In November 2008, 12 companies were invited to tender for the Master Concessionaire Rights for the upcoming FIFA Confederations Cup 2009, as well as the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

During the first quarter of 2009, the rights were awarded to Headline Leisure Management (HLM), the outsourcing bar and food service brainchild of Fournews Developments. In essence, HLM is a specialist, subcontracted food and beverage management provider, operating primarily within the leisure industry and with a client base boasting, amongst others, the Johannesburg Civic Theatre, the Sun International Group and Mangwanani Spas.

Subsequent to the announcement, a new division to HLM has been created within the group holding company, by the name of HLM Global Sports Events (Pty) Ltd.

HLM Global Sports Events (Pty) Ltd will be solely responsible for the food and beverage needs of the general public, excluding hospitality offerings, for four stadiums during the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009, and inclusive of all 10 stadiums during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

A dress rehearsal for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and serious test of the host country’s readiness; HLM Global Sports Events (Pty) Ltd has left nothing to chance with the employment and training of 1 004 new staff members. This for the upcoming “Festival of the Champions,” kicking off on 14 June at Ellis Park, with hosts South Africa against Asian Champions, Iraq.

With the intent of uplifting and empowering local communities, these newly appointed hospitality staff have been expertly educated to extend a wholly South African welcome and warm experience to all stadium visitors, specific to Ellis Park, Loftus Versfeld, Free State Mangaung Stadium and Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

Says Michael Deftereos, HLM Managing Director, “I believe that we pitted the competing concessionary contenders to the goal post, by our sheer passion, innovation, energy and experience. Furthermore, Headline Leisure Management is dedication towards long-term relationship building between ourselves and the publics in which we operate, as well as our commitment to achieving a world class food and beverage solution for the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 and 2010 FIFA World Cup.”

HLM Global Sports Events (Pty) Ltd plans to employ and train a further 2 700 community members, in the run-up to the FIFA World Cup.