Thursday the 11th of June 2009 marked the start of the countdown to the biggest sporting event on earth, the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Africa.

The 365 day countdown was ushered in by much celebration around South Africa. President Jacob Zuma attended a ceremony at the nearly completed Green Point stadium in Cape Town. It was there that he congratulated construction workers and booted a ball into the stands as a symbolic act to accompany the kick-off of the one year countdown.

“We have made it,” Zuma stated confidently amidst resounding cheers. His speech to the crowd espoused confidence in South-Africa’s ability to meet development deadlines, and he also had some words of encouragement for Bafana Bafana, the national team.

Enthusiasm has been remarkable as the anticipated sporting event draws near. The Confederations Cup, the two week dress rehearsal for the World Cup, is set to begin on Sunday and it will certainly make the reality of hosting the event all the more real.

Of the ten world-class stadiums that have been constructed and renovated for the football World Cup, five are complete; and the incomplete stadiums are all reported to be on track to meet the required 2010 deadline.

Development of the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system is currently the biggest concern, as strike action by disgruntled taxi bosses has slowed the implementation process down considerably. Government is currently undergoing negotiations with the taxi industry over the issue, but it has caused widespread anxiety.

South Africa still has a way to go in its preparations for the premier football event, and it may have been wiser for Zuma to hold back on his “we have made it” comment.

Nevertheless, the African nation has made it thus far and there is certainly much to be excited about. Ticket sales are well underway with over 600 000 sold already. International buyers are being led by the United States, followed by Britain, Germany and Australia.

The one year timeline to the 11th of June 2010 has made the promise of hosting the world’s leading football event much more tangible for South Africa. The realization of a dream is finally within reach, and the 365 day time frame affords South Africa enough time to add the finishing touches to world-class developments.