We are officially a week into the Fifa 2010 Soccer World Cup. It’s been a week of massive highs (the opening ceremony and spirited Bafana Bafana performance in the opening game against Mexico) and one of extreme lows (The security guard and Rea Vaya strikes as well our heavy defeat at the hands of Uruguay). Being at the United We Shall Stand parade in Sandton just over a week ago and bearing witness to an amazing show by our rainbow nation in support of our boys it is hard to believe that it may all be coming to an end for Bafana Bafana. As our progression into the knockout stages of the tournament hangs in the balance I received an email today from Jabu Mabuza, the CEO of Tsogo Sun and chairman of Southern Sun Hotels that sums thing up beautifully. I thought I would share it with you. Let me know your thoughts on the letter.

Dear Colleagues

It was with disappointment that we all witnessed the Bafana Bafana 3-0 loss last night. Not just the score-line, but more the possible consequences of the defeat.

However, I had a long time to reflect on what this loss meant to me, and I suspect each and every one of us, as I made the long journey back to Johannesburg in the early hours of this morning.

Let’s not debate whether it was a penalty or otherwise, whether or not we would have conceded a second goal, and then an inevitable third once reduced to ten men with a penalty sprinkled into the mix. Let us further not lament that our team of young men, all carrying an enormous amount of pressure for themselves, FIFA and the whole country, didn’t perhaps show as much spirit, purpose of commitment as maybe the North Korean team did again the mighty Brazil! After all this is soccer! Perhaps the biggest shock was Spain, arguably the best side in the world over the last few years, losing to Switzerland earlier during the day.

Rather, let’s put this all into perspective.

Uruguay were ranked 16th in the world (Bafana 82nd) coming into this World Cup. They have looked the part and frankly deserved the win, despite disappointing millions of us South Africans. But in reality, we in our heart of hearts, would have never expected to win the World Cup and hence let’s celebrate not the result, but rather what the World Cup means for all of us, such as the focus over the last six years in assembling infrastructure and job creation, and an opportunity to showcase arguably one of the world’s most fascinating countries to millions of people, who will now know where we are and the many wonderful offerings for all in our country.

The public relations and marketing opportunities to those not in the country has, in my opinion, been the biggest benefit in hosting the world’s largest sporting event. South Africa has hosted more global sporting events than any other country since 1994 and none bigger than this. What has pleased me no end, is how the whole nation has rallied behind Bafana Bafana with tremendous unity and passion. The purpose of me writing to you is to encourage all of you to continue with great commitment and enthusiasm to support the World Cup and Bafana Bafana in particular. Let’s celebrate and focus on the occasion, and the importance of a successful campaign for South Africa, even if we as a country don’t go through to the next round.

We have never been a ‘fair weather’ host and I urge you all to give every supporter, client, or guest a world class experience whether at your hotel, casino or home! Maintain the magic of the Rainbow Nation and continue to host everyone, locals and foreigners, in the friendly, accommodating, vibey atmosphere that constitutes and defines the amazing Mzansi! and Tsogo Sun.

We have so much to celebrate. It’s our time. Join the party and ensure, with humility, and perspective, that it is an overwhelming success that we so richly deserve.

Kindest regards

Jabu Mabuza