The City of Cape Town has hosted part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).South Africa was one of the founding members of CAF in 1957, which was created after FIFA decided to modify its structure and appoint regional representatives.

The Noon Day Gun at the top of Signal Hill provided a stunning setting for the event, as it directly overlooked the city, harbour, Robben Island and most fittingly, the construction site of the new Green Point Stadium.

As the sun set on a glorious spring day, CAF standing committee members were able to see the picturesque setting of the stadium, as well as the progress that has been made in its construction. Mayor Helen Zille said it was the “most ideal spot” to entertain the CAF VIPs, “coming to the tip of Africa to oversee preparations for 2010”. She mentioned it was fitting that the city was able to play host to part of the anniversary celebrations and South Africa’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Newlands. “I hope Cape Town gets a reputation to be a great host city for football,” she said.

CAF president Issa Hayatou paid tribute to the CAF members, thanking them for all they have done for football, especially uniting African football. “We realise how important it was what they did in 1957, and also what is being done for football now. In another 50 years time, what has been done now will also be remembered.” He also thanked Cape Town for hosting the event and said he was confident of the city’s ability to successfully host matches in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

German football legend Franz Beckenbauer also congratulated CAF, and said the fruit of its labour is now being seen. “There are a lot of world-class African players playing in Europe right now, so there is finally recognition of Africa, and African players.” However, he pointed out that no African team had ever won the World Cup, but an African team deserved to at least get to the semi-final stage in 2010.

Beckenbauer said the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany had been a tremendous success, both for football and for Germany. “It changed opinions of Germany and can do the same for South Africa. You will realise putting all this hard work into the World Cup is worth it. This is a big change for South Africa to be recognised – it’s the biggest sporting event in the world – bigger even than the Olympics.”