Night with the Stars

On Tuesday night, after our first full-day of meetings, we were in for another treat -- A Night with the Stars (of the South African Football community). We went to a luxurious hotel nearby where we were staying and met with a number of influential people in the Football community.

The view when we arrived was impressive, and set the tone for the evening.


Another angle

We met with a mix of current South African players, ex-players, and South African WC'10 organizers and promoters

The entire team was in good spirits right from the start. We enjoyed a few drinks and appetizers initially, and then settled in for a brief presentation.

Many meaningful relationships were formed

..and as the night drug on, the smiles (and drinks) increased.

After the presentation, Gareth and I engaged in an enteraining conversation with Gary Bailey, who was a star goalkeeper at Manchester United and one of the best goalkeepers in England in the early to mid-80's. Gary is now a football presenter for Supersport Premier League coverage in South Africa, and has been an ambassador for the WC'10 bid, giving ongoing motivational speeches centered around increasing the benefits of hosting an event on the world stage.

Tiago, Chris and Stacy clearly were engaged in their own enteraining conversation w/ a SA Football star.

...

...

Bart is certainly never one to shy away from new company.

..and his energy can be contagious.

Toward the end, the entire group felt very comfortable.

..and we had to capture one final photo of the entire bunch.