Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Barbara Creecy, Gauteng MEC for sports, yesterday expressed her excitement that preparations for the 2010 World Cup were moving in the right direction.

Briefing the media at the Gauteng legislature in Johannesburg, Creecy said the quadrennial global spectacle would bring huge benefits for the province and the rest of the country.

"In the process of realising these opportunities, our first challenge is to ensure all South Africans, not just a select few, benefit," she said.

"The second challenge is to ensure that the positive spinoffs will be sustained long after 2010 is over.

"The province will use 2010 as a platform to translate our football into a business success, to boost our tourism and sporting industries, and create an enabling environment that maximises investment and economic growth."

Creecy said the Gauteng government was confident that the 2009 Confederations and 2010 World Cup training and match venues will be ready at the required time.

"The province has completed the first phase of the upgrade of HM Pitje, Sinaba and George Thabe stadiums, all of which are potential 2010 practice venues," Creecy said.

"This phase included the replacement of grassing on the pitch, the addition of ablution facilities, installation of light masts, irrigation systems and sub-soil drainage systems.

"A total of 1 816 jobs have been created. Phase two on HM Pitje and Sinaba will begin in July."