2010, Africa's year

It is almost five years since FIFA president, Sepp Blatter pulled out a piece of paper from an envelope, which pronounced South Africa as the first ever African country to host the World Cup. The rainbow nation as South Africa is affectionately known, rejoiced. The rest of the continent joined in the celebrations as for the first time in the World Cup's 80-year history, the 18 carat gold trophy would be contested for in Africa.

That jubilation has been gaining momentum in recent years and will explode into a colourful carnival on June 11 when 32 nations converge in South Africa for the world's biggest soccer spectacular. South Africa will host Mexico on the opening day as the month-long tournament roars into life. The World Cup will certainly dominate the sports pages in 2010 and overshadow any other event.