The prospect of playing host in 2010 to the most-watched sports event on earth – the FIFA World Cup™ – is giving South African pride and confidence a solid boost according to the latest market research conducted on FIFA's behalf. These findings are from the second instalment of a six-wave public opinion survey and show a pronounced upward trend in South Africans' anticipation of the event as well as a deeper understanding of the benefits it can bring to the host nation.   The results of the survey, which was carried out by international research agency SPORT+MARKT, come just one month before South Africa prepares to host the FIFA Confederations Cup.

Given that this tournament is regarded by many as the “championship of champions” and is a major internationalsporting event, the survey suggests that South Africa is more than ready to embrace world-class football and recognise the legacy such tournaments can leave behind.

The following are key extracts from the findings (percentage point change from the first-wave scores in January 2009 in brackets):

• Big leap in confidence – 83% feel their country will be ready to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ (+10)
• An overwhelming 94% (+6) are proud that South Africa is hosting the competition, with 89% (+8) saying the event will bring long-term benefits to the country
• 92% (+5) believe that hosting the competition will lead to an upgrade in infrastructure, notably public transport, roads and telecommunications
• 90% (+7) believe the FIFA World Cup™ will improve South Africa's image abroad
• 96% (+5) expect the competition to be a fillip for the country's tourism industry
• South Africans are determined to enjoy the FIFA World Cup™ irrespective of Bafana Bafana's performance. 86% say their interest is unaffected by the performance of the national team (no comparison as this question was not asked in the first wave).

Lingering doubts do remain, however: 58% of respondents believe that crime will be a concern for visitors to the FIFA World Cup™, with the same amount anticipating increased congestion problems in South African cities. Furthermore, 59% have concerns about the possibility of inflated prices in South Africa as a result of the tournament.

 

NB: This urban representative survey was conducted amongst 1,000 South African respondents in all major cities and 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Host Cities, with quotas for ethnic origin, age and gender. Interviewing was conducted face-to-face in calendar weeks 13-15. To request the charts or for further information please contact marketingcomm@fifa.org.