The 32 National ‘Waving’ Flags

32 National flags are now waving in South Africa. The 2010 World Cup in South Africa has just officially kicked off. It is the first World Cup ever to be held on African soil since its debut edition in 1930.

The 18 carat gold Silvio Gazzaniga designed trophy will be the ultimate prize of the battle between 32 nations. Africa is represented by hosts, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Ghana, Algeria and Nigeria.

Unsatisfactorily, only one African will coach at the home World Cup. He is Rabah Saadane of Algeria who will be coaching his country.

However, it will be 30 days of intense excitement all over the world as the tournament lasts.

The South Africans and other Africans at the tournament must continue to show the visitors the ageless hospitality of Africa that has been taken for granted especially by the West.

Already, the host country has given the tournament the most exciting hype in history.

The World Cup theme song by the Somalian born hip hop star, K’Naan has said it all: we have lost our inhibitions. We should now courageously ask for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council. This will enhance the fair representation of Africa in deciding world events and decisions.

We must commend all artistes who have taken time to compose wonderful inspirational songs for the fiesta. Worthy of note is R. Kelly’s Sign of a Victory; Akon’s Oh Africa; and Shakira’s Waka Waka (this time for Africa).

For the Super Eagles, Banky W. & M.I. have said it all on the remix of the World Cup theme song. “...this is our chance of victory, we have to take it now...if we believe it, we can achieve it...”

Wave your flags high!