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PREPARING SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE WORLD |
Russell Martin owns the largest collections of international football memorabilia in South Africa. Martin, pictured here with autographed boots from Sir Stanley Mathews and David Beckham, has collected thousands of autographed cards, shirts and photographs. He is hoping to set up a museum for 2010 World Cup fans. Project 2010 asked him….  You knew George Best and many of the world's greatest footballers. What brought you - and your collection - to South Africa? Having the collection of memorabilia, knowing the World Cup was also going to be staged here and having media like the Sun Newspaper and the BBC who had seen my collection telling me that with the World Cup and the great history of English players who had performed over here; this was the place to be. What is your most prized item? I have a number of prized pieces, including shirts from Maradona, Pele, and Beckham, but the best is a full painting of the 1966 World Cup side with all the players including Bobby Moore and Alf Ramsey which is very rare and one of my greatest memories. Have you ever had your collection evaluated…can you put a price on it? A valuation was made in SA from a reputable source, who estimated it to be 2.5 million rand and an English valuation put it at 350 000 pounds. It's a shame that you don't have a home for this collection, a place where the public can view it. What's the problem? It has been very frustrating trying to get a home for this unique collection. Venues that I found were not acceptable to certain financial institutions. The understanding of memorabilia is not quite understood here, but the interest is growin, maybe because of the closeness of the World Cup. I have been asked to set up my memorabilia in Dubai, but that is not where I want to be. I have also attempted to create interest and offer my collection and expertise with the Green Point Visitors Centre which by all accounts is near to closing. I was told that my plans do not fit in with theirs. I suppose if you are closing that statement makes sense. more interviews...
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