Motswana World Cup volunteer pens book

Lekopanye Mooketsi | Friday August 1, 2014 13:25

He described his six week stay in Brazil as an eye opener adding that he spent a lot of time at the Maracana Stadium in Rio. 

“It was an overwhelming experience.  I learnt a lot especially about security.  Personally I gained a lot there. Brazil upped the game a bit in terms of organisation,” said Koata. 

He said security was visible everywhere, whether it was the police or private security organisations.  He believes that this contributed to the stability that reigned during the tournament. 

He was given his first assignment upon arrival on June 2 since some of the volunteers had not arrived.

He was stationed at the International Broadcasting Centre (IBC) in Rio, which is situated close to the site of the 2016 Olympics Games village. Through the assignment, Koata was able to meet international journalists from leading television channels from across the world. 

After a week he went back to the Macarana Stadium where he was one of the coordinators of the FIFA hospitality and protocol. According to Koata, FIFA is very particular about the hospitality that is extended to its associates.

One of his responsibilities was to take care of sponsors and facilitate their accreditation. He was also responsible for making transport arrangements and tasked with branding their organisations.

Koata said the organising committee met regularly to ensure the smooth running of operations. “You learn a lot of things everyday. I networked with many people from different countries,” he said.

While in Brazil he thrived to market Botswana and had the privilege to watch nine World Cup matches live at the stadium. Asked about the mood after Brazil was humiliated 7-0 by the Germans, he said the atmosphere was like that of a funeral vigil.

Koata was also impressed by the passion and support that Brazilians have for their national football team.