Sporting News and Events

With just some 90 days to go the 2010 Football World Cup, sporting fans around the globe are anticipating the world’s greatest sporting showcase. The tournament hosted for the first time in Africa is expected to be a spectacle of culture, showmanship and a landmark occasion for both African and world sport. Fans from all corners of the globe will converge on South Africa, in the hope of cheering on their side to the final.

Massive public investment

Guests can expect a unique blend of African hospitality and western modernity and comfort. The country, and its major host cities Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban have in recent years undertaken the massive task of upgrading facilities, stadiums and transport systems to accommodate the influx of an expected 500 000 foreign visitors over the six week tournament. New stadiums, purpose built for the 2010 Football World Cup have been built – Soccer City in Johannesburg inspired by the bowl-shape of the African calabash will host the final and 94,700 fans on the 11 July.

Cape Town, widely believed to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, has a spectacular addition in the Cape Town (Green Point) stadium. This modern and sleek European based ‘canvas-facade’ sealed 70,000 seater would be equally at home in major European city. Guests based in the southern tip of the country will be able to catch the on-field action all the way up to the semi-final draw. Despite being winter, over the interior of the country the weather will be fine and dry, so be sure to bring sunglasses and sunscreen if you’re making your way south for the Cup.

Culture and comfort combined

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) has ensured the public and foreign partners that every measure will be taken to ensure a successful and enjoyable 2010 World Cup tournament. Transport links from airports, and within the city, will ferry players, teams and guests to the matches. Parks for fans will be in place to bring the action to thousands of fans via giant screen TVs.

Host cities throughout the country have also gone through a tremendous process of maintenance, upgrading and preparation of public areas, amenities and facilities. Many South Africans are leasing their properties, apartments and villas to guests, with services and travel arrangements all inclusive in these hospitality packages over the tournament. Prices for these packages range from the affordable to luxurious. Owners asking as much as £22 000 a week for penthouse arrangements in the exclusive suburbs of Camps Bay, Clifton and Sandton.

Exciting soccer action

The World Cup 2010 action promises to be as exciting as ever, with relative minnows taking on the giants off the football world. Favourites include Italy, Spain, Portugal and Germany – support your team all the way to the final! The big question is, can the local side Bafana Bafana, led by coach Carlos Parreira, stage a near miraculous effort and go well past the group stages. With the support of the local fans, as passionate as any of the dominant football playing nations of the world surprise results could be on the cards. Surely this African spectacle will prove to be a melting pot of passion, culture and celebration. Viva Africa! Viva 2010!