The Soccerex African Forum returned to Durban at the Moses Mabhida Stadium building following the hugely successful event hosted last year. The Forum brought leading decision makers in African football together with businesses from across the continent and the world with the aim of uniting the business of football in Africa. The event saw senior football decision makers from around the continent under one roof in a vibrant networking environment. Deputy Minister of sports and recreation, Gert Oosthuizen says this event presents the opportunity for all football stakeholders to build on the successes of last year’s event as well as the 2010 World cup legacy and bring football and business together...

Also attending the event and amongst the guest speakers was South African football legend Lucas Hadebe who says he hopes events like the Soccerex will catapult South African football to greater heights especially if the ideas shared are implemented...

With football having developed to one of the world’s most lucrative industries with construction deals, sponsorships, merchandising, television rights and player transfers all contributing to an huge commercial benefits for business, countries and sporting personalities. African Nations Championships (CHAN) Local Organising Committee CEO, Mvuzo Mbebe says the focus is now on the grips of the real commercial aspects of football...

Meanwhile with huge expectations placed on South Africa hosting another major football event, the 2014 CHAN tournament, Mbebe says as hosts, it is important for South Africa to maintain the standards set in previous football tournaments. Hosting major events has always brought economic benefits to our shores with South Africa being amongst the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world, Mbebe added that it is in the interests of CHAN as a stake holder to attend the Soccerex and engage business to bring them on board to impact every aspect of the game of football...Journalist: Jefferson Mpungwa