MTN campaign pushes African win for 2010

"Simply hosting a tournament of such magnitude is already a win for Africa," says Cambridge Mokanyane, MTN Group's 2010 FIFA World Cup general manager. "Imagine an African team in the final, and bringing the cup home."

African win, not far-fetched

The notion of an African win is not far-fetched at all, says Mokanyane, pointing out the vast number of African international football stars plying their trade on European club pitches. "Players compete in top competitions globally, and are already ranked among some of the best. Now it's simply a question of getting the African continent behind this notion, and already a large part of the challenge will have been met."

Says Jean-Simon Ngann Yonn, MTN Cameroon's chief marketing officer, whose country is among those qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, "The Africa United campaign is a political statement which MTN has been advocating in the market for a long time, and is in line with MTN's ongoing efforts to contribute to Africa's development. We have been ready for the past two years, and we are now 120% ready," says Yonn.

Yonn's Nigerian counterpart, Bola Akingbade, adds that the Super Eagles' supporters have been preparing for the tournament since 2006. "Not only does Nigeria have a strong national team, but off the pitch, a legion of supporters who feel that an African dream has to be fulfilled this year. Player and fan, it's about a united continent - ultimately."

Hopes high for six African participants

"One of the African teams must be in the final. We are crossing our fingers." So says 2010 FIFA World Organising Committee CEO Dr. Danny Jordaan, who also has high hopes for South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Algeria - the six African teams to take part in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

"We expect a lot from these teams. I think we have teams of high quality on this continent," says Jordaan. He is under no illusion that the going will be tough for all of the African teams, however. All of them are in difficult groups, and getting through the first round of the competition will be "a challenge" for them all.

Mokanyane points out that Ghana are the 2009 Under-20 World Cup champions, and Nigeria reached the finals of the under-17 World Cup, pointing to the high standard of these two nations' football. "The quality is certainly there. With strong support, I think they will do well."

Africa in the spotlight

"We have been ready since the 2006 FIFA World Cup. MTN will be organising additional viewing centres in bars and cinemas across in major centres, and roll out consumer promos and partner with Ghana's national broadcaster for live screenings of the games across the country. Fans in Ghana and, indeed across Africa, are counting down," MTN Ghana's chief marketing officer, George Andah of Ghana says.

Serame Taukobong of MTN South Africa says, "The 2010 FIFA World Cup has not only put South Africa on the map. It has put the spotlight squarely on Africa. Win or not, we are all victors in this tremendous effort."