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Mametsa hoping for happy homecoming

John Mametsa celebrates his try. Blue Bulls versus Griquas, Currie Cup. Loftus Versveld. Pic: James Oatway. 01/09/2007. © The Times. Sowetan 29/12/2009 PG 19 Polokwane Homeboy. Blue Bulls wing John Mametsa.
John Mametsa celebrates his try. Blue Bulls versus Griquas, Currie Cup. Loftus Versveld. Pic: James Oatway. 01/09/2007. © The Times. Sowetan 29/12/2009 PG 19 Polokwane Homeboy. Blue Bulls wing John Mametsa.

RUGBY star John Mametsa will get a chance to play in his home town of Polokwane for the first time since turning professional when the Bulls take on the Lions at the new 2010 Fifa World Cup venue.

The match, which will be part of the festivities to mark the official opening of the Peter Mokaba Sports Complex, takes place on January 30.

Mametsa, who was born in the Limpopo capital on March 28 1983, has appeared in 100 Currie Cup matches.

Polokwane 2010 Fifa World Cup director Ndavhe Ramakuela said negotiations were under way for a massive soccer event to take place at the venue on January 23.

"There are number of activities that we have planned for January to test the readiness of the stadium for big events ahead of the World Cup," Ramakuela said yesterday.

"The stadium is ready and we want to thank everybody who was involved in the construction of the new facility. It's one of the best in the world.

"We are naturally over the moon that the construction of the stadium is complete - it's now ready for use. We will also have an open day on January 16.

"Members of the public are welcome to come and see the stadium on that day."

The opening World Cup match at the venue, built near the existing stadium that is also named after late ANC leader Peter Mokaba, will feature Algeria and Slovenia on June 13.

Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale has urged South Africans to buy tickets to ensure all the matches are played in front of big crowds. The old Peter Mokaba Stadium, which is being refurbished, will be used as a training ground during the World Cup.

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