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Make 2010 a roaring success

Thabo Johnson

Mangaung (Bloemfontein) also joined the nationwide celebration to mark the 1 000-day countdown to the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

The celebrations attracted more than 3 000 people. It took place at the Hoffman Square, in the centre of the city, with more than 300 people taking part in activities.

Mangaung has also been earmarked to host some of the World Cup matches.

Free State MEC for local government and housing, Joel Mafereka, said emphasised the need to make the tournament a success.

"Although we do not intend to replicate Germany in 2006 or compete with the Germans, we firmly believe that the same spirit of togetherness and of national pride we saw and experienced there can be achieved," said Mafereka.

"To attain this goal the community of the Free State must be involved in different ways in the successful execution of the project.

"We want the tournament to leave a lasting legacy."

Former Bafana Bafana star and South Africa's 2010 ambassador, Phil Masinga, encouraged the people to commemorate the achievement of hosting the event in an African manner.

"We should do it the African way, so it reflects our heritage since it's coming to our continent for the very first time," said Masinga.

"We should be innovative. These cele- brations must remind us that the world is looking up to us and what we can offer in terms of making 2010 a success story."

Acting Mangaung mayor Eva Moiloa said the city was working hard to ensure that the 2010 Fifa World Cup is a success.

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