Days to go to opening game of World Cup

One hundred days has become a standard of sorts coined by media as a symbolic timeframe to assess some aspects of life. One hundred days into his (insert whatever president)  administration, what has been accomplished they ask? how has the government performed? A hundred days to lent, how should we repent? One hundred days into a child’s life, see how he/she has grown. I could go on and on, some made up and others real but you catch the drift. Today, all that gets relegated like a baby’s car seat to the back as the countdown professionals remind us that we have  100 days to South Africa’s hosting of Africa’s world cup.

It feels like the tournament is sneaking up on us and then next thing you know, BAM, it’s here. At least it seems like that’s how the organizers feel as there’s still some ironing of kinks left.

There are a number of issues at this time. Can Africans afford to attend the world cup? It depends on who you ask. Jerome Valcke, FIFA vice president is in no doubt. Ask the man on the street and ehm, not so much. No moolah, they tell us. No internet access to buy tickets too. E hard oh. Is South Africa ready to host the tournament? Yes. No. Maybe so. South Africa’s deputy president is definitely not about to sell his country short. But it’s not just the politicians. Perhaps the most important part of the equation, THE FANS is in place. 

And what about places for the teams to stay? Are they ready? England’s is not but is this a case of Anglo-Saxon hysteria of the ‘other’s’ inabilities? After all, Fabio Capello is confident the base will be ready. Other countries residences are good to go. Nevertheless, current assessments may be irrelevant as we are assured that by June 11, everything will be in place.

In the meantime, this week presents the last chance for a while for the 32 qualified teams to do further assessments of their teams. Ghana is playing Bosnia in a friendly tomorrow in Sarajevo and I am looking forward to seeing how the older players like Sulley Muntari and John Mensah integrate with the Nations Cup squad. The injuries that ravaged the team prior to the Nations Cup have reared its head once again. Sadly, one of the bright young players, Opoku Agyemang will miss the world cup. Prince Boateng who is yet to play for the Stars will not play tomorrow due to injury. Quincy Owusu Abeyie, whose run of form at Portsmouth earned him a call up to the Bosnia game is also out. 

Speaking of players, here are the top 50 players at this time, according to the leader. Essien makes the top 10.