SOUTH AFRICA: FOOTBALL/SOCCER - WORLD CUP 2010 - Fans begin to arrive at Soweto township fan zone hours before kick-off

Record ID: 454434

  • Title: SOUTH AFRICA: FOOTBALL/SOCCER - WORLD CUP 2010 - Fans begin to arrive at Soweto township fan zone hours before kick-off
  • Date: 12th June 2010
  • Summary: JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (JUNE 11, 2010) (REUTERS) PEOPLE QUEUING OUTSIDE ELKAH STADIUM WIDE OF PEOPLE AND CARS OUTSIDE STADIUM MORE PEOPLE OUTSIDE FIFA SUPPORT STAFF STANDING AROUND BAFANA BAFANA SUPPORTER WRAPPED IN SOUTH AFRICAN FLAG MORE PEOPLE STANDING AROUND CARRYING SOUTH AFRICAN FLAGS WIDE OF TENT VARIOUS OF POLICE WITH DOG UNIT DOING BOMB SWEEP SECURITY AT THE FANS ENTRANCE GATE CARRYING SEARCH DEVICES MORE OF SECURITY STANDING AROUND WIDE OF FAN PARK FROM INSIDE CLOSE UP OF SHUT SCREEN
  • Embargoed: 27th June 2010 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: South Africa
  • Country: South Africa
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVABMDHIGWDVJ8NCCL3ZJLRC02GX
  • Story Text: Fans started arriving at a fan zone in the historic township of Soweto on Friday (June 11) just hours before host South Africa opens the first World Cup tournament to be held on the continent.
    The Elkah Stadium in Soweto is one of the dozens of zones set up all across the country for fans unable to go to the stadium to watch the matches during the month-long tournament.
    Fans waited outside the gates to the stadium as police patrolled with sniffer dogs and security personnel carried out final preparations.
    Security at such events around South Africa will be heavily scrutinised. On Thursday (June 10) night, six people were injured in a crowd crush at Cape Town's main World Cup fan zone when thousands of people tried to get in to watch the pre-tournament concert.
    Fans have every reason to feel confident of success for the host nation, after a run of 12 unbeaten matches since November has turned the team from a potential embarrassment to strong outsiders.
    Their match against Mexico starts at 1400gmt.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
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