Fantastic 2010 World Cup, Thomas Mlambo

EXCITEMENT is mounting with less than two months to go before the first World Cup on African soil kicks off at Soccer City in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Namibian Sport secured an exclusive interview with charismatic Supersport presenter Thomas ‘Big Daddy’ Mlambo, on Friday, to give football enthusiasts an idea what to expect when the world’s greatest sporting showpiece comes alive.

Sheefeni Nikodemus (SN): What is the mood like in SA ahead of the World Cup?Thomas Mlambo (TM): It’s absolutely amazing. People have started queuing for tickets already. I was in the queue for hours but eventually bought my tickets to the games. The people here really want to be part of the World Cup, they don’t want to sit at home and watch it on the TV. Overall the atmosphere is unbelievable, the expectations, desire and hunger for the World Cup can be seen on their faces. (SN): Is SA ready to hold the World Cup?(TM): Yes, 100 per cent! The airports and other facilities are ready, stadiums have been built, and most of the construction is done already. So it’s just the final touches that are being put to everything. (SN): What benefits does the 2010 WC have for Africa?(TM): This is our time. It’s our chance to host the biggest sports event in the world and we must all be proud and make the most of opportunities that come our way as a result of the 2010 World Cup. There will be an influx of tourists coming to South Africa and once they have experienced it, they will want to see the rest of Africa. (SN): As far as broadcasting is concerned, what has Supersport got lined up for viewers?(TM): Well we have loads of high-quality programmes dedicated to the World Cup. There’s going to be massive 24-hour coverage of the whole tournament. There’s history on the tournament, magazine shows in the mornings and lunchtime, previews and reviews, and there’s also a cooking show which I’m sure the ladies will like. We will have soccer legends like John Barnes and Edgar Davids as part of the panel and we’ve a new studio specially designed for the World Cup as well. So there’s a lot to expect from Supersport before, during and after the World cup(SN): Who are you putting your money on to win the WC?(TM): I think South Africa will surprise. With over 90 000 vuvuzelas behind them in their first match against Mexico, I feel they can go far in the tournament. From an African perspective I think Cameroon have the best chance, and maybe Ivory Coast. But if I had to put my hard-earned money on one particular team, then it would be Argentina. Forget their rough qualifying campaign and forget Messi, the whole team is brimming with quality. (SN): What do you think of the Namibian players in the PSL?(TM): Rudolf Bester! He’s my favourite player. I love watching him play. If he can avoid distractions that other players have fallen victim to, then he can go very far. Overall I think they are making a difference in the PSL. They obviously have quality in them otherwise they would not be playing for these teams.(SN): What are SA soccer fans saying about Johny Doëseb’s bid for Moroka Swallows?(TM): Look, if he’s got the money and he wants to buy the shares then hey why not? I think he’ll be good for South African football and obviously he is buying the club with good intentions for the fans of club.(SN): What should the Namibia Premier League (NPL) do to have a quality product on Supersport?(TM): It’s a long administrative process and there have to be many discussions to find a way to make it work. Obviously if the discussions go right then I see no problem with getting the Namibian Premier League on Supersport. (SN): How do you make presenting look so easy?(TM): I don’t feel it’s a job. I get paid to talk about something I’d be talking about anyway. Obviously I put a lot of research into my work and I always try to make sure that I am in tune with every sporting detail so that I can do a good job.

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