‘’Africa needs to interact with the rest of the world if it is to play its role in the growth of the game.
In March of 2020, World Football Summit had to make one of the most difficult decisions in its history and cancel what was set to be the first WFS Africa.
But after more than two years of relentless perseverance, we are happy to announce that WFS Africa will become a reality in Durban (South Africa), on November 16th & 17th of this year.
This fantastic news would not have been possible without great support from Mr. Danny Jordaan, President of the South African Football Association (SAFA). Mr. Jordaan was also instrumental in landing the first World Cup in Africa in 2010. Prior to that, he had an illustrious career at FIFA Across roles that helped him get a feel for the game across many countries.
Now, World Football Summit is returning to Durban, a coastal South African city popular for its white beautiful beaches, being a leading tourist destination, and hosting some legendary matches during the 2010 World Cup.
Mr. Jordaan has hailed the World Football Summit (WFS) symposium as a possible catalyst and a game-changer for African football.
He is also of the belief that discussions that come out of such forums will go a long way in growing football in Africa businesswise, something the continent desperately needs if it is to turn its fortunes around.
‘’We want Africa to convert its potential into reality but this can only be done if the continent taps and implement business ideas from the rest of the world and WFS provides such opportunities.”
In an exclusive interview with WFS Digest, the man who ran the first ever World Cup to be held on the African continent said the Covid-19 pandemic might have affected the global game in the past two years but it might also have given society to sit back and reset.
‘’We want Africa to convert its potential into reality but this can only be done if the continent taps and implement business ideas from the rest of the world and WFS provides such opportunities.”
Jordaan’s objective for the upcoming WFS is to discuss Africa’s competitiveness at major tournaments and what needs to be done to see the continent achieve its massive potential.
‘’African competitiveness is going to be a major focus. Qatar 2022 is the first World Cup in the Middle East and comes after the first World Cup in Africa and the first in Eastern Europe. This particular one is vital for African renaissance which goes hand in hand with both FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe’s vision of making sure Africa thrives in major football tournaments,’’ said Jordaan.
Keep reading to discover a summary of the conversation that WFS Digest had with SAFA President, Mr. Danny Jordaan around the potential for African Football in the global playing field
WFS: Africa has an unmatched passion for football and an extraordinary talent that makes it to the world’s best leagues in the world. However, the continent hasn’t been able to grow a powerful football industry yet. Why is this?
Mr. Danny Jordaan: I honestly think this is where World Football Summit is going to be a major game-changer for the continent. I am going to discuss this with CAF President Patrice Motsepe, so we can try to make this symposium an annual event going forward. Talent-wise, Africa has shown that it is up there with the best but unless you transform your business model, the continent will continue to play catch up with the rest of the world. We need to move into the world of digitalization, technology, integration, and commercialisation.
These are all catalysts for the massive growth of the game.
WFS: Where is the limit for African football?
Mr. Danny Jordaan: Our CAF Champions League tournament must match that of the UEFA. There is massive talent here on the continent for our clubs to compete with the European giants.
Africa’s passion for football is unmatched in this world.
WFS: What does Africa need to learn from the football industry?
Mr. Danny Jordaan: That symposium’s blueprint can change the face of the game because this is where top football leaders meet and thrash out issues, unlock solutions, and pave the way forward.
We need to move into the world of digitalisation, technology, integration and commercialisation. These are all catalysts for the massive growth of the game.
WFS: South Africa was home to one of the most spectacular World Cup tournaments back in 2010 and is the only African country to have celebrated a World Cup. What is the heritage that it has left behind? How has the African Football industry changed over the last 12 years?
Mr. Danny Jordaan: The first FIFA World Cup to be staged on the African continent in 2010 was voted the best and most vibrant World Cup ever. It was a symbol of unity; when Ghana met Uruguay in the quarter-finals the entire continent rallied behind the West African nation. FIFA also gave grants to all of the continent’s FAs in the “Win with Africa in Africa” project.
All in all, Africa’s game has grown in all spheres from junior level to women’s football, thanks to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
WFS: What is your ambition for South African football from a business and social impact perspective in the next 5 to 10 years?
Mr. Danny Jordaan: Our Vision 2022 was a huge success in the sense that most of our national teams fulfilled our goal of making sure the country participated in all major global tournaments and our new Vision 2030 should improve that by making sure that we don’t just participate but do well in all tournaments we participate in.
Moreover, we work to see SAFA become a global player in the football community.
WFS: What opportunities can WFS bring to the African industry?
Mr. Danny Jordaan: Africa cannot exist in isolation. It needs integration with the rest of the world. This continent has raw talent but it needs to be nurtured with modern technology.
I call upon WFS to use its influence to drive that change and professionalize the football business. Together we can achieve the unthinkable.
This interview featured in the latest edition of WFS Digest, our insider’s guide to the latest and most relevant thoughts and practices from within the football industry. You can subscribe to WFS Digest HERE
And, if you want to join us for WFS Africa be sure to fill out this pre-registration form! Our team will then help you identify the best options available.