South African ambassador to Algeria opens up to Echourouk

In a interview made to Echourouk the South African ambassador to Algeria Joseph Contin has indicated that his country was ready to host the African Cup of Nations due to start on January 19.

He noted that the South African officials have acquired a significant experience since the organization of the 2010 World Cup tournament in the same country which lied up to all expectations, according to him.

The ambassador has noted that the last World Cup has opened up his country to the world” The last world cup was a total success, so big was the event so successful we were, since we have built huge stadiums.

He went on saying that the African Cup of Nations is not as important as the world Cup that I why South Africa is ready to host the event in excellent conditions, he said.

The ambassador expressed his wish to see his national squad going thorough the final in the company of the Algerian side “ Algeria has a wonderful public and a respectable squad, they can reach the final and I wish in the company of the South African squad”, he said.

Football is business in South Africa

The ambassador has indicated that football didn’t develop in his country because of mismanagement, there are only four clubs known at the local and continental levels whereas the others are insignificant because of this policy.

The South African people fall sick when Mandela is ill

He went on saying that the South African leader Nelson Mandela has a special presence in the hearts of the South African people, noting that when the leader’s health deteriorates everybody is concerned because he embodies liberty.

Joseph Contin went on saying “ Mandela is 94 years old and is prone to be evacuated to the hospital from time to time, but the leader falls sick the whole people are concerned because he’s got a special place.. He is too old and weak to undergo surgeries to treat his illness that’s why he goes frequently to the hospital”.

The Algerian squad is in the one of the best tourist resorts

The ambassador has indicated that the Algerian side is based in one of the best tourist resorts in South Africa” the city of Rostenberg is a tourist hub that contains several complexes similar to those in the US following the example of Sun City.

As to the facilities given to the Algerian squad supporters, the ambassador has indicated that the South African authorities have provided everything to facilitate access to them and enable them to see their squad during this tournament.

He went on saying that the Algerian nationals based in South Africa receive special treatment in this country and can acquire the South African nationality easily because they are considered as South African citizens.