South Africa set to share World Cup expertise with Qatar

With preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in full swing, South Africa has reached out in friendship to share its expertise and experience from having hosted the event in 2010.

Speaking to The Peninsula last year, Saad Cachalia, the former South African ambassador to Qatar, noted the similar preparatory measures that South Africa also faced.

“We used the World Cup as an opportunity to create lasting projects. Qatar is developing a metro rail system, we developed a rail system. We built stadiums, Qatar is building stadium. The World Cup gave opportunity to business to start and grow.”

There is value in his suggestion that the projects that are built for the Cup should be built to last. The stadiums and public transport systems that are being made now should continue to benefit the people of Qatar long after 2022 is history.

One of the ways he suggested that stadiums could be made viable is through using them to host big events. He also emphasised the popularity that fan parks enjoyed in South Africa during the event.

Many have criticised the plan to host the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, citing climate, societal norms and a lack of football culture as reasons why it should not be held here. It’s heartening to have a helping hand amidst all the setbacks. 

Photo Credit: National Geographic