Residents’ perceptions of the 2008 Confederation of African Cup (CAN 2008) event

Abstract

This paper examines residents’ expectations of the 2008 Confederation of African Cup of Nations. Data was obtained through a questionnaire survey of 1308 residents of the host communities in January, 2008. Factor analysis was performed to determine the major variables that influence residents’ expectations, whilst T-test and Analysis of variance were used to explore differences across socio-demographic groupings. It was found that residents had mixed expectations about the event and anticipated both costs and benefits. Specifically, there was high expectation of economic rewards ranging from investment opportunities through employment to tax revenue whilst at the same time there were concerns about increase in commercial sex workers and possible spread of HIV/Aids. It was concluded that hosting of events including international sport generate both anxiety and high expectations among some elements of the community. Planners are therefore encouraged to moderate expectations and assuage anxieties