drive.”
Petersen also explained that they had to rethink their whole strategy.
“We started to market Drakenstein, just to realise that there is no actual town for overseas people to identify with.
“We are now back to using Paarl to spearhead our initiative. However, this will not mean that the rest of Drakenstein will be excluded from the eventual outcome.”
Another important development is that the Municipality’s Draft 2010 Project Business Plan has been completed.
“Significantly, the plan received widespread support from all the key stakeholders,” he said.
The Municipality’s 2010 team has identified four stadiums for possible upgrading. The first is Daljosaphat, at an estimated cost of R29,4 million. The other three are Faure Street (R18,5m), Weltevrede (R118,2m) and Mbekweni (R33,2m). The total cost will be in the vicinity of R199,8 million. Negotiations may later include Boland Stadium.
This proposal is not cast in stone, but subject to change. Council is considering the development of at least six playing fields instead of fully upgrading Dal Josaphat stadium.
Khaya Mrali, head of the team, and Theo Koopman, co-ordinator, emphasised the need for partners in their endeavour.
Such partners may help with erecting hotel(s) and fast-tracking hotel development requests, lobbying with them locally and abroad and endorsing the programme.
Councillor Petersen pointed out that 2010 will be an opportunity for the whole of Drakenstein.
“Council will not be getting anything from it - we are, however, creating development opportunities for our people.” The team can be contacted at 2010@drakenstein.gov.za or phone Theo Koopman at 082-415-9352.
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