'Blade runner' star attraction in Mozambique

Mozambique craves global recognition as the 10th All-Africa Games begin Saturday at Zimpeto National Stadium. By Johannes Myburgh (AFP/File)

MAPUTO (AFP) - Mozambique craves global recognition as the 10th All-Africa Games begin Saturday at Zimpeto National Stadium near this capital city.

The southern African nation built impressive facilities to host the biggest multi-sport event on the continent from September 3-18 with about 5,000 entrants from 48 countries competing in 24 different sports.

Though some A-list athletes have opted for the lucrative Diamond League meetings, crowds will see South African 'Blade runner' Oscar Pistorius in action.

South African swimming stars and Kenyan and Ethiopian long-distance running giants are also coming.

Foreign delegations praised Mozambique for creating the facilities in a short time.

"The organisation was immense to accomplish what they have done in two years," said Senegalese head Omar Diagne.

"The accommodation is excellent. It's even up to the standards of (the Olympic Games in) Beijing," he told AFP.

Traffic flow on the road from Maputo to Zimpeto remains slow, however, and an event calendar was unavailable three days before the opening ceremony.

Mozambique took over the 'African Olympics' when original hosts Zambia pulled out two years ago.

Although among the world's poorest nations, the former Portuguese colony took the plunge believing it could lift its reputation globally.

"One of the legacies we're leaving after the Games is to put us on the international map," said deputy sports minister Carlos Souza.

"Our major sports arenas have been upgraded, so we're now in a position to host international events."

Apart from tne new 42,000-seat national stadium, an international airport terminal and a 848-apartment African Games village have been built.

There have also been upgrades to 16 sports arenas and major roads around the Mozambican capital with China partly funding the 190-million-dollar infrastructure overhaul.

Various local and international sponsors contributed funds and equipment toward the 62-million-dollar bill of Coja, the organising committee.

But poor marketing left Mozambicans knowing little about the Games besides the mascot, a chick with an attitude named Cojito, and the contract of the company "selling" the Games was cancelled last month.

"The only thing that is visible in the city are these crash barriers on the corners of the streets," said tour guide Jane Flood.

"The logo says 'At our best'. I have to say we can do better than this."

And though volunteers are excited to be part of the African Games, life has not changed for street vendor Hortencia Manhique.

"I see it's happening, but don't understand anything," said the 43-year-old mother of three.

© 2011 AFP