INLSA
Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium’s iconic arch and a view of the city, which is set to host the inaugural Soccerex African Forum in October and for the next three years.
Picture: Tyrone Bradley / Red Bull Photofiles
The future of African football will be shaped in Durban. This became clear yesterday when the city was chosen to host the inaugural Soccerex African Forum this year and to continue to do so until 2014.
The event is expected to attract more than 1 000 delegates when it is held at the Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel from October 23-24 this year.
Speaking at the official announcement at the Hilton Hotel yesterday, Soccerex chief executive Duncan Revie said that Durban’s “fervour, enthusiasm and the involvement of the city and the province” had made it the winning bid to host the football indaba.
The organisers also hold an Asia forum, but this will be the first platform with a focus on Africa, which will analyse key issues affecting the African game, and explore sponsorship models and new media opportunities
Topics at the conference include “the business and social legacy of the World Cup”, “broadcasting and media” and “stadia management”.
Former stars such as John Barnes and Bryan Robson of England, Ruud Gullit of the Netherlands and Bafana Bafana’s Lucas Radebe have confirmed that they will be among the delegates.
“We can’t help you to win the World Cup,” Revie said, “but we can teach people how to get the structures in place to be successful.
“Leading personalities from cricket, rugby, NFL (American football) and other sports also attend Soccerex, which makes it ideal for learning and sharing,” he said.
Mike Mabuyakhulu, the provincial Economic Development and Tourism MEC, said KZN hoped to benefit from the international brand of Soccerex.
“Soccerex fits into our strategy to make KZN a mecca for major events,” he said.
“We’ve just hosted Top Gear, the Comrades Marathon and the July horse racing. Now we have events throughout the year.
“With Soccerex we will be the gateway into Africa in the field of sport,” he predicted.
“In October a number of national associations and current and past stars will visit Durban.
“We want to make it the best destination for sport, tourism and business.”
