Soccer World Cup 2010: South Africa To Score a Million Rand for Every Goal

With almost a month left till the World turns to South Africa, for the biggest sporting event to ever grace African soil.

On June 11, host South Africa will face the team Mexico at the newly renovated Soccer City (formerly FNB Stadium) in Johannesburg. The stadium has a seating capacity of 94,700 and is a true symbol of Africa and it's heritage.

                  South Africa Fixtures:

• 11/06/2010: South Africa vs Mexico - Soccer City
• 16/06/2010: South Africa vs Uruguay - Loftus Stadium
• 22/06/2010: France vs South Africa - Free State Stadium
  

With almost all major infrastructure ready to host the show piece, the one factor that's on everyone's minds is, can Bafana Bafana (South Africa) progress to the knockout round.

A major concern is the inability to score goals and beat oppositions convincingly. They are still to play three confirmed friendlies against modest opposition. However, high-class oppositions like Argentina and Nigeria have both turned down friendly matches. Thus, South Africa will lack preparation in playing against high-class oppositions.

But with a few weeks to go, SAFA (South African Football Association) has brought an incentive to the table.

Score a goal and the team gets R1 million ($131 000) . Ensuring that the team gives it their all beyond pride and patriotism ,which will be there since they are the host.

With recent concerns by the LOC regarding the World Cup going beyond the budget, SAFA seems to be willing to get the National Team pushing for more goals by flashing some cash.

Personally, I think it's a brilliant idea. I'm not saying that I don't have any hope for the team, but statistically we're not good enough to beat our opposition, but World Cup's always thrown in a few surprises.

For many South Africans, the anticipation and excitement is growing. The World Cup fever has already hit people from all walks of life. The colours of South Africa is seen almost everywhere you go, including on billboards, street signs, glags on cars, SA merchandise and so much more.

Let's hope that the 1 million rand will motivate and entice the National team to make us all proud.