New COO for 2010 Local Organising Committee takes up position Ms Nomfanelo Magwentshu “excited and touched” to be joining the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa The newly-appointed Chief Operations Officer of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC), Nomfanelo Magwentshu, took up her position today at SAFA House.

“The appointment of Nomfanelo Magwentshu to the position of Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa comes on the back of our announcement of the 1000 Days to the World Cup countdown, which signals the operational phase of the World Cup.

Part of the key responsibilities of the COO will be to ensure that the project remains within the set time frames and in full compliance with FIFA requirements,” said OC CEO Dr Danny Jordaan.

He said there had been 80 applications from high-calibre business leaders for the COO position, including experts in the fields of project management, finance and banking.

The interview panel reduced the final candidates to a list of 12, then 8, then 3 and Dr Jordaan said the appointment of Ms Magwentshu, who was formerly the general manager for business development at South African Airways, was therefore the result of a very comprehensive search and a thorough process of interviews.

“Ms Magwentshu has demonstrated an excellent ability to develop strategies that take into account the wide range of issues that impact on the organisation. She also possesses a very strong leadership ability, an ability to identify business opportunities and an acute financial awareness.

Her ability to produce new ideas and insights, create innovative solutions and to see opportunities for organisational change and improvement were among the key criteria for her appointment.

She has excellent analytical skills, strong strategic thinking, an action-oriented approach to issues and great team management ability.

We are therefore comfortable and very happy to announce this appointment, which has been confirmed by the Board of Directors of the Organising Committee,” said Dr Jordaan.

Ms Magwentshu said she was “excited and touched” to be joining the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa.

“For me, the 2010 FIFA World Cup represents the African continent with an opportunity to showcase the best Africa can deliver. I am delighted to have been asked to join the dynamic Organising Committee team. I am looking forward to delivering on the task and mandate I’ve been given. It is a big job, but I am looking forward to the challenge. It is my strength to co-ordinate people with different roles and responsibilities and to make sure they deliver on the end product. And for us, the end product is delivering the best FIFA World Cup ever,” said Ms Magwentshu.

Molo Says: Please be reminded that the qualifying draw for 2010 is coming up soon.

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