The Colour of South Africa is ready to set high as it gears up and begins its 100-day countdown for the World Cup kick off on June 11. Johannesburg pride itself as the first African nation to host the biggest and most prestigious football tournament. As it gets ready to host a one month-long festival to showcase its rich and colourful culture to the world, the host nation has launched the countdown with a bang. Cities across the nation revel in excitement and have already staged street parties to show the welcome and world in advance.

The Fear

With all the hype that surrounds the World Cup 2010 countdown, international football fans are staying away from the game due to the security and safety issues that have been highlighted more since the attack on Togo’s football team at the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola. Crime is also the major talking point as it is the biggest problem of the city and it has the highest crime rates in the world. With these, doubts linger for the host nation on their ability to stage a high-profile game. South Africa hosted Fifa’s Confederation Cup last year successfully and officials are banking on that and other past successful sporting events to prove and reassure the pessimist and the doubters of the events that all is under control and there is nothing to be worried about going to the games. “There is no doubt, no doubt,” he said. “Let’s go now, let’s have this World Cup, and then we will discuss end of July.” FIFA president Sepp Blatter insisted.

The Reality

Fifa says that 2.2 of the 2.9 million tickets have already been sold and 450,000 international visitors are expected. African football fans are unhappy of the ticket sales and dubbed it as unrealistic. Few of them have credit cards needed for online purchases, they are required proof of finance, vaccination certificates and return travelling tickets have to be met. While the cheapest tickets for them will be $80 (£54), an average African football fan could not afford it  but Fifa denies they are being priced out. With fans still recovering from the shock of global recession, the actual number of spectators could be lower.

The hope

However, with the much anticipated sporting events in football world, South Africans are increasingly optimistic, they are ready to host the World Cup and they are ready to make history. With the money poured out (3.2 billion euros) in preparation for this massive tournament, people are hoping the World Cup will bring real glory and legacy to its people.

There is no doubt that the South Africans can host a party for the countdown but can they host a massive sporting event such as World Cup tournament and probe the doubters wrong. Are you a doubter or optimist? Let us know what you think.