By Yasine Mohabuth, AfricaNews Reporter in Port Louis, Mauritius
South African President Thabo Mbeki has asked Mauritius collaboration in the field of hospitality to ensure the 2010 World Cup finals success. President Mbeki, who was on official visit to the Indian Ocean Island in the context of the nation 40th anniversary of independence, make this plea to Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam before he left for South Africa.
“The preparations for the World Cup are on course but we welcome any help in the filed of media, communication and transport”, Mbeki told. “We want the cooperation of Mauritius especially in the field of hospitality as you have acquired a lot with your successful experience in the tourism sector and we would like to benefit from this”.
He also expressed his joy at the fact that Mauritius was celebrating its 40th anniversary because the history of Mauritius was also that of Africa and announced Southern African countries should benefit from the World Cup. “From the beginning, when we speak with FIFA, we said that we really visualise this World Cup as an African one rather than a South African”.
“Your country is ideally placed in the Southern Africa region to welcome teams for training before they move to South Africa and it is quite possible that Mauritius can attract”. President Mbeki also proposed to stage a cultural show in the context of the World Cup the history of both Mauritius and South Africa.
Mauritius are being advised by former Football Association Executive Director David Davies on ways and means to invite teams for a warm up competition ahead of South Africa 2010.
Keywords: South Africa Mauritius World Cup 2010
South African President Thabo Mbeki has asked Mauritius collaboration in the field of hospitality to ensure the 2010 World Cup finals success. President Mbeki, who was on official visit to the Indian Ocean Island in the context of the nation 40th anniversary of independence, make this plea to Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam before he left for South Africa.
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