Africans are "naturally modest"

See if you can read this article without cracking up. The problem with the WC2010 (yes, there is another one) is that the "natural modesty" of Africans is preventing a positive image to be projected to the world. Y'see, our problem is that unlike the loud-mouthed yanks, we do then we brag. The yanks brag then do (or both). No sirree, we Africans are not ones to blow our trumpets - in advance. Actually that's maybe because the trumpet is broken or most likely stolen.

Nope, says Irwin, we are too modest. Naturally so.

Hokay Khoza, slight problem with that argument. Just applying to host the world's biggest sport's event when 40% of your population lives on $2 a day is anything but "modest". Actually it is downright arrogant is what it is. It makes the yanks look coy by comparison. Y'see Mr Khoza, taking billions of tax rands literally from the mouths of starving South Africans so you and your posse can parade your "coming of age" show is anything but 'modesty'. Whereas the yanks have earned the right and have proven their capacity to host world events, you half-wits have barely scratched the surface in nation building - which should have been your priority - before you so 'immodestly' squandered a shitload of money on typical African puffery.

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(Reuters) - The natural modesty of Africans is hampering the ability of South Africa to project itself as a country capable of staging an outstanding World Cup next year, according to local organising boss Irvin Khoza.

Khoza told Reuters in an interview this week that doubts expressed in Europe and elsewhere about the hosting of the 32-nation finals had not yet been countered effectively.

"We are too modest," he said. "We have a weakness as Africans. It's our nature to show respect and modesty -- and that can be self-defeating at times. (ha ha , tell that to the millions of victims of crime!)

"We are the opposite of Americans. We don't celebrate in advance. We don't show off." Khoza, chairman of the local World Cup organising committee and chairman of South Africa's premier league, has no doubts about his country's ability to stage the tournament, the world's biggest sports event, alongside the Summer Olympics.

He points out that South Africa successfully organised other major events such as the rugby and cricket World Cups while acknowledging that the soccer tournament is a much bigger and more high-profile affair. (apples and oranges)

"We have the organisation and the ability to host events of this magnitude," he said. "This is a great opportunity for us. (6 out of 10 for a minor event involving 8 teams isn't showing any "abilities" except that you people are useless)

"What's important now is that we inspire the country and our youth. We must talk more about our achievements. We need to influence the new generation. We have to show that we've got what it takes." (too late, most of the crime is committed by the 'new generation'. Perhaps the next gen?)

Khoza said the World Cup would give South Africa the perfect springboard to bring new business and investment into the country.

"The chairmen of big corporations, business leaders and influential people of all kinds will come here for the World Cup," he added. (with bodyguards..)

"We need to show them this is a good place to do business. That starts with the welcome at the airport. We must show them this is a different kind of tournament. We need to create a home from home for them. (..?...)

"Many people will be coming here for the first time, people who supported us during our struggles. We must not disappoint them." (oh, they will be disappointed alright)

The 60-year-old Khoza, himself a successful businessman, said security was a challenge but he believed South Africa could rise to the twin challenge of protecting visiting teams and supporters from the country's high crime rate while preventing hooliganism by overseas fans. (well, if the Confed Cup is anything to go by, amplified ten-fold, yeah, there will be ten-times more crime then)

He said South African security officials had been in Germany for the last World Cup finals and had learnt much there. (Germany and SA are like chalk and cheese, you twit)

"We won't use strong-arm tactics," he said. "People are coming here for a carnival atmosphere and we will encourage that." (you won't use strong arm tactics, but the criminals sure will)

He said there would be contacts with police in the countries of teams taking part in the tournament with a view to identifying known trouble-makers and preventing them from travelling. (the trouble-makers are already in the country!!)

Khoza said the World Cup would also leave South Africa with a legacy of first-class soccer stadiums which would enable the country to host other major tournaments in the future. (other major events ...?)

He said he hoped visiting fans would leave with a great image of South African people. "Our slogan is 'celebrating Africa's humanity'," he said. "Visitors will experience the warmth of the people and many spontaneous greetings. (if they don't stick a gun to your head first. It'll be 'spontaneous' alright)

"People here like to laugh. It's an expression of happiness. When they go to a match, it's like going to a wedding. It's a celebration." (everyone likes to laugh, you tool)

But he said for Africa's World Cup to be perfect, African teams needed to perform well and he hoped to see South Africa or another African team reach the quarter-finals or even the semi-finals. (Bafoona Bafoona reach the semi-finals..? Ha ha ha !)