World Cup 2010
Since 1995, when Nelson Mandela handed the William Webb Ellis Trophy to Springbok captain Francois Pienaar after a pulsating Rugby World Cup final in Johannesburg, South Africa has shown itself capable not only of hosting the really big sporting events, but of making really big successes of them. A year later, Mandela was on hand once more to present the African Cup of Nations trophy to South Africa's soccer team, Bafana Bafana. As with the Rugby World Cup, the continent's premier footballing event went off smoothly in South Africa, with full houses and impressively well-behaved supporters - something not always associated with international soccer matches!
“Africa is ready. Africa's time has come,” President Thabo Mbeki told the world in Berlin 2006. South Africa is hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup on behalf of 53 other African countries. It's time to “Come home to Africa in 2010”. Soon after the decision was made for South Africa to host this gigantic sporting event, preparation work began. Soccer stadiums are being renovated and new ones built to make a total of 10 venues for the matches.
South Africa has a first world class transport and telecommunications infrastructure. The infrastructure is being upgraded to cater for the flood of soccer fans and visitors in 2010. The hotel and accommodation industry is not to be out done. Renovations and new constructions are happening all over the country, especially in match hosting cities. Visitors will have choices ranging from 5 star international hotels to small family run lodges for their accommodation; in all you will be assured to experience that top notch hospitality, African style.
The South African government is not leaving anything to chance; security is being beefed up to ensure that soccer fans are able to enjoy this premier event without fear of any harm to themselves and their property. In between soccer matches, visitors will be able to explore the beauty of natural resources that South Africa and other countries of Southern Africa are endowed with – wild life, beaches, cultural tours, ancient rock paintings and the Victoria Falls.
Latest World Cup 2010 news
For the latest news updates about what is happening in South Africa and around the world, in preparation for this premier sporting event, click here.
