Spirits are high in Nelson Mandela Bay as top city officials, politicians, Eastern Province Rugby Union (EPRU) and the stadium await the announcement of which city will host the IRB Sevens World Series for the next five years.
The South African Rugby Union (SARU) makes the announcement today, 13 April just after noon in Newlands, Cape Town. In Nelson Mandela Bay, the lead agents who put together the bid were eagerly anticipating the outcome, after they threw their collective weight behind a “sterling” bid they believe has wowed the International Rugby Board (IRB).
“We hope for a positive outcome as the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and residents of the Bay wait in anticipation. We are happy we played a huge role as the city in making a strong bid to host the IRB Sevens World series rugby tournament,” said Bay executive mayor, Zanoxolo Wayile.
“The event will further strengthen the reputation we have been building as a destination for international events. It will also be a welcome boost to the sport development initiatives we initiated as the city. We are positive that the effort we put working with our stakeholders will be duly rewarded.”
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, represented by Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT), partnered with EPRU and the stadium to put together the city bid for the hugely popular tournament which will see fifteen countries participate in the fast-paced game. Sevens rugby has cinched its place as a crowd puller after its inclusion as an Olympic sport from 2016.
NMBT chief executive, Mandlakazi Skefile, who was instrumental in putting the bid together with the other stakeholders, said she remained optimistic that the city bid would be sucessful.
“Everyone is feeling very positive about the outcome, we are confident that we put together a top bid which showcased the city’s ability to host both the event and the tourists that will come with it. This is a unique – and long-term – opportunity to promote Nelson Mandela Bay on the world media stage,” said Skefile.
“We have seen the benefit of hosting flagship events that are unique to the city in drawing tourists, and consequently generating a financial spinoff. The Ironman is a prime example of this – the city invests R4,6-million, but the economic benefits to the city amount to around R42-million.”
The city will invest R10,5-million in the IRB Sevens World Series should they be awarded the tournament, but the economic impact will balance out the spend, city officials said. Yesterday, EPRU president, Cheeky Watson confirmed that the value the event would bring to the city would be in the region of R80-million.
Skefile added that working with the stakeholders as a team effort in putting the bid together is what will give it its edge. “And of course, the Eastern Province in the home of black rugby, perhaps we will now also be the home of IRB Sevens, we are holding thumbs. ”
Stephan Pretorius stadium operator chief executive is also looking forward to a favourable result. “We are proud to have partnered with the city in preparing this bid and we eagerly await the announcement today. We hope Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will host this tournament and many more high profile events in future. We are ready.” Representing the city in Cape Town are EPRU’s Cheeky Watson and Anele Pamba.
Alan Straton
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