Soccer clubs want in
2007-04-19
WE are part of the legacy of Soccer 2010, says Luvuyo Nkewu, member of SAFA Boland and Drakenstein Football Association.
“We are not business people, our benefit will come at the logistical and administrative levels,” he explains. “We want to claim what is ours.”
Nkewu spoke to Paarl Post on his concerns around Drakenstein’s bid to become a base camp for the World Cup.
He said Drakenstein Football Association did not agree with the Municipal Council’s choice of stadia for legacy projects, specifically Faure Street and Dal Josaphat.
“We are of the opinion that the venues are far from the communities that play, and appreciate the game of football.”
Nkewu is of the opinion that especially Faure Street stadium, but also Dal Josaphat, will revert back to rugby after 2010.
“We will support development of these two stadia if we could have the assurance, signed and sealed, that soccer teams will have the continued use of them.”
He said Dal Josaphat would be the ideal venue for a fan park, as it is centrally located.
Nkewu is also concerned about the composition of the Municipality’s internal management committee.
“We feel Drakenstein Football should be represented in the committee, as we have a critical role to play.”
He explained that in bidding for a base camp nation, the coach would be crucial.
“And we know how to talk to a coach, and what he will want to know.
“Council should give clear reasons as to why we are not represented. We don’t need favours, we need involvement.”
Nkewu also questions the appointment of the two dedicated staffers for the bid.
“We know two people have been appointed. But were the posts advertised?”
He also referred to the keynote address by MEC Whitey Jacobs on the occasion of the Provincial Football Summit held in Cape Town last July.
Jacobs said, “Critical for us must be the comprehensive development of football.
“Much has been said and will still be said about 2010. The fundamental challenge we however have is to ensure that this event, the greatest showpiece on earth, does not go by without it benefiting the football community. It must leave a lasting legacy.”
At Drakenstein’s base camp bid launch on Sunday, Premier Ebrahim Rasool said politicians should now look at the bigger picture.
“It is time for politicians to take a back seat.”
Nkewu can be contacted on 072-953-4188. The chairperson of Drakenstein FA is Stembele Kaba (084-307-2876).
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