WITH the World Cup kickoff upon us, Gugulethu's popular restaurant, Mzoli's, is buzzing with excitement over the 8000 tourists who have booked to eat at the popular braai spot.

Owner Mzoli Ngcawuzele told Sowetan that bookings from Germany, France, America and Australia had flooded in.

Ngcawuzele said more casual workers would be hired, particularly jobless people from the Gugulethu community.

He has even set up his own public viewing area in a marquee outside, since there is no fan park in Gugulethu.

Artists including Loyiso Gola, Kedibone Mulaudzi, Felix Hlophe, Kagiso Lediga and Tall More have been booked to perform at Mzoli's throughout the month.

"This is a historic moment and I believe there is a dire need to render this type of service for our black communities," Ngcawuzele said.

American Charlie Gumz said he would watch the World Cup from nowhere else.

"The people and the township atmosphere are cool," he said.

Cape Town resident Keriston Floris, from Ravensmead, said he and his family were celebrating the end of the school term at Mzoli's. "We are tired of going to malls and sophisticated restaurants.

"Here the vibe is great and the meat is lovely and cheap," Floris said with a smile.

Ngcawuzele said he was in contact with the traffic department, the police, disaster management and ambulance services and had also hired private security to protect fans who visit his restaurant this month.