The Herald : News

‘Yes’ to Danny Jordaan Stadium

WHAT is a suitable name for Port Elizabeth’s new R250-million stadium to be built for the Soccer World Cup in 2010?

The Herald canvassed people on the proposal that it be called the Danny Jordaan Stadium – and received a resounding “Yes”.

Many saw this as a small token of appreciation for a man who spent the last eight years tirelessly jetting across continents to bring the event to South Africa.

Barney’s Tavern co-owner, Craig Mittens, 37, said yesterday he was not opposed to the idea and was thrilled the city would be getting a new stadium.

But not all were convinced.

“Who is Danny Jordaan?” asked Yvonne Nienaber, 49, to the surprise of other patrons at the Summerstrand tavern.

Mrs Nienaber said she was no sport fan, but welcomed the fact that the country has won the bid.

Advocate Walter Shear, 69, thought it should be named after Nelson Mandela, with one section honouring Mr Jordaan.

He also suggested that the stadium be build at the present Adcock Stadium behind Livingstone Hospital, which is one of the four proposed sites. He said the location was central, a good compromise and would boost property values in the area.

This was supported by Mr Shear’s friend, Dr Mauro Bassanino, 38, who is visiting Port Elizabeth after emigrating to England a few years back.

“I think it is a wonderful idea to name the stadium after Mr Jordaan. He did quite a bit of work,” said Dr Bassanino.

Mbasa Jali, 20, said Mr Jordaan should be honoured because he did a great deal for the country.

UPE student Nadeem Ahmed, 24, had no problem with the name but felt an existing stadium should be revamped.

Car guard Shaun Claasen, 53, of Salt Lake, supported naming the stadium after Mr Jordaan.

“He tried for the 2004 bid and he failed, but that did not stop him from pressing on and succeeding the second time,” said Mr Claasen, who was worried about how he would get to Coega should it be decided to build the stadium there.

Honey Lusu, 29, yesterday commended Mr Jordaan “on a job well done”.

“We have to give credit where it is due. Naming the stadium after Mr Jordaan is just a small token,” said Mr Lusu.

A humble Mr Jordaan yesterday found it difficult to respond. He said he would feel honoured but stressed it was a team effort.

“The World Cup soccer bid was the engineering of many people. Any form of recognition should go to all. The city has also done a lot to demonstrate its support of the bid.”

Metro spokesman Roland Williams said yesterday the metro had a significant plan to honour Mr Jordaan, which included the naming of the stadium after him and giving him the keys to the city.

“We want to unveil the plans at a proper ceremony,” he said.

Four possible stadium sites have been mooted – at Coega (near the Aldo Scribante race track), the Adcock Stadium, Algoa Park, and the CBD near SA Breweries in Govan Mbeki Avenue.

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