The timing of the announcement has proved opportune as the recent failure of the Bafana Bafana team to qualify for the 2006 World Cup Soccer has focused attention on the need to invest in up and coming players.
Cameron Burt, Jet marketing manager explains: "The 2010 World Cup is an opportunity to showcase South Africa and its achievements and the collateral benefits of a well managed event will last for years. For this to happen corporate SA and fans must cooperate to ensure the best possible team to challenge the world in 2010."
Building a world-class team, says Danny Jordaan, CEO of the SA 2010 organising committee, is the real challenge. In acknowledging Jet's efforts Jordaan says: "It's easy to build a stadium; you can build a excellent stadium in two years. What we really need are strategies in place now to realise a world-class team. If the team is losing on the ground then the Cup is over for the SA fans.
"In this situation the facilities are just not that important, all that matters is how the SA team plays. This requires centres of excellence, where it is not just about physical fitness it is about a total approach. Succeeding requires dedication and commitment."
Burt says: "It will give us immense pride when we watch Bafana Bafana run onto the field of play in 2010 and know that many have come through our programme. We see this is a necessary area of investment in this country, its youth and its future."
