THIS week’s announcement of poor World Cup ticket sales in South
Africa is a clear indication that Fifa and the Local Organising Committee (LOC)
have to urgently revisit the sales model for locals.
It is far too complicated for the average South African. We are
used to buying tickets over the counter.
Currently, buying a ticket involves the laborious task of applying
either via FNB application forms or registering on the Fifa website.
This is the same system that failed during the Confederations Cup
in June last year. It is surprising that Fifa and the LOC have decided to stick
to it.
As it is, fans are not guaranteed tickets for their preferred
games. That, together with the fact that to many South African soccer lovers
the internet is still a new concept, has resulted in the poor sales.
Yet the fact of the matter is that Fifa would lose nothing by
making the process less painful. It is easier for people to buy tickets at
traditional outlets such as Shoprite Checkers, Computicket and post offices as
is done with PSL matches.
It would be embarrassing for the country if we failed to fill the
stadiums at the greatest showpiece on Earth.
This is Africa’s World Cup and it must be in sync with the culture
of Africans. Fifa and the LOC would do well to reconsider their stand or there
will be empty seats come June.