South African Ambassador kicks off the World Cup at Compass
10 June 2010
Speech by the Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the State of
Qatar, Dr.Vincent Zulu to the Compass International School’s FIFA
Assembly, Thursday 10 June 2010, Doha Qatar.
Head of School, Mr John Todd
Members of Staff of the Compass International School,
Boys and Girls,
Good morning
Thank you for the invitation to join you at assembly this morning and thank you very much for the wonderful welcome you have given to Zakumi and I.
The South Africa Embassy is honoured to be with you today just one day left before the kick off to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and as we say in South Africa Ke Nako, “Now is the time”, South Africa is ready to host the most spectacular sporting event in the world, football’s 2010 FIFA World Cup.
South Africa and indeed the entire African Continent are proud to host the World Cup for the first time in the history of the game. To-morrow when you tune into the opening ceremony on your TVs you will see a display of South Africa and African dance, music, rich culture and proud heritage and I am sure you will be in no doubt that the 2010 World Cup is truly an African event.
North America, South America, Asia and Europe and Now Africa have had the privilege of hosting the FIFA World Cup. Only the Middle East has as yet not had the opportunity. I therefore look forward to Qatar winning the 2022 bid, the time has come for the world to realize the right of a Middle Eastern Country to host the most spectacular event in the World.
Boys and Girls
I hope that Zakumi’s short stay with you today will help to inspire you all, in your pursuit of your schools mission to “Learn well, Enjoy life and Exceed all Expectations”. More importantly I hope Zakumi will inspire both boys and girls to strive for excellence. It has to inspire some of you to be players when the World Cup comes to the Middle East.
Special thanks you to my South African compatriots working at the school for your initiative and hard work in facilitating today’s assembly, baie dankie, siyabonga.
Zakumi and I really looking forward to your talent show, we know that there is some amazing talent in the school. Is there going to be a Waka waka dance or two?
Now we are going to see some pictures of the soccer stadiums where the different matches will be played.
I thank you.
