SOUTH AFRICA: SOCCER/FOOTBALL - Possible venues for the South Africa 2010 Aoccer World Cup.

Record ID: 335552

  • Title: SOUTH AFRICA: SOCCER/FOOTBALL - Possible venues for the South Africa 2010 Aoccer World Cup.
  • Date: 11th July 2006
  • Summary: WIDE SHOT CONSTRUCTION CRANES NEAR STADIUM; RESIDENTIAL AREA OVERLOOKING NEARBY STADIUM (4 SHOTS)
  • Embargoed: 26th July 2006 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: South Africa
  • Country: South Africa
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA7KZ3MO3ZLUND35ZXCFGVMBM7H
  • Story Text: When the World Cup comes to the African continent for the first time in 2010 it could be a turning point -- even a "miracle" -- for host nation South Africa, the country's president Thabo Mbeki said on Friday.
    "We come from a country where football is not simply a game but an enduring passion," said Mbeki at the launch of South Africa's takeover from 2006 hosts Germany in Berlin.
    "We come from a place where our hearts beat in unison as we celebrate a shared destiny and love for the beautiful game," Mbeki added.
    Soccer is one of South Africa's most popular sports but the national team only returned to the international stage in 1992, when FIFA lifted its more than 30-year ban targeted at the apartheid regime.
    Mbeki said the country was ready to face the tough challenge of organising the World Cup and would rely on expertise gained during the tournament in Germany, which will end with the final played between Italy and France on Sunday.
    In 2010, the world's 32 best soccer nations will meet to fight for the FIFA trophy in 10 stadiums located in nine host cities in southern Africa's most economically powerful country.
    The cities nominated to host the tournament are Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Nelspruit, Polokwane, Port Elizabeth, Pretoria and Rustenburg.
    Johannesburg will have two stadia. Soccer City and Ellis Park.
    Ellis Park, built in 1927, is near the city centre and is part of a 48 hectare Greater Ellis Park Sport Precinct. It has been host to many international football and rugby games and seats 55,000 people. Although predominantly a rugby stadium, it has hosted matches involving Arsenal, Manchester United and Brazil. The sports complex will be upgraded for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the stadium should seat 60,000.
    Soccer City currently seats 80,000 people, but after its planned upgrade should seat 94,700. It is also home to the South African Football Association. The Local Organising Committee for the 2010 FIFA World Cup as well as the FIFA offices will be near the stadium. About 40% of Joburg's population live in Soweto, in close proximity to Soccer City. This will make the stadium a hub of activity during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
    Johannesburg, also known as 'Joburg', is the capital of the Gauteng Province. It contributes 16% of the national GDP making it the economic powerhouse in South Africa. At 1,753m above sea level, Joburg is considered the gateway to South Africa and indeed, Africa.
    Cape Town is building a new stadium in the suburb of Greenpoint, a stone's throw from the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. With Table Mountain as a backdrop and the Atlantic Ocean as a view, the stadium will have one of the most picturesque settings for matchdays. Upon completion, the stadium should seat 70,000. The stadium will be an all-weather stadium for days the 'Cape Doctor' wind decides to lay famous 'table cloth' of cloud on Table Mountain.
    Cape Town is a port city situated in the scenic Western Cape Province. The city is flanked by natural beauty and characterized by outdoor living, such as summer concerts at the Kirstenbosch Gardens and beautiful beaches.
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