Here's what to expect when you get off
plane... in
year 2010...Well for one thing, get used to
“Vuvuzelas”; you're going to be hearing a lot of them. Come to think of it, you might as well get one for yourself. As
old saying goes...“if you can't beat em, you'd better join em”.
What is a Vuvuzela anyway? Roughly translated it means “noise maker”, which describes exactly what these elongated indigenous trumpets do. Recognized as a popular symbol of our soccer crazed culture, Nelson Mandela ordered hundreds of Vuvuzelas to be taken to Zurich in support of South Africa's bid for
2010 Soccer World Cup. So far, they seem to have worked like a charm.
Now that South Africa's got
ball, what are we going to do with it?
For starters, President Thabo Mbeki plans on kicking around at least 100 billion Rand in honour of
beautiful game. Thirteen stadiums have been proposed, with venues located in key cities around
country, five of which are in
process of being built, another five are being renovated and a further three are almost ready.
Making sure transport is up to scratch, 700 dedicated World Cup buses are expected to operate between
venue cities. At least 250 coaches, dedicated to
World Cup, will offer long-distance links between
venues. In addition, special rail services are ready to transport fans to
thirteen state-of-the-art stadiums across
country.
A quick profile of
three major host cities:
First stop! Jo'burg's Soccer City
Your first World Cup destination will in all likelihood be in Johannesburg, where
opening match will be played. The city of Johannesburg has already hosted several large sporting events. The Rugby World Cup final, played at Ellis Park and
final of
African Cup of Nations, which took place at Soccer City. You can expect modern venues with all
trimmings. The first matches will be played between both of these world-class venues. The opening match at Soccer City, otherwise known as
FNB Stadium, will mark
start of
tournament. The other venue is
94,000 seat Ellis Park Stadium, which is a mere 15 minute walking distance from
City Centre.
Here's a tip on where to accommodate yourself on World Cup kick-off day: FIFA's headquarters are going to be based in
suburb of Sandton, with games being played between
two venues, Ellis Park and Soccer City. It might be a good idea to find accommodation between
two stadiums, namely Sandton if possible, this will ensure you have convenient access to
venues.
Which city hosts
next game?
Although nobody knows for sure at this stage, it's highly likely that Cape Town's Newlands Stadium will be hosting
first and second round matches of
World Cup. Cape Town or just
“beautiful city” is no doubt a venue that has it all. The city sports a vibrant array of beaches, mountains, wine estates and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.