To the point. Many countries on the continent would madly crave for hosting a continental sports event. Here we are. Rwanda has already landed an opportunity to host the 2009 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). Now what? To the efforts understood to have been thrown in by the ministry of sports and the soccer governing body, gratitude must be extended. In addition to the appreciation toward that feat, support from individuals, both private and public sector should be wholeheartedly rendered. Out-and-out, if positive reception and commitment from the entire nation to this event prevails then a successful event will conclusively occur. However, the soccer governing body, Ferwafa, and the ministry of sports should increase their efforts in making the public feel the sense of ownership to this event. Execution of such an approach as soon as possible would pave a way for collaboration from all suitable angles. Well, time does not appear to be abundant as we breathe but Minister Joseph Habineza and his team can still employ his usual workaholic frolics to create a platform for a coordinated action. We need to see a well organized consortium of public developmental institutions, private or top corporate companies, soccer federation, national league clubs, and the sports ministry at the steering wheel. Why would this consortium be made of these elements? To elaborate on this, if I may, the Africa Cup of Nations is an event or a concept that provides an excellent platform to sell the country to a large part of the world. Sports events are widely known as effective platform to put a host country into a good limelight. A successful event would definitely buffer the work of Rwanda Import, Export and Investment Agency and the National Office of Tourism stridently at the forefront of marketing the country. The Kigali Nations Cup 2009 provides a superb rostrum on which we can relay our messages on our favorable investment climate and our unique hospitality and culture. To add on but a few, our political stability and security are the other ingredients that could also be showcased on this plinth. Whether you buy or not into this point of argument, I insist to close on this with a loud plea for an adoption of a coordinated-action-approach for the success of the event. Security operatives such as police force, for instance, make an outstanding component in an event that draws in high numbers. During this event, it would pass on a sweet message if the policemen right from the airport to stadium gates beamed with smiles while keeping peace and order. In Africa, we are used that military men or security men are only made to put on gloomy faces. It, therefore, means a lot – to us Africans - when we come across an armed person with a smile on his face. We should therefore take a look at this component while setting up the nitty-gritty of the events’ management plan, where we could have a special force trained for this event. To be precise, hospitality should be served significant amount of consideration. Due to limited space allotted for this column, let me execute a long jump to the involvement of the private sector or corporate companies. It’s no doubt that this engagement will play a critical role in the success of the Kigali Nations Cup 2009. There should therefore be a well devised strategy to attract different kinds of sponsorship packages from the private sector. In this strategy, we should be able to design attractive packages that provide outstanding mileage for sponsors in form of visibility and product and service marketing. This is very possible - I strongly believe – because the event is a hot cake to sell due to its gravity. It is expected that international, regional and continental television networks will focus on Rwanda at that time. What a fantastic platform to ensure visibility! In conclusion, it is important to realize that Rwanda’s triumph in the 2009 Under-20 Nations Cup (CAN) can come from both – on the and off the pitch. Yes, we CAN Send your insults and comments to; ensekanabo@gmail.com
