2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup
South Africa Gets Top Marks as World Cup Host
Source: www.sagoodnews.co.za
FIFA President Sepp Blatter on Monday gave South Africa his highest possible mark for a World Cup that defied sceptics who had predicted disaster. Blatter said he would give a mark of 9 out of 10 which was the maximum possible. “Perfection does not exist in our life,” he told a news conference.
Last year, when FIFA still had concerns over South African organisation of the vast logistical operation, Blatter had given a mark of 7.5, saying it was below what was required.
“Africa has proven that really they can organise this World Cup…they can be proud,” Blatter said, adding that the tournament had changed perceptions of the continent. Years of negative reporting had predicted chaos and major criminal incidents.
South Africa’s 40-billion-rand ($5.29-billion) spending on the World Cup, which ended with Spain’s victory over Netherlands on Sunday, would bring increased tourism, trade and investment, President Jacob Zuma said on Monday.
He said it would create the revenue to address myriad social problems including widespread poverty and an HIV pandemic. Blatter, like other senior international soccer officials at the news conference, paid tribute to the way South Africans had continued to attend matches despite being the first host nation to be knocked out at the group stage.
More than 3.1 million people attended the 64 games, the third highest figure behind the United States in 1994 and Germany in 2006.
Durban’s Magnificent Moses Mabhida Stadium
The Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban will host one of the semi-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The 70 000-seater has been designed as a multi-purpose venue and an amphitheatre complete with a cable car which ascends to a viewing platform at the top of the 350m arch – 106 metres above the pitch. From here, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the shoreline and city.
The stadium is named after Moses Mabhida, who developed Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing of the ANC.
There are some exciting attractions at the stadium! Try the Big Rush Big Swing, which is the world’s only stadium swing and the largest swing of any kind anywhere. Swing out in a huge 220 metre arc under the magnificent arch of the stadium.
There’s also the SkyCar, which takes up to 20 visitors up to the highest point of the arch to enjoy an incredible 360-degree view of the Durban city.
The arch also incorporates a SkyWalk. Kitted out with safety equipment and under the guidance of instructors, visitors make their trip to the top of the arch and down again. There are about 550 steps, so be prepared!
Matches to be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium are as follows:
13 June, Germany – Australia
16 June, Spain – Switzerland
19 June, Netherlands – Japan
22 June, Nigeria – South Korea
25 June, Portugal – Brazil
28 June, Round of 16 1E – 2F (5)
07 July, Semi-final B – D (II)
Read more about this magnificent stadium and get detailed schedules of the various attractions. Stadium tours can also be booked.
The 9 host cities of South Africa
Source: examiner.com
Nine South African cities were chosen to host soccer world cup 2010 matches. See all the teams, all the dates, all the venues, here.
1) Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein, City of Roses, is something of an oasis right in the middle of both Free State province and South Africa, with no other major city for miles around. Bloem lies on the N1, the main road between Johannesburg and Cape Town (an amazing and varied drive of about 871 miles or 1402 kilometers through diverse scenery ranging from desert to mountains).
Soccer will be played at: Free State Stadium
Where to Stay: click here
2) Cape Town
Cape Town, the Mother City, is South Africa’s most European and scenically attractive city. The impressive bulk of iconic Table Mountain looms over the city; there is a vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, rich history, world-class shopping and entertainment facilities, and friendly people. South Africa’s gay capital, too. And this is the gateway city to South Africa’s wine country.
Soccer will be played at: Green Point Stadium
Where to Stay: click here
3) Durban
Ethekwini-Durban is the main metropolitan area of KwaZulu Natal. It is flanked by the warm Indian Ocean and home to an interesting array of natural and historical attractions that capitalise on its coastal location and speak to its unique mix of African and Indian influences. See Durban beach pictures right and below right; and Durban African Art gallery below that.
Soccer will be played at: Moses Mabhida Stadium
Where to Stay: click here
4) Johannesburg
Johannesburg, or Jozi as it’s more commonly known, the economic powerhouse of Africa, is South Africa’s largest city — a truly African city — and a booming, happening metropolis. In preparation for the World Cup the inner city, long abandoned by an exodus of big business that transferred to the suburbs, is undergoing a complete regeneration.
Soccer will be played at: Soccer City Stadium / Ellis Park Stadium
Where to Stay: click here
5) Nelspruit
Named after the Nels River, Nelspruit is host to many attractions and activities, including a crocodile farm, elephant sanctuary, the oldest caves on Earth and a remarkable botanical garden.
Soccer will be played at: Mbombela Stadium
Where to Stay: click here
6) Polokwane
Polokwane, the capital of the Limpopo Province and formerly known as Pietersburg, is midway between Pretoria and the Zimbabwean border along the Great North Road. It isone of South Africa’s fastest growing cities and is a popular gateway to neighboring destinations such as Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique and Malawi.
Soccer will be played at: Peter Mokaba Stadium
Where to Stay: click here
Port Elizabeth is South Africa’s second oldest city and also the commercial capital of the Eastern Cape. It is situated on the South Eastern Coast of South Africa.
Soccer will be played at: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Where to Stay: click here
8.) Pretoria
Pretoria is the diplomatic hub of South Africa – which means cultures from all corners of the globe call this city home. There are more than 25 international embassies and consulates in Pretoria. In Gauteng province, Pretoria and is situated an hour’s drive north of Johannesburg.
Soccer will be played at: Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Where to Stay: click here
9) Rustenburg
Rustenburg has the feel of a quiet country town. For the visitor looking for a night out, there are a few bars, pubs and shebeens in and around town. There is a mall with entertainment, chain restaurants and coffee shops. But the main entertainment hub of Rustenburg, about half an hour away by road, is Sun City, South Africa’s Los Vegas. Rustenburg, in the North West Province, is also close to the Magaliesberg mountains, Hartbeespoort Dam and the Pilanesberg Game Reserve.
Soccer will be played at: Royal Bafokeng Stadium
Where to Stay: click here
For the full article, click here
Gauteng-aleng
Gauteng is one of South Africa’s well-known provinces. Being one of the smaller provinces in South Africa, it serves as one of the biggest with reference to the economy, population and popularity. With 11 dominant languages and Johannesburg as its capital, it is sure to see that Gauteng offers more than you bargain for.
One of the latest happenings in Gauteng, is the Gautrain. The Gautrain has been in planning for a long time, but will soon open its doors to the people of Johannesburg. The railway will enable you to travel between Johannesburg, Pretoria and OR Tambo International Airport.
Though not planned for the event, the route between Sandton and OR Tambo will open three days before the kick-off of the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup – enabling tourists and soccer fans to see what SA is capable of. The other leg of the project, is expected to be completed in 2011.
The people of Johannesburg will be able to enjoy luxurious interior styles while moving at a smooth 160km/h. According to Gautrain.co.za, forecasts indicate that there will be about 100 000 passengers per day on the train. Due to its high quality service, the fares are a bit more expensive that your average rail and taxi fares. But then again, its not an average train…
To make sure you make the most of your stay, click here for suitable accommodation.
From land to sea
If you’re not interested in safari’s or staying in a skyscraper hotel during the World Cup, you can always settle for the sea…
Article from Suite101.com
Luxury Cruise Ships Head to South Africa for Soccer’s Premier Event
Two of the world’s biggest and most luxurious cruise ships will dock at South Africa’s harbours during the FIFA 2010 World Cup starting this June, bringing tourists to experience South Africa’s culture and passion for soccer.
Two vessels, each with more than 950 cabins, will head for Durban harbour and Port Elizabethharbour respectively for the full month of the FIFA 2010 World Cup in a unique cruise experience that gives passengers a chance to live aboard the ship and experience harbour life, whilst also enjoying the soccer matches in the cities they dock at.
World Cup Accommodation Floating into Town
Two of the world's biggest cruise ships will dock at South Africa's harbours during the 2010 World Cup, bringing tourists to experience South Africa's passion for soccer.
The MS Noordam, the vessel that will be based in the Durban harbour, will also visit the Port Elizabeth harbour twice – for the quarter-final and for the playoff for the third and fourth place. The MS Westerdam will be moored in Port Elizabeth harbour for the first 14 days of the tournament and will then be cruising between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town for the rest of the tournament.
To read more, click here.
Welcome to South Africa
no commentsThough some people still think South Africa have lions walking around and elephants causing traffic jams, many come to realize that South Africa is not that bad. It is actually quite good, quite great!
South Africa is known for its beautiful scenery, amazing range of wildlife, lovely weather, Table Mountain; the list is never-ending. Not only do we have the Big 5 and 11 official languages, but we are also known as “The Rainbow Nation” because of the diverse cultures located in our country. And this year we have the privilege of hosting the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup! One of the biggest events ever to be hosted in Southern Africa.
Laura Lane, a senior reporter for OK! magazine, wanted to experience South Africa. Her tight schedule shows how much South Africa really has to offer:
“On my first day I’d meet a tour manager at Moyo Zoo Lake for lunch before visiting Rosebank, a Johannesburg art strip. And that was just the beginning. Over the next nine days I’d be getting a crash course on the South Africa World Cup experience, including a visit to the Cradle of Humankind, a tour of a Zulu village in Durban, wine tasting in Cape Town, and a stay at a luxury safari lodge in Kruger Park. Along the way I’d also be visiting soccer stadiums that are in the final stages of preparation for the World Cup.”
Tourists to South Africa can easily enjoy the spectacular scenery of South Africa while feeling comfortable and “taken-care-of”, not to mentioned experiencing the true hospitality of South Africans. If you are going on Safari in South Africa why not check out the other 99 reasons to visit South Africa and see what you can fit in with your visit. Sport24.co.za predicted that soccer fans will mix their visit with safari, so why not try it?
To join in this adventure, all you need is the right place to stay, and we are here to help you, one click away.
Welcome to Cape Town, soccer fans!
Thinking of coming to Cape Town for the World Cup? Well we’ve got you all sorted out! With over 10 places we recommend you stay, we ensure that you will have a great time in the Cape of Good Hope.
Whether you come to Cape Town to watch a live match at the spectacular Green Point Stadium, or you are just here to join in the spirit of festivities, be sure that the Western Cape will promise a good experience for you and your family!
“If the Western Cape were a woman, she would turn heads. As a province of South Africa, the Western Cape draws millions of visitors each year to a seemingly small area if compared with other provinces in South Africa, but one that is so beautiful that it can’t help the distinct attention it draws.” – SA Venues
From the beautiful buildings in Cape Town CBD, to the scenic vineyards of the Boland; from 5 star accomodation, to farm cottages; the Western Cape has something for everyone, all within a small space.
I once met a tourist from Berlin in Franschhoek and I asked him why he came to South Africa, especially to the Western Cape. He answered with a kind of “duh, why not” attitude and told me about all the beautiful places he has visited and that the Western Cape has so much to offer for its size.
Top Ten ‘Must Do’s” in the Western Cape: (according to CapeTownTourism)
- Tackle Table Mountain
- Dive with Nile Crocodiles
- Tour the Bo-Kaap on foot
- Play the best golf of your life along the Garden Route
- Swim with the African Penguins
- Visit Langa, Nyanga and Gugulethu, the oldest townships in Cape Town
- Go shark cage diving
- Kitesurf the Cape West Coast
- Taste the globally acclaimed wines of the Cape Winelands
- Go on a horseback Big 5 safari
This proves that the Western Cape has a lot to offer each individual! And with the variety of activities, comes a variety of exclusive getaways, with some located less that an hour’s drive from the Green Point Stadium, or one of the Fan Parks.
Fan Parks
According to TimesLive, Cape Town has spent a lot of money on upgrading the Grand Parade, its official fan park, which can accommodate 28000 fans. So if you’re in the area, come and join in the fun and activities in support of the Fifa 2010 Soccer World Cup.
The city will also set up public viewing areas at the Athlone Civic, Bellville Velodrome, Swartklip sports complex and Oliver Tambo sports centre in Khayelitsha. There is also a public viewing area for Stellenbosch in the pipeline.
Accommodation
Don’t know where to stay? Well, here are some suggestions that is either close to the stadium, the fan park or the public viewing areas, where you will experience true South African hospitality:
- Romney Park
- Les Cascades
- Twelve Apostles Hotel
- 26 Sunset Ave.
- Glen Avon
- Steenberg Hotel
- Colona Castle
- Palmiet Valley
- Franschhoek Country House
- Le Franschhoek
- Lanzerac
- Asara
- Majeka House
- River Manor
If I could recommend something to you, I would say close your eyes and point your finger towards a random one, because you can’t go wrong with either one.
If you are not sure that Cape Town and the Western Cape is for you, then watch this and you will surely not doubt coming to this beautiful place where dreams meet reality!
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