The German government has pledged to assist South Africa stage a successful 2010 World Cup.
The German government has pledged to assist South Africa stage a successful 2010 World Cup.
Speaking at a media briefing after visiting the upgraded Soccer City last Friday, Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was impressed by the job done to date by South Africa.
Merkel was leading a 100-man delegation that included German business people and soccer icon Oliver Bierhoff, who is coach of the senior national team.
Germany's first woman chancellor, Merkel said her country was already cooperating with South Africa on areas like security and the establishment of fan parks.
The fan parks were introduced during the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where they proved to be extremely popular.
"This [the World Cup] will open an opportunity to project a new image for your country and indeed for the continent as a whole," said Merkel
"Wherever we can, we would like to help you, we would like to give you our contribution."
Merkel was quick to emphasise that Germany won't impose themselves on South Africa's preparations.
The chancellor also handed Danny Jordaan, the Local Organising Committee chief executive, a German soccer jersey signed by all the national team players.
In turn, Jordaan gave her two traditional African blankets and a 2010 World Cup progress report prepared in German.
Bierhoff expressed confidence that Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira will turn around the fortunes of Bafana Bafana.
He also said it was important for South Africa to get more players doing duty abroad.
Germany pledge to help SA stage super event
The German government has pledged to assist South Africa stage a successful 2010 World Cup.
The German government has pledged to assist South Africa stage a successful 2010 World Cup.
Speaking at a media briefing after visiting the upgraded Soccer City last Friday, Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was impressed by the job done to date by South Africa.
Merkel was leading a 100-man delegation that included German business people and soccer icon Oliver Bierhoff, who is coach of the senior national team.
Germany's first woman chancellor, Merkel said her country was already cooperating with South Africa on areas like security and the establishment of fan parks.
The fan parks were introduced during the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where they proved to be extremely popular.
"This [the World Cup] will open an opportunity to project a new image for your country and indeed for the continent as a whole," said Merkel
"Wherever we can, we would like to help you, we would like to give you our contribution."
Merkel was quick to emphasise that Germany won't impose themselves on South Africa's preparations.
The chancellor also handed Danny Jordaan, the Local Organising Committee chief executive, a German soccer jersey signed by all the national team players.
In turn, Jordaan gave her two traditional African blankets and a 2010 World Cup progress report prepared in German.
Bierhoff expressed confidence that Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira will turn around the fortunes of Bafana Bafana.
He also said it was important for South Africa to get more players doing duty abroad.
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