Welcome to 2010. I don't yet know whether it's "twenty-ten" or "two-thousand-and-ten" but welcome anyway. The noughties are at an end and now we enter whatever this particular decade this will be known as (the teenies?).

As the whole of South Africa is gearing towards the Fifa Soccer World Cup, I am wondering what 2010 will bring us fans. So with my tongue planted firmly in my cheek and with nothing other than a healthy dose of skepticism and anti-logic here goes:

Super 14 – I hate to admit but my mind tends to lean towards a New Zealand team this year. The Blue Bulls is outright my best South African team but watch out for the Lions this year with Dick Muir in charge. I don’t think the Aussies will be competitive. My money is on the Hurricanes or Auckland Blues to take the honors.

Tri Nations – Watch out for the Aussies! Despite their rather amusing blip against Scotland they are growing as a unit, are a relatively young team and picked up valuable experience with their year-end tour. The Boks chances will all depend on their hunger for more success and coach De Villiers ability to keep it all together.

Proteas – A relatively quite year for our boys. They are not bringing their “A game” at the moment and the India tour might be a very decisive one for Mickey, Smith and the other senior players.

F1- You know what, I haven’t got a clue. Schumi is back but driving for Mercedes, there will be 26 cars on the grid and Button and Hamilton is driving alongside each other. The only prediction I am willing to make is that it is going to be interesting!

2010 World Cup – Ah, the biggest event to grace our continent. Bafana Bafana`s chances is slim indeed but with total optimism and patriotism I will support them until, well until…Realistically the teams with the best chances is Spain, Argentina, Germany and Brazil. But if you are considering putting a money bet on anyone you are on your own.

A happy and prosperous New Year to you!