QTell us about your appointment as a FIFA Security Officer for the World Cup.

A It was an honour to be appointed by FIFA to one of the nine stadiums during the first FIFA World Cup on the continent of Africa. Secondly, being appointed came with great responsibility to ensure the safety and security for thousands of fans, world-class football teams as well as everyone working in the stadium. In addition to the above, it was also an honour for me to work along side some experienced South Africans namely John McMullan, Solomon Barnard and Gregory Visage whose commitment to the highest standards ensured that we delivered a successful operation during the six matches played in the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Q What were your duties as a FIFA Security Officer?

A My primary duty which was the same for all Security Officers was to ensure that FIFA's Safety and Security Regulations were implemented according to the established protocols and guidelines specific to the overall security plan approved by the World Cup Organising Committee for each venue. Some of my specific duties involved working closely with and providing guidance to the venue security coordinator and his / her team, confirm that all security protocols were operational throughout the tournament, check that all access controls were functioning, participate in all security-related meetings, ensure the stadium precinct was cleared of any missiles or other hazardous materials and objects and provide regular updates and reports to FIFA HQ regarding the preparedness of the venue prior to each match and take all appropriate and necessary actions. The success of the venue depended entirely on how well these protocols were implemented before, during and after each match.

Q Our impression was that this World Cup was very well organised. Is that the way it appeared to you?

A The World Cup is a massive undertaking! But if you look back on the tournament as a whole it was more than just staging the first World Cup on the African continent. This World Cup meant so much to the people of Africa and South Africans, in particular. On that basis alone whether or not people think the tournament was well organised or not is irrelevant when you consider the bigger picture. As far as I am concerned, we celebrated the start of the World Cup on June 11th and celebrated the Final on July 11th. I say the World Cup was an overwhelming success

Q As you know, many world press reports cast doubt on South Africa's ability to organise an event of this magnitude.

A There are doubters who scrutinise every major event and the FIFA World Cup was never going to be immune from this level of criticism. That being said, I think the critics have been silenced because they predicted doom and gloom and it did not happen. This is also a testament to the resolve of the South African people because they invited the world to come and celebrate and the people came and they celebrated. World-class stadiums were built or renovated, infrastructure improvements were made throughout the country and the people of South Africa opened their arms and welcomed the world! Their warmth, their passion for football was contagious! Africa's time had come to stage the World Cup and they did a fantastic job!

Q This was your second time in South Africa. What are your impressions of the country itself and its people?

A I was privileged to work along South Africans who believed without a shadow of a doubt that Africa's World Cup had to be the best ever. The South Africans I met were some of the nicest, well-meaning and sincerest people I have ever met in football. They are passionate and they celebrate with every breath of life their culture, their heritage even as they reflect upon the darkest moments of their past. I saw no bitterness in the people during the World Cup. They exhibited one goal, one mission and that was to show the world that the FIFA World Cup belonged in Africa. Unfortunately, I can't tell you about much of the well-known South African landmarks and tourist attractions because much of my time was spent between stadiums, meetings and arriving at my hotel late at night after long days. What I did experience was enough to convince me that South Africa is a wonderful land full of wonderful people with a wonderful story to tell the world.

Q How important was South Africa's hosting of the Confederations Cup last year as preparation for the World Cup?

A The FIFA Confederations Cup always serves as the "dress-rehearsal" the year before the World Cup. I will say on this particular occasion the Confederations Cup served to highlight many areas that needed attention if the World Cup was to be successful.

This was clearly understood by all and I believe the expertise and guidance by FIFA together with the professionalism of the Organising Committee proved invaluable leading up to the World Cup 2010! I was also particularly impressed with the level of readiness in the area of safety and security that had evolved since the Confederations Cup which ultimately resulted in a vast overall improvement for the World Cup.

Q Which teams did you enjoy watching the most, and why?

A I enjoyed watching the ball possession of Spain, the ruthlessness of the Germans against England and Argentina, as well as the Brazilians who I hoped would have gone on to win the World Cup.

I also watched as South Africa's "Bafana Bafana" pulled a nation together which was unbelievable and just underlined the positive impact that football has in bringing people together.

QWas there a match that you attended that was more memorable than the others?

A The one match that I can truly say that actually moved me was the Opening Match between South Africa and Mexico. The opening match of the World Cup is always special and to be present for the first World Cup match on African soil was truly memorable.

Q Do you think your participation in the World Cup has strengthened the ties between BFA and FIFA?

A I think it is important to note that FIFA makes the appointments and the World Cup is not something that you submit an application for, or request to be involved in. I must also make the point that it is not about David Sabir but it is more about the level of confidence that FIFA has in the BFA. I think if the BFA as a member association of FIFA was delinquent in its football responsibilities then I doubt consideration would be given to appointing anyone from Bermuda to such a role in the World Cup or any other international role. One point to note is the fact that there are 208 National Associations in membership with FIFA and as a result the family of football has tremendous strength built on the principle of solidarity which results in great support directly from FIFA. BFA is one of the 208 member associations and we enjoy great support from FIFA and I have every faith that will continue. Additionally, the BFA has a long and solid history with FIFA and CONCACAF and much of this is a result of the many former BFA Executive Committee members and administrators who laid the foundation for what FIFA provides for the good of football in Bermuda.

Veteran World Cup observer Duncan Hall is reporting exclusively from South Africa for The Royal Gazette.