intervista a dan hugo sui mondiali di calcio in sudafrica

March 22nd, 2010 by Igor

dan hugo vive a stellenbosch ed è, insieme a conrad stoltz, un elemento di punta…

del triathlon team nelle prove di xterra.

a poche settimane dall’inizio dei campionati del mondo di calcio, gli ho posto alcune domande in merito allo sport più seguito nel vecchio continente.

1. in europe people is crazy about soccer world championship. how is the atmosphere in SA about this event?
Its mentioned as part of daily conversation now. 83 days, 82 days. Football has become an interest for many who have never taken to the game. Its beyond football though, and so much expectation hangs in the air. Huge infrastructure is now complete, not just the stadiums, but airports, highways, trains, bus routes. So we’ve been effected in so many positives ways.

I think the timing has been unfortunate, with the recession globally. Many of the Official Fifa sponsors have not activated as much world wide, as would have been the case with 2006. But despite that, I think it has put South Africa in the spotlight.

2. are you going to follow the event?
I will, but more from a socio aspect – the people, local and foreign, the atmosphere, the impact, the personal side to it. I am not very into which team with win, or do better or worse. I hope Bafana Bafana will play beyond expectation, but I imagine my support will drift to another African nation, one of the Puma teams perhaps.

3. except SA who are you going to cheer?
Other than the African nations, I have a connection with Brazil, again having just been there last weekend. I love their culture and people, and some loyalty will be to them.

4. who will win the champs?
No, no idea really. Be guessing. Heard a man put an incredible bet on USA. Odds were sensational. Imagine an outside team came good like that?

5. is there any football player you like?
Maradona. Old, but an inspiration all the same. Incredible what he is doing beyond his professional career. He has been able to go beyond football and change the lives of many.