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Colour-coded seats for fans

REVAMP: The reconstruction of the mecca of SA soccer Soccer City is moving into top gear. Pic. Antonio Muchave. 20/02/07.© Sowetan.
REVAMP: The reconstruction of the mecca of SA soccer Soccer City is moving into top gear. Pic. Antonio Muchave. 20/02/07.© Sowetan.

The process of the upgrading Soccer City, the mecca of South African soccer, is gradually moving into top gear with the demolition of the top third of the current seating under way.

The process of the upgrading Soccer City, the mecca of South African soccer, is gradually moving into top gear with the demolition of the top third of the current seating under way.

Builders said the new seating arrangement will be redesigned to give the spectators a clearer view of proceedings on the pitch.

A Sowetan team visited the stadium yesterday and from a distance one was struck by the dust hovering around the popular facility. As you get closer, you see people excavating and drilling through the concrete piles to reach the rocks where a stronger foundation will be laid.

All the old plastic seats at the stadium have already been removed.

They will be replaced by new world-class, colour-coded ones. Trucks were also going in and out, removing rubble.

The venue, which will host the final of the historic World Cup, will have a 94 000 capacity, compared to the current 70000.

Themba Mthethwa, one of the construction workers, said: "It feels great to contribute to the 2010 preparations.

"South Africans will be proud of the venue once we complete the renovations."

The City of Johannesburg has put aside R1,5 billion to renovate the venue. The new-look stadium will have a two-tiered encircling roof.

The upgrade, by Grinaker, is expected to be completed by March 18 2009.

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