They might not necessarily be the first people you think of when the World Cup comes to mind, but they’re a vital part of the background of the event. If you’re visiting South Africa in June and July, you’ll probably find yourself being warmly greeted by one of the FIFA World Cup volunteers.

Sarah goes soccer!

Sarah Osman (1980) was born in Sudan, and has been living in the Netherlands for the past 11 years. She’s been working in the field of development cooperation for the past 3 years, and has recently decided to take her skills and knowledge back to Africa. Her first stop is Cape Town, South Africa. After her column Wanted! Home in Africa for RNW, Sarah goes soccer.  In this latest column, she will share with us her experiences of the build-up to the 2010 World Cup in Cape Town. Not the mainstream news, but background stories that often get missed in the euphoria of the big event.

 
I chatted to Mark Volmink who’s going to donate a chunk of his time to help ensure that the event runs smoothly. Mark reminded me of South Africa’s history and just how significant the World Cup is if one pauses to reflect on Africa’s turbulent past.
 
How did you get involved as a volunteer?
One of my main interests and passions is sport. Soccer wasn’t always at the top, but I always loved watching it. In August 2009, I saw that FIFA was looking for volunteers, so I applied and I was lucky enough to be one of the 16,000 volunteers selected.
 
What kinds of duties are expected of you?
I’ll manage the fleet services in Cape Town for the FIFA family. I’ll also be a team leader for the volunteers. I’ll be doing about 16 shifts starting in the beginning of June and going on till after the World Cup.
 
What does this mean to you on a personal level?
Well, never again in my lifetime will I be involved in something like this. To me it’s a particular honour to represent my country, to support my country, to ensure that this is one of the best World Cups ever. The committee simply needs the assistance of volunteers and I’m happy to offer my time.
 
How important is the World Cup for Africa and South Africa?
Very important. So far, South Africa has shown that it can host and stage this event and it will show the world that Africa and South Africa is capable of hosting a global event. Of course there were hiccups, but that always comes with any event. There are issues around ticket sales and so on, leaving a lot of people disgruntled, but over the past couple of weeks I’ve noticed a growing enthusiasm. Teachers and school children are getting themes songs together, banners and flags. So I think you must always look at things from a holistic point of view. And the enthusiasm will grow as we get closer to the event.
 
Do you have any particular recommendations of places to visit for those who are coming to Cape Town?
Please visit a few places. First is Robben Island. If visitors still don’t know much about our history, then this is the perfect opportunity to understand more about the work of Nelson Mandela and other historical figures. Also, visit some of our townships: Gugulethu, Nyanga, Langa and Hannover Park, where many of our heroes came from. Because of these heroes, some of whom are still around, this particular World Cup is possible. They stood up for their rights, dismantled apartheid and that’s why we are able to have a World Cup.