Economic Mismanagement And Soccer

The Administrator’s comment:  As our domestic economy continues to struggle, it is important to consider how your club may have to adjust.  As expendable income declines, youth soccer clubs will have to either adjust season costs, or suffer registration declines.  For more information on the economic impact soccer, check out Youth Soccer During Tough Times as well as the following article by Craig Urquhart of Project 2010.

Zimbabwe’s Problems Blur 2010 Progress
 

By Craig Urquhart

After years of political turmoil and an economic mismanagement, Zimbabwe now finds itself under the spotlight of the UN Security Council following concerns that the post-election impasse could trigger widespread violence.

Nevertheless, many Zimbabweans are preparing themselves for a post-Mugabe era which will inevitably result in a turnaround for the shattered economy and the tourism industry which is so reliant on political stability.

The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, which ended last week, partly focused on the business opportunities presented by South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 World Cup. Our other neighbors (with considerably fewer problems) are also showing enormous enthusiasm for 2010 and the ’spill-over’ opportunities it will present.

Over the past few days, Mpumulanga Premier Thabang Makwetla signed a co-operation agreement with Maputo Governor Exa Telmina Pereira who said Mozambique is on target with upgrading its infrastructure for 2010.

Swaziland which is expected to benefit from 2010 through tourism and the development of sports facilities also explored economic opportunities presented by the event during President Thabo Mbeki’s two-day visit.

And Botswana, Lesotho and Namibia all have 2010 task teams in place to ensure that they will make the most of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity this mega-tournament presents.

While the sub-continent’s focus on 2010 is being blurred by events in Zimbabwe, the end is surely in sight now.

* Urquhart is a former Fifa World Cup Media Officer and the current editor of www.project2010.co.za