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Lasting improvements after Orange African Nations Championship ends
The Orange African Nations Championship (CHAN 2014), the month-long football tournament, came to a conclusion after a nail-biting showdown between Ghana and Libya, followed by a spectacular closing ceremony.
In the run-up to CHAN 2014, the first international football tournament in the city since the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the City of Cape Town pulled out all the stops to ensure that infrastructure was of an acceptable standard for the teams. Among the most significant infrastructure improvements were those at Athlone Stadium, which now boasts upgraded floodlights, high-tech PA and Wi-Fi systems, repainted players' changing rooms, and a re-turfed pitch maintained by the same contractor that takes care of the pitch at the Cape Town Stadium.
Further improvements facilitated by the city include the upgrading of the pitches in Gugulethu, Khayelitsha and Belhar, which were used as training venues.
"CHAN 2014 not only leaves behind fond memories of top-class soccer action, but also provides a legacy of infrastructure upgrades that will directly benefit aspirant soccer stars," said the city's Mayoral Committee Member for Tourism, Events and Marketing, Councillor Grant Pascoe.
Continued job creation
Some 700 volunteers, recruited from diverse backgrounds to assist for the duration of the competition, were put through an extensive skills-transfer initiative. This training enabled them to fulfil their responsibilities and to enhance their employability, thereby ensuring continued job creation in the city.
Local companies and small businesses also benefitted from Orange CHAN 2014 through the city's procurement programme, which arranged suppliers of services crucial to the success of the tournament. Being able to deliver successfully for CHAN 2014 places these businesses in good stead for future business opportunities in the city.
"The City of Cape Town was proud to see its people in action across all areas of the tournament from the opening weekend right up until the final whistle blew on Saturday. It was also a delight to see the development of younger players who do not ordinarily get the chance to play for the national side. The fact that FIFA gave A-status to all CHAN 2014 matches means that this tournament has boosted African soccer on a global scale," added Councillor Pascoe.
