FOUR European countries will be playing their 2010 Fifa World Cup group matches in Cape Town and the constructors of the imposing arena were not going to be caught with their pants down - they became proactive.
FOUR European countries will be playing their 2010 Fifa World Cup group matches in Cape Town and the constructors of the imposing arena were not going to be caught with their pants down - they became proactive.
Cape Town Stadium, built on the old Greenpoint stadium site, boasts a world first in combating football hooliganism - a police station, complete with cells to lock them up.
When asked about the cells, media officer Nicholas Whiteley said: "We will be hosting a number of European teams like England, France, Italy and Portugal here and the fans are known to be somewhat unruly and prone to hooliganism.
"But overall it is meant to deal with any unruly elements who might wish to make life difficult for others. We want people to enjoy their game with peace of mind, knowing that hooligans will be dealt with."
This was the first of the new 2010 Fifa World Cup venues to be completed on schedule. A trial run has been done involving a football game and a sold-out rugby match. The turf has been approved by Fifa and, if the truth be told, it is the best of them all. All World Cup games scheduled for this venue have been sold out already.
Verdict: Let the games begin!
PETER MOKABA STADIUM
What are we waiting for? If there are any outstanding issues with this one they have probably been fixed by now.
It had a trial run with the four-team Peter Mokaba Cup that featured Kaizer Chiefs, SuperSport United, Brondby FI from Denmark and Bidvest Wits, with no visible hitches. This venue is as ready as they come. All Polokwane mayor Thabo Makunyane is waiting for are the teams, the match officials and the spectators.
Verdict: Ke nako! Ready to rock.
FREE STATE STADIUM
This had always been a certainty. From the first facilities inspection by the Federation of International Football Associations (Fifa), this venue met all the requirements.
Whatever recommendations were made were minimal and easily addressed. The stadium has hosted important international rugby and football events.
Verdict: Let's play!
NELSON MANDELA BAY STADIUM
One of those venues where the gathered media was for once left dumbstruck. After all, this has been the busiest of all the newly built stadiums, having already hosted about 11 events without any problems. Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Zanoxolo Wayile must be proud.
Verdict: Bring it on!
ELLIS PARK STADIUM
The venue has hosted many memorable events, including the 1995 Rugby World Cup won by Amabhokobhoko, the 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup final and various football internationals that have featured the likes of Brazil and France . Fifa didn't have much to suggest in terms of improvements.
Verdict: Let's get it on!
LOFTUS VERSFELD STADIUM
This is the only venue that was not visited during the road show, the organisers opting instead to showcase the Super Stadium training ground in nearby Atteridgeville.
Anyway, Tshwane mayor Gwen Ramokgopa was over the moon over the state of readiness of the facilities in the city. Loftus has already earned its stripes in that it has featured many high-profile events and games, notably full-house rugby matches where all the do's and dont's of staging world-class tourneys have been tested.
Verdict: Blow the whistle, let's kick off!
SOCCER CITY
Ah! The calabash. This one has been turned into a unique African masterpiece.
Walking into the stadium was an experience in itself. Having attended so many games at this venue before it was closed down for the upgrade, one couldn't believe what it has now been turned into. Notwithstanding the fact that workers were still busy with the paving on the outside precinct, the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Fifa World Cup will leave you breathless. Johannesburg mayor Amos Masondo must be proud of this place.
Verdict: June 11 - we are waiting! Kuyasheshwa la!
MOSES MABHIDA STADIUM
KwaZulu-Natal's newest jewel is really something to shout and scream about.
It is an architectural stunner and any sportsman's dream arena. We experienced the atmosphere at this stadium in the day and during an evening match between Bafana Bafana and Namibia.
It was a marvel to see during the day and out of this world in the evening. The stadium has already had its test runs and come out with flying colours. eThekwini mayor Obed Mlaba must be a proud man indeed.
Verdict: Woz' eDurban!
ROYAL BAFOKENG SPORTS PALACE
If only they could do something about that road that seemingly refuses to be upgraded. Rustenburg mayor Jeanette Dibetso-Nyathi was rightfully optimistic about the readiness of the stadium in Phokeng but getting there, especially from the direction of Sun City, will be a nightmare if North West Premier Maureen Modisele's promise is not met. She said the road would be ready by May 21.
The venue hosted successful Confederations Cup group matches and the third-place play-off.
Verdict: Fix that road!
MBOMBELA STADIUM
This is the only venue that nearly brought tears to the eyes of Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke and LOC chief executive Danny Jordaan because it was clearly not ready to host anything, not even a Sunday kick-about.
Not even the assurance of "pitch expert" Richard Hayden could convince those gathered that it would be ready in six weeks' time. Mbombela mayor Lassy Chiwayo has a lot on his shoulders.
Verdict: Eish! When is the World Cup by the way?
sa's jewels shine bright
FOUR European countries will be playing their 2010 Fifa World Cup group matches in Cape Town and the constructors of the imposing arena were not going to be caught with their pants down - they became proactive.
FOUR European countries will be playing their 2010 Fifa World Cup group matches in Cape Town and the constructors of the imposing arena were not going to be caught with their pants down - they became proactive.
Cape Town Stadium, built on the old Greenpoint stadium site, boasts a world first in combating football hooliganism - a police station, complete with cells to lock them up.
When asked about the cells, media officer Nicholas Whiteley said: "We will be hosting a number of European teams like England, France, Italy and Portugal here and the fans are known to be somewhat unruly and prone to hooliganism.
"But overall it is meant to deal with any unruly elements who might wish to make life difficult for others. We want people to enjoy their game with peace of mind, knowing that hooligans will be dealt with."
This was the first of the new 2010 Fifa World Cup venues to be completed on schedule. A trial run has been done involving a football game and a sold-out rugby match. The turf has been approved by Fifa and, if the truth be told, it is the best of them all. All World Cup games scheduled for this venue have been sold out already.
Verdict: Let the games begin!
PETER MOKABA STADIUM
What are we waiting for? If there are any outstanding issues with this one they have probably been fixed by now.
It had a trial run with the four-team Peter Mokaba Cup that featured Kaizer Chiefs, SuperSport United, Brondby FI from Denmark and Bidvest Wits, with no visible hitches. This venue is as ready as they come. All Polokwane mayor Thabo Makunyane is waiting for are the teams, the match officials and the spectators.
Verdict: Ke nako! Ready to rock.
FREE STATE STADIUM
This had always been a certainty. From the first facilities inspection by the Federation of International Football Associations (Fifa), this venue met all the requirements.
Whatever recommendations were made were minimal and easily addressed. The stadium has hosted important international rugby and football events.
Verdict: Let's play!
NELSON MANDELA BAY STADIUM
One of those venues where the gathered media was for once left dumbstruck. After all, this has been the busiest of all the newly built stadiums, having already hosted about 11 events without any problems. Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Zanoxolo Wayile must be proud.
Verdict: Bring it on!
ELLIS PARK STADIUM
The venue has hosted many memorable events, including the 1995 Rugby World Cup won by Amabhokobhoko, the 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup final and various football internationals that have featured the likes of Brazil and France . Fifa didn't have much to suggest in terms of improvements.
Verdict: Let's get it on!
LOFTUS VERSFELD STADIUM
This is the only venue that was not visited during the road show, the organisers opting instead to showcase the Super Stadium training ground in nearby Atteridgeville.
Anyway, Tshwane mayor Gwen Ramokgopa was over the moon over the state of readiness of the facilities in the city. Loftus has already earned its stripes in that it has featured many high-profile events and games, notably full-house rugby matches where all the do's and dont's of staging world-class tourneys have been tested.
Verdict: Blow the whistle, let's kick off!
SOCCER CITY
Ah! The calabash. This one has been turned into a unique African masterpiece.
Walking into the stadium was an experience in itself. Having attended so many games at this venue before it was closed down for the upgrade, one couldn't believe what it has now been turned into. Notwithstanding the fact that workers were still busy with the paving on the outside precinct, the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Fifa World Cup will leave you breathless. Johannesburg mayor Amos Masondo must be proud of this place.
Verdict: June 11 - we are waiting! Kuyasheshwa la!
MOSES MABHIDA STADIUM
KwaZulu-Natal's newest jewel is really something to shout and scream about.
It is an architectural stunner and any sportsman's dream arena. We experienced the atmosphere at this stadium in the day and during an evening match between Bafana Bafana and Namibia.
It was a marvel to see during the day and out of this world in the evening. The stadium has already had its test runs and come out with flying colours. eThekwini mayor Obed Mlaba must be a proud man indeed.
Verdict: Woz' eDurban!
ROYAL BAFOKENG SPORTS PALACE
If only they could do something about that road that seemingly refuses to be upgraded. Rustenburg mayor Jeanette Dibetso-Nyathi was rightfully optimistic about the readiness of the stadium in Phokeng but getting there, especially from the direction of Sun City, will be a nightmare if North West Premier Maureen Modisele's promise is not met. She said the road would be ready by May 21.
The venue hosted successful Confederations Cup group matches and the third-place play-off.
Verdict: Fix that road!
MBOMBELA STADIUM
This is the only venue that nearly brought tears to the eyes of Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke and LOC chief executive Danny Jordaan because it was clearly not ready to host anything, not even a Sunday kick-about.
Not even the assurance of "pitch expert" Richard Hayden could convince those gathered that it would be ready in six weeks' time. Mbombela mayor Lassy Chiwayo has a lot on his shoulders.
Verdict: Eish! When is the World Cup by the way?
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