Though Pietermaritzburg is not hosting 2010 World Cup matches, the Msunduzi Municipality is hard at work to ensure that they also benefit from the spin-offs.

Though Pietermaritzburg is not hosting 2010 World Cup matches, the Msunduzi Municipality is hard at work to ensure that they also benefit from the spin-offs.

In one of the main projects to prepare for the quadrennial soccer showpiece, the municipality has demolished the once imposing Harry Gwala Stadium.

Brian Zuma, marketing and communications manager of Msunduzi Municipality, said they were starting with the process of building a new stadium on the same site.

The old stadium used to accommodate 10 000 people, but Zuma said the new one will have its capacity increased to 20 000.

"The idea behind the demolition and reconstruction of the Harry Gwala Stadium is in line with our plans to use it as a training venue for the World Cup," said Zuma.

"We are going to talk to various countries that will qualify for the World Cup to use the facility, for us having one or two countries based here will be great."

Zuma said Wadley Stadium, a venue with artificial grass, would also be used as a training venue for the tournament.

With Maritzburg United back in the Premiership, Zuma said the presence of the Team of Choice will also help them promote Pietermaritzburg.