South Africa countdown to the Africa Cup of Nations with nodoubt over their ability to host but little of the bursting energy the nationexperienced before the 2010 World Cup. Fears over empty seats and the state ofthe pitch of the opening and closing matches' host stadium also linger.
Stadiums, roads and hotels have been ready since the WorldCup over two-and-a-half years ago. But unlike back then, no flags of the 16participating nations are flying from street poles, and the hippo mascot Takumais nowhere in sight. South Africa's bright colours aren't flying on cars'side-mirrors and people don't wear national team Bafana Bafana's (The Boys)shirts. Bafana once again got in on a hosting ticket, having failed to qualifyfor the tournament themselves.
South Africa kick off against first-timers Cape Verde onJanuary 19 at Soccer City stadium in southwest Johannesburg's Soweto, whereSpain became world champions in 2010. But some local fans aren't overly worriedover the lack of hype.
"We know it's happening. There's nothing but you know,it's Africa," said Rolf Wilhelmsen, 50, taking photos with his family atSoccer City. "It's all subdued. It's simmering below the surface at themoment. But at the start of January it'll be bang! It's full on."
For 28-year-old Bheki Khumalo it's about national pride."In the World Cup we proved we can host. So hosting the Afcon makes meproud."
Earlier this year South Africa took over the event fromLibya, who withdrew following political turmoil during the Arab Spring. Thecountry with the continent's best sporting facilities and infrastructure wasthe logical choice to step in at short notice.
The tournament will be played in five host cities and towns- Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit and Rustenburg. All of themhave upgraded or newly-built stadiums. Security for teams will be ramped upafter children threw stones at African champions Zambia's bus following a matchin Johannesburg in November. Goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene needed stitches after glasscut his head.
Visas and border crossings will be jacked up for thetournament. But filling stadiums is another story during an economic crunch ona continent where travel is exorbitantly expensive. "I have no doubt wewill have more than 90,000 people when we host the opening and finalmatches," insisted Soccer City marketing manager Louis Tshakoane.
In October organisers said they'd sell 400,000 tickets bythe end of the year; they had struggled to reach 50,000 by the start ofDecember. Prices range from 50 rands ($5.95, 4.68 euro) to 200 rands ($23.81,18.74 euro). But South Africans have never been overly excited about the AfricaCup.
An empty Royal Bafokeng Stadium seems very probable innorthern mining town Rustenburg, or in Port Elizabeth on the south coast. Butthen thousands of seats were empty during matches at the previous tournament inEquatorial Guinea and Gabon at the start of the year.
The Soccer City pitch is being replanted with hybrid grassand rested until January after international concerts there damaged thesurface. Outrage however trumps fear over its readiness because the stadiumwill host a concert of American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers a week beforethe final on February 10.
