These are the words of 22-year old Christina Mashobane, a student at the University of Johannesburg. She sees the 2010 World Cup as a platform to create peace and harmony among South Africans.
Open arms
Christina has been encouraging all her friends, family and anyone she meets, to learn about football and welcome football fans to our country with open arms.
"I grew up in a household that loves football. My family are huge football fans, but I didn't know much about the game before," says Christina. But when she heard that the biggest sporting event in the world was coming to South Africa, she began brushing up on her football knowledge and even started watching local football games to learn more.
At first she admits she did not know what this World Cup meant for her country, but after learning about the game, she realised that the World Cup would bring about big changes for her community, her country and the African continent.
Great moment
2010 is important to her because it will showcase our abilities as a country and what we are capable of. The world's eyes will be on us and people will no longer be ignorant about our country, she says.
"The World Cup is the biggest event since the dawn of democracy in South Africa. I want to be here to witness this great moment in history so I can tell my children and grandchildren about my experiences in years to come."
Positive attitude
"Hundreds and thousands of people will visit our country for the first time and it is up to us to give them a great and welcoming experience," says Christina.
It is the positive attitude of young South Africans like Christina who are paving the way forward for many generations to follow.
So let's join her as she celebrates our country, our heritage, our diverse culture and our people at the World Cup.
- Samona Murugan
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