With anticipation growing ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, the official Match Schedule has been released. To find out where the games will be played in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit, Polokwane, Rustenburg, Tshwane/Pretoria between 11 June and 11 July 2010.Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Official Match Schedule
With anticipation growing ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, the official Match Schedule has been released. To find out where the games will be played in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit, Polokwane, Rustenburg, Tshwane/Pretoria between 11 June and 11 July 2010.
Previous FIFA World Cup™ official posters
Germany 2006
Korea/Japan 2002
France 1998
USA 1994
Italy 1990
Mexico 1986
Argentina 1978
Germany 1974
Mexico 1970
England 1966
Chile 1962
Sweden 1958
Switzerland 1954
Brazil 1950
France 1938
Italy 1934
Uruguay 1930Stadium - Loftus Versfeld
Loftus VersfeldLoftus Versfeld in the heart of Tshwane/Pretoria, currently has a seating capacity of 45,000. Very little upgrade is needed for the stadium to be ready for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. It is also a venue for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.
The site on which Loftus Versfeld is located was first used for sport in 1903. It was named after Mr Robert Owen Loftus Versfeld, who is attributed with establishing organised sport in Pretoria. It has been used for numerous sports events including the 1995 Rugby World Cup and 1996 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. It is now used by Mamelodi Sundowns as their home ground.
Often simply referred to as Loftus, it has served as a venue for many international matches. South Africa achieved their first victory over a European opposition at Loftus Versfeld, beating Sweden 1-0.
Facts
Stadium: | Loftus Versfeld |
City: | Tshwane/Pretoria |
Built: | 1906 |
Construction: | upgrade |
Completion: | 2008 |
Gross Capacity: | 50 000 |
Stadium - Royal Bafokeng Stadium
Royal Bafokeng Stadium The Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace is one of the stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The stadium is named after the Bafokeng people who live in the area.
In 1999, the Bafokeng won a legal battle, which entitled them to 20% on the platinum which is mined on their historical land. Hence, they have shares in platinum mining in the area. Upon completion, the stadium will seat 42,000.
The South African national team played a FIFA World Cup qualifying game against Bakino Faso in 2001, and won 2-1. It has been host to many Premier Soccer League games despite Rustenburg not having its own team.
The stadium is only a 25 minute drive to Sun City and 30 minutes to the Pilansberg. It is 12 kilometers from the Rustenburg city centre.
Facts
Name: | Royal Bafokeng |
City: | Rustenburg |
Built: | 1999 |
Construction: | minor upgrade |
Construction: | 2010 |
Gross Capacity: | 42 000 |
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Stadium - Peter Mokaba
Peter MokabaPolokwane will be building a new stadium for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ that will be situated in the Peter Mokaba Sports Complex. The stadium will be approximately 5km from the city centre, with a gross seating capacity of 45,000.
It will be a welcome addition to the Limpopo Province. They have the largest number of registered football players in South Africa.
The sporting complex was named after the late Peter Mokaba, who was a political activist during apartheid. He was born and bred in Polokwane and was renowned for his fighting spirit and for being an inspiring leader.
Facts
Name: | Peter Mokaba |
City: | Polokwane |
Construction: | new |
Completion: | 2010 |
Gross Capacity: | 46 000 |
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Stadium - Mbombela
MbombelaMbombela Stadium will be a new stadium constructed for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. It will become a much welcomed addition to the football life in Nelspruit, and will leave a legacy of the beautiful game for the people of Mpumalanga. Currently, there is not a football stadium of international standards in the Mpumalanga Province.
Mbombela takes its name from the name local municipality, which incorporates the city of Nelspruit. Mbombela is siSwati and literally means 'many people together in a small space'.
The stadium will have a rounded rectangular shape which will ensure that all seats have a good view of the action on the field.
The stadium will be approximately seven kilometers from the city centre and 12 kilometers from the nearby Kruger-Mpumalanga Airport. It is also in close proximity to game parks, giving spectators the opportunity of seeing wildlife during rest days.
Upon completion, the newly built Mbombela stadium will have a gross seating capacity of 46,000. It is due for completion by October 2009.
Facts
Name: | Mbombela |
City: | Nelspruit |
Construction: | new |
Completion: | 2009 |
Gross Capacity: | 46 000 |
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Stadium - Port Elizabeth
Port ElizabethThe city does not currently have a dedicated football stadium. All international matches were played at the Eastern Province rugby team's ground, including the 2005 Nelson Mandela Challenge between South Africa and Senegal at the rugby union stadium.
Despite not having a team in the Premier Soccer League, the city is exceptionally passionate about football. Whenever football games are staged, it is always to a capacity crowd.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup™ affords the host city an opportunity to build a dedicated football stadium -and capitalise on the football mania of its citizens. The stadium will be built on the North End Lake, which will make an idyllic setting for match days. The features will include a three-tier design with two rings of skyboxes.
Facts
Name: | Port Elizabeth |
City: | Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth |
Construction: | new |
Completion: | 2009 |
Gross Capacity: | 48 000 |
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Stadium - Free State
Free StateMangaung/Bloemfontein will be hosting teams at the Free State Stadium, which currently seats approximately 38,000 people. The stadium derives its name from the province in which it is located.
The stadium played host to group and quarter-final matches at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in 1996 and the IRB Rugby World Cup in 1995. It is also the alternate home ground of Premier Soccer League team, Bloemfontein Celtics.
The stadium will be undergoing a costly upgrade and once completed, will have a gross seating capacity of 48,000. The stadium will be used as a venue for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.
A second tier is being added to the western pavilion, which will increase the stadium's gross capacity from approximately 38,000 to 45,000.
Facts
Stadium: | Free State |
City: | Mangaung / Bloemfontein |
Built: | 1952 |
Construction: | medium upgrade |
Completion: | 2008 |
Gross Capacity (after upgrade): | 48,000 |
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Stadium - Soccer City
Soccer CitySoccer City can quite rightfully call itself the home of football in South Africa. In the mid 1980s, football officials came together to build the first international football stadium in the country and the construction was funded from the football fraternity's coffers.
Soccer City hosted the first mass rally of Nelson Mandela after his release in 1990. Thousands of mourners lamented Chris Hani's assassination at the stadium in 1993. It was also the venue for the 1996 CAF Africa Cup of Nations finals, with South Africa eventually triumphing.
It is also a neighbour to the home of the South African Football Association and its new headquarters, the SAFA House. The Local Organising Committee for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, as well as the FIFA offices, are currently being housed in SAFA House.
Soccer City will be the flagship stadium for the first FIFA World Cup™ in Africa. The design is unique and unusual as the outer part of the stadium is designed to resemble an African pot. About 40 percent 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.
It currently seats 80,000 people, but after its planned upgrade should seat 94,700.
Facts
Stadium: | Soccer City |
City: | Johannesburg |
Built: | 1987 |
Construction: | major upgrade |
Completion: | 2009 |
Gross Capacity | 94 700 |
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Stadium - Ellis Park
Ellis Park Ellis Park was first built in 1928 as a rugby union stadium. It was demolished and rebuilt in 1982, again exclusively for rugby. It was named after JD Ellis, a Johannesburg city councillor who approved the use of the land for a stadium, setting aside 13 acres.
The stadium was used for the finals of the 1995 IRB Rugby World Cup. Ellis Park has also been the stage for many unforgettable football matches. Bafana Bafana held Argentina to a 1-1 draw in 1995, and then drew 0-0 with then FIFA World Cup holders France in 2000 in international friendlies.
Currently, it is the home ground of Orlando Pirates FC, a club in the Premier Soccer League. In 1995, they were the first South African team to win the CAF African Club Championship.
The Nelson Mandela African XI played the World All Stars XI in a farewell match for the outgoing president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. Kalusha Bwalya, Mark Fish, Lucas Radebe and Tijani Babangida joined 'World All Stars' such as Rigoberto Song, Dunga, Luis Hernandez and Claudio Suarez in saluting a great state leader.
Ellis Park is to undergo a minor upgrade and will be ready in time for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Facts
Name: | Ellis Park Stadium |
City: | Johannesburg |
Built: | 1982 |
Construction: | minor upgrade |
Construction Completion: | 2009 |
Gross Capacity: | 61,000 |
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Stadium - Durban Stadium
Durban StadiumDurban has had a long footballing history. The first league was started in the KwaZulu-Natal Province.
The biggest match the city has hosted was when South Africa played a full strength England national team in 2002. Durban was also the venue for South Africa's first post-apartheid game when they played Cameroon, winning1-0 at King's Park. The city also hosted group, quarter and semi-final matches during the 1996 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Tunisia secured their place in the final when they beat Zambia 4-2.
The new Durban stadium will pick up where King's Park left off and provide a world-class venue for football games. It will be have a gross seating capacity of 70,000, and the design of the stadium will be characterized by two large archways which arc 100 meters above the stadium roof.
The new three-tiered stadium will be part of the Durban's King Park sporting precinct. The sporting precinct will also include a variety of different sporting disciplines including athletics, rugby, golf and swimming.
Facts
Name: | Durban Stadium |
City: | Durban |
Construction: | new |
Completion: | 2009 |
Gross Capacity: | 70 000 |
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Stadium - Green Point
Green PointCape Town is building a new stadium for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The stadium will be in the suburb of Green Point, which the stadium is also named after. Fans will be a stone's throw from the ocean and the mountains of Cape Town will be the backdrop for matches. The location is ideal as it is a short walk from the transportation hub of the city. The new stadium precinct will be built on part of the land currently occupied by a golf course.
Upon completion, Green Point stadium will have a gross seating capacity of 70,000 and it is scheduled for completion by 2009.
Cape Town has another world-standard stadium, Newlands, but is primarily used as a rugby union stadium. The stadium has, however, hosted Tottenham Hotspur in 2003, as part of their South African tour.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa has offered the city the opportunity to build a multi-purpose international stadium that will be used for a variety of events after the tournament has left Cape Town's shores.
Facts
Name: | Greenpoint |
City: | Cape Town |
Construction: | new |
Completion: | 2009 |
Gross Capacity: | 70 000 |
Host Cities - Tshwane/Pretoria
Tshwane/PretoriaTshwane/Pretoria's rich and colourful heritage is reflected in the city's myriad of museums and monuments and is punctuated by contemporary arts and craft markets, making the city alive with a unique blend of new and old.
Tshwane/Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa. Many embassies thus call this city their home.
The Union Buildings house the administration of the country and have also been the setting for all the presidential inaugurations of Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki. These sandstone buildings offer beautiful views over the city.
There is a lively culture in the city with a variety of museums, monuments, historical buildings and art centres. The Science and Technology Museum offers a tactile experience of science at work. The South African mint has a minting press dating back to 1892, which is still in operation. The city also offers township sleepovers with a five-star stay.
Church Square and the State Theatre often host international and national performances. There are also two nature reserves where visitors can view wildlife such as buffalo, antelope, cheetah, jackal, giraffe and sable.
History
The Ndebele people were the first people to settle along the Tshwane River, which was named after a Ndebele chief.
This would later become the site for Pretoria. In 1855, it became the first capital of the Zuid-Afrikaanche Republiek (ZAR), a territory claimed by the Dutch settlers in South Africa.
The Rivonia Treason Trial (1956-1961), which led to the prosecution of Nelson Mandela among others, was held in Pretoria. In 1994, the same accused would also be sworn into office as the first democratically elected president of South Africa.
Pretoria is now part of the Tshwane, which was established on 5 December 2000. It incorporates 13 previous local authorities including Pretoria, Centurion, Akasia and Soshanguve, and the surrounding areas of Mabopane, Atteridgeville, Ga-Rankuwa, Winterveld, Hammanskraal, Temba, Pienaarsrivier, Crocodile River and Mamelodi as one administrative entity.
Football
Tshwane/Pretoria has long been a city synonymous with top professional football in South Africa and the breeding ground for many of the country's top players. Arcadia and Berea Park were the city's first professional sides. In later years Mamelodi Sundowns, Mamelodi United, Pretoria City and SuperSport United have kept up the trend.
Arcadia were triple winners in 1974 but it is Mamelodi Sundowns who have been the real pride of the city. They broke the Professional Soccer League record, winning the league five times in a row since 1988. Sundowns were also runners up in the 2001 CAF Champions League. They have been nicknamed 'the Brazilians' because of their blue and yellow kit.
Pretoria University has the largest sports excellence school in the country. They also have the highest number of female football players, producing exceptionally strong women's teams.
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Host Cities - Rustenburg
RustenburgRustenburg in the heart of the savannah bushveld is a restful city. The city is in the North West Province, nestled at the foothills of the breathtaking Magaliesburg Mountains. The highest point in this mountain range is 1,852m above sea level and has been a tactical region for many battles for land during the early 1800s.
The region is rich in mineral wealth and boasts the most platinum mined in the world making it the platinum capital of the world. Mining, therefore, provides the most employment in the area.
Rustenburg is also 30 kilometres from the sensational Sun City, incorporating The Palace of the Lost City. Attractions at this resort include hot air balloon rides, The Valley of Waves and a 25-hectare jungle.
The Hartebeesport Dam, only 40 minutes from Rustenburg, is a getaway for many people, and the easy pace of life at the dam is a great place to unwind.
History
The Bafokeng people originate from this area. Bafokeng means 'people of the dew'. They are originally from the Bakwena people, and settled near in the area more than 200 years ago. The 36 th reigning monarch is King Leruo Molotlegi.
It has a strong Voortrekker (Dutch farming settlers) influence and was one of the first cities of importance in their history. In 1851, they named the city Rustenburg, which means 'place of rest'.
Football
Professional football is a novelty in the Rustenburg area. Garankuwa United play in the Mvela First Division and their home stadium is in Mabopane in North West Province. However, the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace and the Olympia stadium have been used by the national team and clubs to host matches.
Kaizer Chiefs, Moroka Swallows, Orlando Pirates, Silver Stars and Jomo Cosmos have all used the stadiums as alternate home grounds. In 1999, the South African League Cup final was played at the stadium for the first time with Mamelodi Sundowns beating Free Sate Stars 2-0.
In 2000, South Africa were victorious 4-0 against Mauritius in a COSAFA Cup game held in Rustenburg.
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Host Cities - Polokwane
PolokwaneThis is the land of the upside down tree - the Baobab - the biggest tree in Africa. Polokwane is situated at the centre of Limpopo and borders three of South Africa's neighbours - Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It is the economic and cultural hub of Limpopo and is attracting investments into the province.
The area around Polokwane is steeped in mythology and resonates with the sound of the ancient lands. It has seen the history of the Mapungubwe people who flourished during the Iron Age and Modjadji, the Rain Queen.
The Bakone Malapa Northern Sotho Open-Air Museum is a good introduction to the daily life of the dynamic Bakone people. The Bakone people are a highly sophisticated northern Sotho tribe.
The Polokwane Museum, housed in the historic Irish House, has interesting exhibitions including a history of the city and its environs. Here you will find artifacts from the Stone and Iron ages.
There are 4x4 adventure excursions and hiking trails in the Polokwane Game Reserve.
History
Polokwane has been part of the history of the Stone Age nomads, Iron Age settlements and European migrations.
The Mapungubwe people settled in this area 2,000 years ago. They traded in gold with the ancient civilizations of China, India and Egypt. The Mapungubwe World Heritage site is at the confluence of the Limpopo and Sashe Rivers and borders Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa. The site documents the civilization who lived in the area from 1000-1300AD.
Polokwane, previously Pietersburg, is the capital of Limpopo, the northern-most province of South Africa. Gold was first discovered in the area at Eersteling and the economy of the town flourished.
This was solidified 1886, when Pietersburg was named after General Petrus Jacobus Joubert, a leader of the Voortrekkers (first Dutch settlers in South Africa). The city was renamed Polokwane, which means 'place of safety'.
Football
Professional soccer first came to Polokwane in 1995 when Real Rovers were promoted to the top flight. There have been two other Limpopo Province-based sides who have competed at the highest level.
Dynamos were based in the Limpopo Province and have had undulating football seasons. They twice came up and down between the Premier league and first division league. Their premiership status has since been purchased by Amazulu in the 2006/2007 season.
Winner's Park is a Mvela League (First Division). The team has seemed to be struggling and ended 9 th in the 2005/2006 season.
The Peter Mokaba stadium holds a special memory for the 2006 African Football Player of the Year. In 2001, Didier Drogba made his debut for Côte d'Ivoire in a decisive CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualification game. South Africa won the encounter 2-1, securing a place for Bafana Bafana in the 2004 CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
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Host Cities - Nelspruit
NelspruitMpumalanga means 'place where the sun rises' in SiSwati. With the unending view of rolling mountains from God's Window to the majestic scenes of the green hills contrasting with blue rivers at Blyde River Canyon, this is definitely a place the sun would not want to leave.
At the heart of the Mpumalanga Province is its capital, Nelspruit, located in the local municipality of Mbombela. The whole area invokes the idea of a 'Garden of Eden', with a flourishing fruit industry and countless waterfalls which drop from dramatic cliff faces. Wild horses roam freely in Kaapsehoop.
A few kilometres north of the small town of Middelburg lies the museum village of Botshabelo. It preserves the culture of the Ndebele, who belong to the large group of Nguni people. The Ndebele presumably moved around the 15th and 16th centuries from Natal to live here in a quasi-peaceful co-existence with other Nguni groups.
Nearby Pilgrims Rest is an old gold-mining town which has seems to have been forgotten by time. Also in the area is Komatipoort, which serves as a gateway to Mozambique.
Nelspruit is a good base for exploring the nearby Limpopo Trans-frontier Park, which incorporates the Kruger National Park (South Africa), Limpopo National Park (Mozambique) and Gonarezhou National Park (Zimbabwe).
History
Nelspruit is named after the Nel family which settled in the area in 1905. The family farmed cattle in the area and eventually settled along the Crocodile River which runs through the centre of the province.
The nearby Sudwala caves became a place of Swazi legend. The dolomite caves were a safe haven for Prince Somquba, who sought refuge here from persecution. He eventually died, but the rest of the survivors sought refuge in the caves under the leadership of a tribal councilor named Sudwala.
Football
The town has had only one professional side, Dangerous Darkies, who spent two seasons in the top flight in the early 1990s, but just as quickly faded from view.
The most famous footballer to come from Nelspruit is the fullback David Nyathi, who played in Spain, Switzerland and in Italy's Serie A for Cagliari. He was a member of the FIFA World XI who played a match in Marseille as part of the festivities for the 1998 FIFA World Cup™ Final Draw.
The nearby Witbank Spurs is a team plays in the first division Mvela Golden League. They escaped relegation in the 2005/2006 season, finishing fourth-bottom. Witbank Spurs had a more successful run during the 2006/2007 season, working their way up to fifth and giving the relegation zone a wide berth.
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Host Cities - Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth
Nelson Mandela Bay/Port ElizabethNelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth has 40 kilometres of immaculate beaches in a protected bay. The beaches often have perfect conditions for water activities, making it the water sport capital of Africa. King's Beach and Hobie Beach are very popular bathing beaches and Pollock Beach, known locally as 'the Pipe', is a favourite with surfers.
The city's buildings are a physical timeline of the architectural changes dating as far back as the 19 th century. The Opera House is a good example of Victorian architecture and is still in use and the city also has the richest collection of Art Nouveau buildings in South Africa.
Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth is an exceptionally busy port city and is the motor industry capital of South Africa.
The city is a good place from which to discover the enchantments of the Eastern Cape. Five Biomes converge in the province, making it a must for eco-tourism and an opportunity to enjoy South Africa's diverse geography and the city is a mere 30 minute drive from five-star game lodges.
The sunshine coast, with its rugged unspoiled beaches and Hogsback, which is rumored to be the inspiration for the Lord of the Rings books, are all within a few hours drive from the city.
History
The area was initially home to the hunter-gatherers, the Khoi and the San. The Xhosa then settled in the area, predominantly along the nearby Sundays River.
The first British settlers arrived in Port Elizabeth in 1820. The port city would quickly become the gateway for British settlers into the frontier of South Africa, but not without resistance from the Xhosa. Before the gold rush in 1896, PE was a hub for wool, mohair and the ostrich feather trade.
On 6 June 1820, Sir Rufane named the city Port Elizabeth in honour of his wife Elizabeth, who had died in India. He was the acting governor of the Cape Colony at the time.
Uitenhage was established by J.A. de Mist, a Dutch government official in 1804 and has many old buildings such as the Drostdy (1815) and the Town Hall (1882).
Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth was a core centre of resistance to the oppressive apartheid regime. Many profoundly influential leaders have their roots in the Eastern Cape. Nelson Mandela's ancestral home of Qunu is in the Eastern Cape and Govan Mbeki, Walter Sisulu and Steve Biko are all sons of the province.
In 2000, Port Elizabeth became part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. It was named in honour of Nelson Mandela and includes the cities of Dispatch and Uitenhage in its jurisdictional area.
Football
Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth has had a paucity of professional sides although a healthy amateur league. Its last professional team was Michau Warriors, relegated in 1997. PE Blackpool played in the top flight in 1991 after the unification of the segregated football leagues.
The city was a host for the group and quarter-final stages of the 1996 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Most football games have been hosted at the Eastern Province Rugby Football Union stadium.
South Africa beat Trinidad and Tobago in the 2003 edition of the Nelson Mandela. The city also hosted Senegal for the 2005 Nelson Mandela Challenge. South Africa lost 2-3 to Senegal.
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Host Cities - Mangaung / Bloemfontein
Mangaung / BloemfonteinMangaung / Bloemfontein's open spaces reflect the openness of its people - friendly, warm and quietly dignified. The city's citizens are a unique blend of rural tranquillity and vibrant city life.
Located in the central interior of South Africa, Mangaung/Bloemfontein is the judicial capital of South Africa and the provincial capital of the Free State Province.
The Appeal Court is the highest court in South Africa and is seated in the city. The regal stinkwood paneled courtroom was completed in 1929. The city hall is a magnificent sandstone building built by Sir Gordon Leith and the city has an inner game reserve.
The Free State is bordered by four of South Africa's nine provinces and the country of Lesotho.
The city has a wealth of culture and history, reflected by its rich architectural heritage, numerous museums and monuments.
Mangaung/Bloemfontein is an excellent place to start discovering the Free State Province. The Golden Gate National Park in the eastern Free State has sandstone cliffs, which illuminate in gold hues when the sun strikes the exposed cliffs. The Vredefort Dome is the oldest impact crater in the world, dating back 2,023 million years and the expansive Gariep Dam is a local favourite among the landlocked people of the Free State and Gauteng.
History
Chief Yoruka and the Barolong tribe settled in the area around Thaba Nchu in the early 1830s. In the late 1800s the Free State became home to Chief Moshoeshoe and the Basotho tribe. The area became a safe haven for tribes fleeing Shaka Zulu.
The Mangaung Local Municipality was formed at the end of 2000 by amalgamating the transitional local councils of Bloemfontein, Botshabelo, Thaba Nchu with two rural councils. It is the sixth largest city in South Africa and is also the Provincial capital of the Free State Province. Mangaung literally means "Place of the Cheetahs" in SeSotho, which is one of South Africa's 11 official languages.
Although amalgamated under one city authority in 2000, Bloemfontein was initially founded by Dutch and English settlers in mid-1800s. Bloemfontein is rumoured to have been named after an abundance of roses which grew around a fountain on a farm owned by a Dutch settler (Voortrekker), Johannes Nicolaas Brit. Bloemfontein literally means 'fountain of flowers' in Dutch
Football
Football in Bloemfontein, was first played in 1891, when the territory was an independent Boer republic, known as the 'Oranje Vrij Staat'. Famous clubs like Aberdeen, Dundee United (both Scotland), Newcastle United (England), Ajax Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany) played tour matches in the territory. Bloemfontein City played briefly as the first professional club of the city.
Bloemfontein Celtic are the city's best known footballing product. The fans of Bloemfontien Celtic are renowned for their enthusiasm. The team's kit is very similar to the Scottish team Celtic, with green and white horizontal stripes.
The Free State Stars finished at the top of the First Division in 2007, consequently earning a place in the top flight for the 2007/2008 season.
The Free State Stadium was the setting for most of Group B's games during the 1996 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, which was hosted by South Africa.
Host Cities - Johannesburg
JohannesburgJohannesburg is the business hub of South Africa, contributing a substantial part of the country's GDP approximately 12%.
Jozi, as it is affectionately known by its inhabitants, can also be a sanctuary of peace and calm. Despite the hustle and bustle of the city, Johannesburg is unexpectedly green and orientated towards outdoor living. It has a wealth of trees creating an 'urban forest', and many of the trees are located in the 2328 parks.
Cultural wealth is also in abundance, with a host of interesting museums including the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill and the living memory of the South Western Townships (SOWETO). The Mai Mai Market is the oldest market in Johannesburg and is a great place to discover traditional remedies.
The city is in close proximity to the Cradle of Humankind. This UNESCO World Heritage site encompasses the Sterkfontein caves, the site where the oldest hominoid skeletons were found.
History
The Tswana name for Johannesburg is eGoli, place of gold, however, the San and Stone Age people were the first inhabitants of the area. The face of the area changed when an Australian gold prospector generated interest in the mineral wealth beneath the surface.
Johannesburg became a city in 1886, during the beginning of the Witwatersrand Gold Rush.
The city also became a political hotspot during the apartheid years. Soweto was an important instrument in the liberation of South Africa. In 1955, many anti-apartheid movements met in Kliptown to sign the Freedom Charter. The Charter enshrined the belief in equality for all. It also became the working document for the current Constitution of South Africa.
Football
The heartland of South African football, Johannesburg is the backbone of the professional game. The majority of clubs come from the city and its surrounds and the city's stadiums have hosted numerous historic matches.
The city centre has been at the core of football development in South Africa. Professional football was formed in the offices of the old Rand Daily Mail newspaper in 1958. In later years, football unity talks took place at the old Rand International Hotel. Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Jomo Cosmos and the now defunct Highlands Park, Rangers and Lusitano have all been championship-winning clubs.
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have the biggest fan bases of any teams in southern Africa. When these two heavyweights meet in the Soweto Derby, it is easy to see why the fixture is among the most fiercely contested matches across the globe.
Johannesburg has also produced quality players. Jomo Sono, founder of Jomo Cosmos FC, and Kaizer Motaung, founder of Kaizer Chiefs, both played in the North American Soccer League in the United States. Sono played with Pele and Franz Beckenbauer at the New York Cosmos.
Patrick "Ace" Ntsoelengoe is revered as one of the greatest football players South Africa has ever produced. He enjoyed immense success in the NASL.
The Premier League-based Wits are a team based at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, and has one of the largest clubs in the world, with membership totalling over 1,500 players. Due to their location, the team is affectionately known as the 'Clever Boys'.
Nelson Mandela is somewhat of a talisman for South African sports teams in Johannesburg. He was present for the finals of the 1995 Rugby World Cup at Ellis Park, when South Africa became the world champions. He was also present a year later at Soccer City for the finals of the 1996 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, which South Africa won.
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Host Cities - Durban
DurbanDurban is a place of fusion. The city has an intense gusto for life, and this is showcased in the mixture of sounds and smells which infuse the city. Durban is a port city and is the busiest port in Africa.
You can take a ride on a rickshaw, a distinctive Durban experience, with the drivers decorated in ornate headdresses. At the very heart of Durban is the 'golden mile', a four kilometer stretch of beaches, promenades, swimming pools and restaurants. The water is warmed by the Aghulas current and even during winter, the water temperature averages at 15°C making it ideal for year-round swimming.
UShaka Marine World is Africa's largest Marine-themed park. Within the park is one of the five largest aquariums in the world.
Durban is the host for the Preliminary Draw on 25 November 2007, the first FIFA event in the run up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The draw will determine which teams will play each other to earn a place in the world's football showpiece.
Durban is also a gateway to the Zulu Kingdom, where tourists can experience the intensity of Zulu culture. The city is also a good base from which to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park has various landforms such as coral reefs, coastal dunes, lake systems, swamps, and reed and papyrus wetlands. The Ukahlamba/Drakensberg National Park has dramatic blue mountains and the largest concentration of rock paintings south of the Sahara.
History
The history of the area extends to 100,000 BC, according to carbon dating on rock art found in caves in the uKhahlamba/Drakensberg National Park. The San lived in these mountains for four millennia and they documented their history in rock art. This discovery has since led to the inclusion of the uKhahlamba/Drakensberg National Park as a UNESCO World Heritage site
The Zulu nation originally migrated south from the Great Lakes region as part of the Nguni migration. They settled in the area now known as KwaZulu-Natal and many great leaders have led the Zulu nation into historically revered battles.
On 25 December 1497, the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama anchored in a natural lagoon which would become the site of present-day Durban. He thought the lagoon was a river and named it Rio de Natal (Christmas River), but it was later corrected and changed to Port Natal. Port Natal became Durban on 23 June 1835, in honour of the Cape Governor, Sir Benjamin D'Urban.
Football
The city hosted South Africa's first football league in 1882, which comprised four clubs: Pietermaritzburg County, Natal Wasps, Durban Alpha and Umgeni Stars.
Durban has produced numerous South African championship-winning sides but in recent years its teams have struggled to preserve their top flight statuses. Zulu Royals were the first winners of the National Professional Soccer League in 1971.
After the major leagues unified, Bush Bucks and Manning Rangers both won the championship. Durban City and Durban United, which are now both defunct, were frequent league and cup winners in the National Football League.
Durban is the birthplace of the former Zimbabwe international goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar, who, while at Liverpool, added his name to a rare list of Africans who have played for teams which won the European Cup. The city has also produced talented football players such as Sibusiso Zuma, Siyabonga Nomvete and Delron Buckley.
Durban hosted group, quarter-final and semi-final games in the 1996 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. The city also hosted South Africa's game against England in 2003, which helped launch the country's bid for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. England won the encounter 2-1.
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Host Cities - Cape Town
CAPE TOWN One would be hard pressed to find a reason not to fall in love with the port city of Cape Town. It has one of the most idyllic settings - nestled between and around the ocean and mountains. The iconic Table Mountain rises 1,086 above the city and has served as a mariner's landmark. On a clear day, the flat-topped mountain is visible 200km out to sea.
The so-called "Mother city" has an abundance of contrasting activities from lounging on the Atlantic seaboard's popular beaches to exploring the vividly painted area of the Bo-Kaap. Hout Bay is a hub for fishing, especially tuna and crayfish, and the historical naval base at Simon's Town has a fascinating past.
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is a great location for shopping, and is also host to the Two Oceans Aquarium, depicting sea life from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Long Street has long been a place of bustling nightlife and there is a wealth of museums in the city to discover. The Western Cape area is renowned as a wine-producing area, and there are tours available along the 'wine route'.
Cape Town has distinct Malay influences, reminiscent of days when the spice route travelled via its shores. There are also many foreign people who have made Cape Town their home, and the result is a hybrid of cultures in a cosmopolitan city.
History
Cape Town had its first inhabitants as early as 100,000 BC, when hunter-gatherers roamed the Cape Peninsula. After the arrival of European sailors in 1652, it became a haven for sailors who travelled along the African coast on the spice route to India.
The city has also played an important role in contemporary South African history. Robben Island was used as a prison for political prisoners as early as 1898, but became famous as the place of incarceration for the Rivonia Trial accused, which included Nelson Mandela.
Cape Town has been the legislative capital of South Africa since 1910. The Houses of Parliament, still in use today, were built in 1885.
Football
Cape Town has produced many of South Africa's top recent internationals such as Shaun Bartlett, Benni McCarthy and past heroes such as Albert Johannensen and David Julius, who played top football in Europe.
Cape Town has also produced three of South African football's most exalted figures. Quinton Fortune signed to Manchester United in 1999. He was soon followed by his former Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Queiroz, who is now the assistant manager to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. In 2006, Fortune made the move to Bolton Wanderers.
Benni Macarthy has enjoyed international success, winning the UEFA Champions League with FC Porto under the leadership of Jose Mourinho. He also won a Portuguese top flight Golden Boot. He currently plays for Blackburn Rovers, where he finished as the Premiership's second leading marksman in his first season in England.
Sean Bartlett played for FC Zurich in 1998 and then made the move to Charlton Athletic in 2000. During his tenure at Charlton, he helped the club consolidate their position in the English top flight. He is the most capped Bafana Bafana striker, and has scored the most goals for his country.
Hellenic were the first Cape Town side to win a championship in 1971, soon followed by Cape Town City. In 1995, Cape Town Spurs swept the board and did the double, claiming the league and knockout cup crowns. All three clubs have since folded.
Ajax Cape Town and Santos, champions in 2002, continue the keep professional football alive in the city. Ajax Cape Town is an affiliate of Ajax Amsterdam and has scouted many talents who made the move to Amsterdam, including Steven Pienaar, Gabriel Mofokeng and Stanton Lewis.
Vasco Da Gama is a small football club started in 1980. Despite its size, the club has produced a wealth of Bafana Bafana national team players. Goalkeeper Andre Arendse, midfielder Thabo Mngomeni and forward Shaun Bartlett played for the club, as did David Nyathi, who was selected for the FIFA World XI and turned out in Switzerland, Turkey and Spain.
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