LOL ;)

This .... "We have a more transparent government than any in the world. We have a huge and cheap labour force to build our stadiums. Our country is one of the top 10 international conference venues in the world and we have hosted world cup cricket and rugby events. We have no reasons not to be ready and we have more skills than most places in the world"

Should read .... "We have one of the most corrupt government's in the world. We have a lazy and under-paid labour force to build our stadiums. Our country is one of the top 10 international conference venues in the world which means that we can handle a conference like the FIFA World Cup. We have hosted world cup cricket and rugby events many moons ago when crime was not as bad as it is right now and who cares to compare apples with apples, I prefer comparing apples with pears. We have no reasons not to be ready and we have more skills than most places in the world but by chance most of these skills are living in other countries like The UK, Canada, Dubai, New Zealand and Australia"

Each and every government in the world have got corrupt officials, well I'm not promoting it, but you seem to make this a unique South African problem. With all the developments that you have posted in South African threads, wonder as to who built them, was it the same lazy people you refering to?

The same white exstrimists are the one who are causing all the crime in our country. The want our government to be regarded as a failure. Exparts are coming back to help with the all the preperations for 2010 and ASGISA. Our ecomomy is booming and the black middle class is growing.

We may not hold the World Cup of the German's magnitude but as our President have said it will be a unique African World Cup. The Greeeks were critisize regarding the Olympucs but they also managed to pull it off nicely. I hope that this thread will still be alive after 2010.

Each and every government in the world have got corrupt officials, well I'm not promoting it, but you seem to make this a unique South African problem. With all the developments that you have posted in South African threads, wonder as to who built them, was it the same lazy people you refering to?

The same white exstrimists are the one who are causing all the crime in our country. The want our government to be regarded as a failure. Exparts are coming back to help with the all the preperations for 2010 and ASGISA. Our ecomomy is booming and the black middle class is growing.

We may not hold the World Cup of the German's magnitude but as our President have said it will be a unique African World Cup. The Greeeks were critisize regarding the Olympucs but they also managed to pull it off nicely. I hope that this thread will still be alive after 2010.

Relax Pule - we were only having a bit of fun ... this was posted AGES ago Mate ;) .... LOL !

If the Netherlands qualify for the WC, do you guys think they'll receive some support from the Afrikaners?

If the Netherlands qualify for the WC, do you guys think they'll receive some support from the Afrikaners?

haha not at all. i support holland simply because they wear orange..but then again im not an afrikaner..

no comment about this one. although it will be interesting to watch who they support between Netherlands and South Africa during WC2010

no comment about this one. although it will be interesting to watch who they support between Netherlands and South Africa during WC2010
huh? are you serious? afrikaners supporting netherlands?...first time ive heard of this...

Hup Holland Hup, laat de leeuw niet in zijn hempie staan!!!
Hup Holland Hup, laat je niet het veld uit slaan!!!
want de leeuw op voetbalschoenen, kan de hele wereld aan!!! (2x)

Something like that, would be funny to hear in Afrikaner haha
Holland hup Holland laat nie leeuw nie in hempie stoan,
or something like that!!! mmmmmm I think Holland be better of with these guys supporting SA, though it would be funny

Viva Dirk Kuyt :D

This story is disappointing and i just hope that FIFA will whip some of these guys to shape. We are receiving a lot of skepticism as it is and we can not afford to create space for skeptics to exploit.

South Africa World Cup organisers fuel doubts

From correspondents in Johannesburg
22nov06

ORGANISERS of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa prompted more questions than answers overnight when they failed to show up for a news conference to discuss their readiness to host the football showpiece.

There have been rumours that world governing body FIFA might move the tournament, the first World Cup to be held in Africa, to Australia if it appeared that South Africa was not making sufficient progress.

Top FIFA officials have repeatedly denied that any plan exists to shift the Cup away from South Africa.

Australia? Where are people getting this from?

haha...because they missed one press conference the world cup is going to fall apart?, they missed the conference because they had to discuss a pressing issue that was vital before they just blabbered nonsense to the press..YES it was unprofessional not to notify the press of the delay but tumi makgabo seemed clueless about the "no show" as well..

There have been rumours that world governing body FIFA might move the tournament, the first World Cup to be held in Africa, to Australia if it appeared that South Africa was not making sufficient progress.

The only place I've heard talk of the finals being switched to Australia is in the Australian press... The Australian press have zero concept of what would be required in order to host a world cup. If it were to be switched, it would go to either England, the USA, or possibly China, as they are the only nations who'll have the facilities by 2010 (assuming that FIFA wouldn't stage it twice in a row in Germany).

haha...because they missed one press conference the world cup is going to fall apart?, they missed the conference because they had to discuss a pressing issue that was vital before they just blabbered nonsense to the press..YES it was unprofessional not to notify the press of the delay but tumi makgabo seemed clueless about the "no show" as well..

Whilst i think it will go ahead in South Africa, it still didn't look good for organisers. With all the rumours flying around about South Africa's readiness to host the tournament & then to not turn up for a press conference about this very subject, it surely had to set a few tongues wagging.

2010 South Africa GGGGAAAAAWWWWWWWWNNN!!!!!!!

roll on China or USA

USA?? I doubt it.

This indicate complete failure on the part of the LOC with regard to public relations. For heavens sake, the PR woman was even at a loss to explain what was going on. Yeah, they could be discussing a pressing issue, but can't you dispatch any one of Jordaan, Khosa or someone for goodness sake to come out and say a few things. Even just mentioning something like, the money for the 3 stadiums has been disbursed to host cities and tenders will be finalized bla bla bla. Any words of assurance from the LOC would appease the media. Not fail to turn up altogether and not give any explanation. Worst of all fail to communicate this to your own PR rep, so how are we to trust that you can pull 2010 off with this sort of management style. This is not professional and goes a long way in confirming all the skepticism around the LOC's ability to pull 2010 off.

Shame poor Tumi, she must have looked like an ass waiting there.

weeebie's brain...GAAAAAAWN

'Cape Town will have a new look for 2010'

By Anel Powell, A'Eeysha Kassiem and Dominique Herman

Faced with legal action and the risk of losing the 2010 World Cup semifinal event because of a possible delayed start in construction of the stadium, the city of Cape Town on Tuesday agreed to a negotiated settlement with leaseholders of the Green Point Common that will safeguard the area from future commercial or residential development.

The city released its urban design proposal for the stadium site that will reconfigure the Green Point Common into a "high quality recreational precinct" and retain the Metropolitan Golf Course as a nine-hole course.

There have been vehement objections to the proposed construction of the 68 000-seat stadium on the Metropolitan Golf Course site.

'We are definitely continuing with our appeal'
The Green Point Common Association threatened to take legal action against the city unless a compromise agreement on the management and control of the Common was reached.

Affected leaseholders, cognisant of the city's need to finalise stadium plans so that construction could start in January, have been making "unreasonable demands for exorbitant compensation" from council.

Mike Marsden, city director of service delivery integration and 2010 project leader, said council would negotiate reasonable termination agreements with individual leaseholders to minimise the risk of delays.

The most significantly affected by the reconfigured common are the Metropolitan Golf Course, the Hellenic Community Club and the Swiss Sports Club, which have three years remaining on their leases.

Marsden said it had always been council's intention to negotiate with affected leaseholders and stakeholders.

'What we are asking for now is a leap of faith'
While Tuesday's decision by the city's mayoral committee to agree in principle to conditions set out by the association was the first step towards resolving the impasse between the city and objectors, Green Point Association chair David Polovin said there was still "a long distance to go" before the threat of legal action against the city would be dropped.

"We are definitely continuing with our appeal."

Polovin said the association would only withdraw its objection once there was an "irrevocable" and "legally binding" agreement with the city about the management and future use of the Common.

The deadline for objections to the record of decision issued by the MEC for Environmental Affairs, Tasneem Essop, is Tuesday next week. The department hoped for a final stadium decision between December 15-22, but that depended on the "quantity and complexity" of the appeals.

The city's urban design proposal includes the integration of the stadium with the reconfigured Common.

The golf course, which will retain its nine holes, will straddle Fritz Sonnenburg Road. The existing sports facilities will be consolidated with the new stadium to create a sporting precinct.

Marsden said the financial implications of the urban design proposal would be submitted to the mayoral committee after further consultation with stakeholders.

Zille welcomed the negotiated settlement, but said that the City should be wary of being forced to accept the terms of leaseholders and objectors because of time pressures.

Polovin said the association would not renege on its threat of legal action because of the City's schedule. "This is a self-imposed urgency by the city and we are not going to march to that drum."

Polovin said the association was "pleased" with the city's urban design plan, which would preserve the common as a "green lung".

Brent Walters, chief director for policy implementation and support with the department of the premier, said on Tuesday at a Cape Town Routes Unlimited Business Partners' Forum meeting that one of the complaints about the proposed Green Point stadium was its bulk.

But when the plan of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront's new owners to develop the remaining 45% of the land's footprint came to fruition, the stadium would "blend in".

"What we are asking for now is a leap of faith.

"This is an unprecedented opportunity for us. We need to support (World Cup 2010) in a lot more fundamental way than we have up to now," he said..

As part of the preparation for the 2010 World Cup, an additional R271-million in conditional grant funds will be spent on provincial infrastructure over the 2007 Medium Term Expenditure Framework.

This was part of Finance and Tourism MEC Lynne Brown's Medium Term Budget Policy Statement in the provincial legislature on Tuesday.



* This article was originally published on page 1 of The Cape Times on November 22, 2006

Cape Times

Published on the Web by IOL on 2006-11-22 03:19:00
© Independent Online 2005. All rights reserved. IOL publishes this article in good faith but is not liable for any loss or damage caused by reliance on the information it contains.

well according to Jordaan , it was the FIFA officials who kept them in a meeting causing them to miss the press conference as they had to fly back to their ivory tower, and we all know the FIFA officials are more important than god these days

November 22, 2006, 17:30

The FNB Stadium which will host the opening match and the final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup is not on the list of venues for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. Only five stadiums will be used for the eight-nation event.

Many had expected Soccer City to be the main venue not only for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, but also for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. But because the constructors want to do a thorough job, the venue will still be closed for renovations when Confederations Cup kicks off.

This venue will be used for the last time when Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs meet in the Soweto Derby on December 9. Ellis Park, Loftus Versfeld, Free State, Royal Bafokeng and Port Elizabeth will host Confederation Cup matches.

Stadium infrastructure of high quality
Horst Schmidt, a FIFA official, says the provisions of the promised infrastructure is now guaranteed, plans indicate that in 2010 they will have a stadium infrastructure of the highest quality that fully complies the importance of the World Cup in every perspective. The 2010 Local Organising Committee (LOC) was supposed to appoint an independent controller to assist FIFA in checking progress, but that is no longer necessary.

Irvin Khoza, the chairperson of the 2010 LOC, says FIFA agreed that in the light of excellent levels of cooperation between the organising committee and them (LOC), there is no need to appoint an independent controller and this is a vote of confidence.

Meanwhile the FIFA House, next to the FNB Stadium, will open its door next month, with the official opening scheduled for early next year. The next 2010 LOC board meeting will be held in February next year.

Hands off our cup, Khoza tells Aussies

$\Mninawa Ntloko

Deputy Sports Editor

IRVIN Khoza, chairman of the 2010 Soccer World Cup local organising committee, is to ask his CEO, Danny Jordaan, to write a strongly worded letter to the Australian high commission to complain about that country’s relentless attempts to hijack the hosting rights of the event.

Australia stepped up their bid to portray themselves as the ideal alternative host nation of the 2010 showpiece yesterday and Khoza said the local organising committee was now fed up with the underhand weekly media reports emanating from Down Under that continued to question SA’s preparations.

“We are aware of their latest reports and we need to ascertain whether these newspapers are encouraged by their government or not,” Khoza said yesterday.

“Fifa has constantly stated that the World Cup is coming to SA in 2010 and we need to know whether these reports that seem to be (fighting) this are the Australian government’s position.”

New South Wales premier Morris Iemma continued in the now-established tradition of casting doubt on SA’s readiness to host the event yesterday when he said Australia had the expertise and was willing to help in the staging of the 2010 event.

“We stand ready to step in if SA is unable to host the 2010 World Cup and the Football Federation of Australia puts a bid to act as an emergency host,” Iemma was quoted as saying.

Iemma capitalised on the local and international media’s decision to stage a walkout from a scheduled press briefing that the members of the organising committee failed to attend this week and stepped up the campaign to raise doubts over SA.

But Khoza said the attempts to smear SA would not succeed and, in fact, football governing body Fifa had confidence in the country’s hosting abilities.

“So, contrary to reports that the World Cup may be awarded to Australia, that will not happen. At one stage Fifa even said we were moving too fast and we were told slow down.”

Khoza also revealed that Fifa was so impressed with progress that the football governing body would not appoint an independent controller to oversee progress in SA.

Explaining the failure to turn up at the press briefing, Khoza said the pressing issue of the allocation of funds to the World Cup venues became so heated that the board meeting ran longer than scheduled.

“We need to humbly apologise for what happened (on Monday). This is the first time such an unfortunate event has occurred and it will not happen again.”

Horst Schmidt, the general secretary of the German Football Association who has been appointed by Fifa as a consultant to the 2010 World Cup, said he had decided to stay in SA as a sign to the media that he was also contrite over Monday’s events.

As for the final allocation of stadium construction funding, Khoza said it would be as follows: Soccer City will receive R1,530bn, Greenpoint R1,930bn, King Senzangakhona R1,8bn, Nelson Mandela R895 034 525, Mbombela R855m and Peter Mokaba R696 776 897.

Allocations for refurbishing existing stadiums: Free State, R219066285; Royal Bafokeng R147 431 064; Ellis Park R229m and Loftus R97691229.

http://www.greenpointcommon.co.za/_imgs/gpca_stadium_4.jpg

http://www.greenpointcommon.co.za/_imgs/gpca_stadium_5.jpg
http://www.greenpointcommon.com/_imgs/gpca_stadium_7.jpg
http://www.greenpointcommon.com/_imgs/gpca_stadium_10.jpg

Hands off our cup, Khoza tells Aussies

$\Mninawa Ntloko

Deputy Sports Editor

IRVIN Khoza, chairman of the 2010 Soccer World Cup local organising committee, is to ask his CEO, Danny Jordaan, to write a strongly worded letter to the Australian high commission to complain about that country’s relentless attempts to hijack the hosting rights of the event.

Australia stepped up their bid to portray themselves as the ideal alternative host nation of the 2010 showpiece yesterday and Khoza said the local organising committee was now fed up with the underhand weekly media reports emanating from Down Under that continued to question SA’s preparations.

“We are aware of their latest reports and we need to ascertain whether these newspapers are encouraged by their government or not,” Khoza said yesterday.

“Fifa has constantly stated that the World Cup is coming to SA in 2010 and we need to know whether these reports that seem to be (fighting) this are the Australian government’s position.”

New South Wales premier Morris Iemma continued in the now-established tradition of casting doubt on SA’s readiness to host the event yesterday when he said Australia had the expertise and was willing to help in the staging of the 2010 event.

“We stand ready to step in if SA is unable to host the 2010 World Cup and the Football Federation of Australia puts a bid to act as an emergency host,” Iemma was quoted as saying.

Iemma capitalised on the local and international media’s decision to stage a walkout from a scheduled press briefing that the members of the organising committee failed to attend this week and stepped up the campaign to raise doubts over SA.

But Khoza said the attempts to smear SA would not succeed and, in fact, football governing body Fifa had confidence in the country’s hosting abilities.

“So, contrary to reports that the World Cup may be awarded to Australia, that will not happen. At one stage Fifa even said we were moving too fast and we were told slow down.”

Thats hilarious,:lol: why would FIFA tell them to SLOW DOWN???

Thats hilarious,:lol: why would FIFA tell them to SLOW DOWN???

exactly, i think that quote is based on this table presented by danny jordaan earlier this year

http://img345.imageshack.us/img345/53/timelinezo7.jpg


*Host cities- signing of the final host cities contract
*Emblem- unveiling of emblem
*stadia- completion of stadia

Eish, these guys & their kak, when will it stop, next all of SA's hosts city's will be in full swing of stadium construction/ revamp

Mbombela stadium tender Awarded!!!

News just came in from Nelspruit, Mpumalanga - South Africa announcing that the Mbombela stadium construction tender has been awarded to a joint venture between Basil Read Construction (South African) and a French construction company (i believe its Bouygues) who won the bid at R920 million. There were 5 bidders ranging from just below R900 million from a Chinese bidder all the way up to R1200 million. The stadium will take 24 months to complete and will be completed in December 2008.

Shame poor Tumi, she must have looked like an ass waiting there.

Hehe maybe she will chat about it in "Talk with Tumi" this week...have you guys watched it yet? Thurdays at 7pm on MNet. Had some good interviews so far, very cut throat at times...but then again she's interviewed many people from her days at CNN.

The World Cup “critical dates” are as follows:

# December 2006: Stadiums and transport infrastructure planning complete
# January 2007: New stadium and supporting infrastructure construction commences
# September 2008: Fifa inspection team reviews state of readiness
# December 2008: Construction work on selected stadiums complete
# June 2009: South Africa hosts Confederations Cup
# December 2009: Stadiums and supporting infrastructure complete
# June 2010: Fifa World Cup

Hehe maybe she will chat about it in "Talk with Tumi" this week...have you guys watched it yet? Thurdays at 7pm on MNet. Had some good interviews so far, very cut throat at times...but then again she's interviewed many people from her days at CNN.

Nope havent seen it as yet, will make an effort to see it this week, Cops have really stepped up there presence in the CBD, every street has about 5-6 patroling them & we noticing a BIG difference, so big up on their side, lets hope it stays like this & gets better

Nope havent seen it as yet, will make an effort to see it this week, Cops have really stepped up there presence in the CBD, every street has about 5-6 patroling them & we noticing a BIG difference, so big up on their side, lets hope it stays like this & gets better

Yeap, it made a real difference in Cape Town when it started.

27 Nov 2006 : 2010 - here we come!
The Mother City wants to be the Party Capital of the 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer tournament, and is pro-actively preparing for this great event.

Speaking at a business breakfast organised by the Blaauwberg & West Coast Chamber of Trade & Industry recently, the liaison officer of the City for 2010, Pieter Cronjé, said: "This will be a uniquewindow of opportunity for Cape Town, South Africa and the continent, and it is a fait accompli with mutual commitment from FIFA and the South African Government."
Cronjé said the main goal for Cape Town is to establish sustainable upgraded infrastructure and facilities, create economic opportunities, and promote the city as a desirable destination for travellors and investors. "The scope is enormous and can create a provisional income of more than US$ 3 billion plus investment in soccer development. The ten venues and 9 host cities can expect at least 500 000 visitors, and run-up events and opportunities wil l be vast: from base camps for the teams to training venues, and facilities for the influx of supporters from all over the world."

Cronjé presented the plans and amazing graphic impressions of the 2010 Green Point stadium. He gave the assurance that the stadium will be world-class, FIFA compliant, sustainable and not excessive . "The total cost will be R2,49 billion, of which the City of Cape Town will contribute R400 million, and Provincial Government just over R100 million. National Treasury has been requested to contribute R2 billion . He emphasised that this was stadium specific, and not discretionary funding which could be utilised for other purposes.

The joint City/Province business plan has three strategic pillars:
· compliance with FIFA requirements for hosting the games
· optimizing the developme ntal impact and leaving a legacy
· maximising promotional, positioning opportunities: leverage
· The three key work streams are Transport, Safety and Security and Public

Viewing Areas where large groupings can assemble to watch the tournament on big screen television. The whole Western Cape will be included in the plans and public viewing areas, supported by substantial amounts from City/Province operational budgets

Transport

The FIFA World Cup event has succeeded in speeding up much-needed transport improvements for the Mother City, including:
· R1.9 billion jointly provided by all three spheres of government to improve Cape Town's transport infrastructure
· Major investment in the rail system - rail transport also planned from Airport to Cape Town CBD
· Development, enhancement of strategic transport corridors and major routes
· Restructuring road-based public transport services into unified, integrated public transport services
· Investment in long distance public transport facilities
· Investment in Non-motorised transport facilities (NMT)
· Intelligent Trans port Systems and Travel Demand Management
· Stadium Precinct Infrastructure and inner city distribution system
· Comprehensive overall operational management of the support systems including safety and security
· Airport to City Link.

Investment in the metropolitan area will be enormous:

· R1.2 Billion to ACSA for Cape Town International Airport upgrades
· R1.2 Billion to SARCC for new and refurbished rail rolling stock
· R420 Million to SARCC for station and signalling upgrades
· R7 Billion investment in the V&A waterfront, plus 2010 related investment
· Six new approved new hotels to be constructed
· Release of developable land to raise finance
· Upgraded IT&T infrastructure if Cape Town hosts the International Broadcast Centre

The Process is progressing well, according to Cronjé: "The des ign has been completed, the construction pre-qualification done, and we are hoping to appoint the contractor by mid December, so that construction can start during January 2007, in order to achieve completion by July 1909."

He pointed out that this year's tournament in Germany resulted in 194 nations participating, 64 sold-out games, 32 teams, 3,36 million spectators in 12 stadiums, 18,4 million spectators at Fan Fests in 12 host cities, an average of 2 240 hotel rooms per team per night, 25 000 hospitality workers, an estimated 25-30 billion cumulative TV audience in 240 countries, and 18 000 plus media representatives. A similar scope could be awaiting South Africa.

Cape Town Tourism has also established a strategic plan with the focus on 2010, according to Arno Vorster, chairman of Cape Town Tourism, and Executive Council member of the Blaauwberg & West Coast Chamber. "We are planning a Travel Centre in collaboration with the airport authorities - for local and international visitors," said Vorster. "The future of tourism lies in partnerships between the private sector and public sector to ensure that every day of the year will have lots to offer."

The Cape Summer Show was also highlighted by the Managing Director Danie Roos. "It will take place from 14 to 23 December this year at the Killarney Race Track, and will provide exposure and entertainment for visitors and exhibitors. We intend to make this an annual event, and we are also planning a "Cape Winter Show" on 22 and 23 June 2007 together with the Blaauwberg & West Coast Chamber.

What are the chances the World Cup will end up in Australia?? I'm already planning to go to SA for the World Cup, already have plans with some of my mates. We're staying with friends in Cape town, should be meeting up with friends in Joberg. I would hate it if the World cup went to Australia. They've already hosted the Olympics, time to give South Africa a chance! But what is the likelyhood of this happening??? Realistically...

^^^^^^^^^

Yep, I would not like to see us getting the World Cup under those circumstances. There are many countries I wouldn't mind screwing over, like dictatorships, USA and NZ but NOT South Africa. We need to be offering a helping hand to get them to do this. If there was ever a time Africa needed a glimer of hope it would be now. There is not many positives on the whole of the continent.

As for Oz we have to build up our national league first, get the local academy system sorted out before hosting the World Cup. We need to be a contender for the title. Which we probably would have been had it not been for underhand Italian tactics.

Having said that, staging the Cup would speed all that up by 20 years.

What are the chances the World Cup will end up in Australia?? I'm already planning to go to SA for the World Cup, already have plans with some of my mates. We're staying with friends in Cape town, should be meeting up with friends in Joberg. I would hate it if the World cup went to Australia. They've already hosted the Olympics, time to give South Africa a chance! But what is the likelyhood of this happening??? Realistically...

in fact australia are less prepared in terms of stadia to host a 10 venue world cup

south africa already has:each existing and football venues i.e. not cricket e.g. MCG
soccer city 70,000
ellis park 60,000
kings park stadium 60,000
newlands 51,000
athlone stadium 30,000
free state stadium 38,000
loftus 45,000
rustenburg 35,000


australia venues ready for world cup???
telstra
ozzie stadium
telsta dome
canberra
others of 30,000 plus capacity?
you need stadia to host the world cup. 2018 england 2022 maybe australia?

Guys stop believing the OZ crap. Its their journalists and government officials doing what they do best...talking out their asses

Hence their nickname,.......Asstralians :D

Gansbaai gets the nod for 2010 fan park

By Sivuyile Mangxamba

A new sports facility in Gansbaai has been identified as a fan park for the 2010 World Cup.

Western Cape sports and culture MEC Whitey Jacobs announced decision at a sod-turning ceremony held in Gansbaai on Saturday.

Construction of the sports facility, funded under Absa-Barclays Bank Spaces for Sports programme, is expected to start soon. The facility is tied to environmental and tourism projects.

Fan parks in the last two World Cups proved to be popular features, especially in Germany, where millions of fans without tickets flocked to the venues to watch the games on big screens in a carnival atmosphere.

The Gansbaai sports facility, to be built on 17 hectares donated by the local municipality, will have soccer and five-a-side grounds and is expected to be completed within a year. The Western Cape government is also planning to nominate the venue as one of the grounds that will be used as base camps for teams taking part in the 2010 extravaganza.

"We will support it to be used as a base camp," said Jacobs, to the delight of the crowd attending the ceremony.

Teams decide on a base camp to train at before the tournament. Jacobs warned that if the ground was to get the nod, local businessmen would have to ensure that there was enough accommodation.

The seaside village of Gansbaai attracts a significant number of tourists who come to the Cape for its eco-tourism and marine attractions.

The Great White Shark Project operates in Klein Bay, just outside Gansbaai.

Many soccer fans were expected to see as much as they could of the area when they were not watching soccer.

The project was being supported under the Barclays Spaces for Sports. The financial institution has invested £30-million over three years into regenerating spaces for sports in Britain.

Gansbaai was part of 170 community sports sites that Barclays had established across the United Kingdom. The Overberg town is the programme's first flagship outside the UK.

Michael Lutzeyer, of the Grootbos Foundation, said the sports facility would also be part of a recycling and environmental project.

"The World Cup will take place within the richest botanical garden in the world, a floral kingdom," said Lutzeyer. Young players using the soccer fields would be taught about nature conservation.



* This article was originally published on page 5 of The Cape Argus on November 27, 2006

The Argus

Published on the Web by IOL on 2006-11-27 12:55:00
© Independent Online 2005. All rights reserved. IOL publishes this article in good faith but is not liable for any loss or damage caused by reliance on the information it contains.

'Soccerex will help sway 2010 sceptics'

By Staff Reporter

When Gauteng hosts Soccerex, the world's largest soccer exhibition, next year, sceptics will see what South Africa is capable of ahead of the 2010 World Cup.

This was stated on Monday by Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa at the Soccerex exhibition in Dubai.

Gauteng has won the rights to stage the popular annual Soccerex expo in Joburg from next year until 2009.

A large South African contingent travelled to Dubai for the annual exhibition, which included South African 2010 organising committee chief executive Danny Jordaan and chairperson Irvin Khoza, as well as representatives of all the 2010 host cities.

'People will see the quality of infrastructure we have'
The Gauteng government delegation included Finance MEC Paul Mashatile and Sports, Arts and Culture MEC Barbara Creecy.

Shilowa said Soccerex would provide delegates coming to South Africa over the next three years an opportunity to see for themselves the progress being made in preparing for the World Cup.

"Once Soccerex starts, people will see the quality of infrastructure we have."

Business deals made at the Soccerex exhibition annually are estimated at R5-billion, and this figure is expected to increase to R7-billion when the expo comes to Gauteng.

Shilowa, Khoza and Creecy addressed media concerns ranging from South Africa's readiness for 2010 to measures to reduce traffic congestion during the event.

Khoza said all outstanding issues had been resolved and the process of tendering for the building of five new stadiums would be finalised by the end of next month.

Also at Soccerex on Monday, Fifa president Sepp Blatter again expressed his confidence in South Africa's ability to host the World Cup.

"South Africa can and will be ready to host a successful World Cup. They will because they are able to.

"It will be different from the German World Cup, but it will be wonderful," said Blatter.

* This article was originally published on page 3 of The Star on November 28, 2006

Star

Published on the Web by IOL on 2006-11-28 08:39:00
© Independent Online 2005. All rights reserved. IOL publishes this article in good faith but is not liable for any loss or damage caused by reliance on the information it contains.

http://www.greenpointcommon.co.za/_imgs/gpca_stadium_4.jpg

http://www.greenpointcommon.co.za/_imgs/gpca_stadium_5.jpg
http://www.greenpointcommon.com/_imgs/gpca_stadium_7.jpg
http://www.greenpointcommon.com/_imgs/gpca_stadium_10.jpg

I think this stadium is wurth a thread of its own!!! great stadium!

I think this stadium is wurth a thread of its own!!! great stadium!

A thread will be created once the design has been finalized. Thanks

It looks a little bit like one of the Valencia proposals, let me see if I can find what I mean.

It looks a little bit like one of the Valencia proposals, let me see if I can find what I mean.
yes its exactly the same...even the interior shots were slightly adjusted.

here

valencia:


http://img325.imageshack.us/img325/8994/llaneramd3.jpg

cape town:

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/6489/slide27xs5.jpg

Green Point upgrade set to score in 2010

By Lee-shay Collison

The massive upgrading of Green Point for the 2010 World Cup will benefit the "run-down area", the city says.

This was the message at the second World Cup report-back session on Wednesday hosted by Helen Zille and Mike Marsden, City of Cape Town director of service delivery integration and 2010 project leader.

The meeting was held at the Civic Centre on Wednesday night.

'It is the very people who will reap the most benefit out of it that are fighting it'
Since the first report-back session in July, the 2010 project team has made progress in its statutory process and has completed the impact assessment phase of erecting the World Cup stadium in Green Point, drawn up a detailed business plan, acquired funding commitment by the government and advertised tenders for the construction of the stadium.

Marsden said the team was in close co-operation with national and provincial government, the South African Football Association and Fifa to ensure the success of hosting part of the World Cup in the city.

Open and transparent communication with interested parties was a key factor.

Marsden outlined components of the statutory process which included the cost and sustainability of the stadium, the upgrading of the Green Point precinct, safety and security and transport.

"Nothing like this amount of money to upgrade would take place in Green Point without the World Cup, so it is puzzling that these people are opposing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, which includes state-of-the-art facilities. We are committing billions to that.

"It is the very people who will reap the most benefit out of it that are fighting it."

A man in the audience opposed the upgrading, saying sporting facilities in disadvantaged areas in the city were in need of reconstruction.

Zille said they had inherited the decision to host a semi-final at Green Point from Fifa.

"There is no justification for not putting this investment in Green Point. The stadium will be born in Green Point and we will go through the labour pains to make it work," said Zille. She said Athlone Stadium would be upgraded and a stadium built in Philippi.

The objectives of the city included the successful hosting of semi-finals and events at Green Point and the maximum public benefit of infrastructure and economic opportunities.

In terms of sustainability, the city hoped to work with the Western Province Rugby Football Union to host games at the stadium after the World Cup.

The city will host Fifa events such as the preliminary draw and a broadcasters meeting in 2007.

The total preliminary cost of the city's World Cup preparations stands at R10,39-billion.



* This article was originally published on page 5 of The Cape Argus on November 30, 2006

The Argus

Published on the Web by IOL on 2006-11-30 13:34:00
? Independent Online 2005. All rights reserved. IOL publishes this article in good faith but is not liable for any loss or damage caused by reliance on the information it contains.

CT stadium looks like one of the proposals for Valencia, & one of the interior renders of Senz stadium has a fan waving a Valencia CF flag in it? whats with the Valencia connection? are we secretly being taken over by them :crazy:

FFA backs SA hosting of 2010 World Cup

Sydney - Football Federation Australia on Friday moved to distance itself from speculation about doubts over the hosting arrangements for the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa.

Danny Jordaan, the chief World Cup 2010 organiser, this week dismissed Australian suggestions that South Africa is not getting its act together to host football's showpiece.

"I don't know what is wrong with these people (the Australians)," Jordaan said.

"Mr Sepp Blatter (Fifa's chief executive) has said many times before that Plan A is to host the World Cup is South Africa, Plan B is South Africa, and Plan C is still South Africa."

'We wish South Africa every success in preparing for'
FFA issued a statement on Friday to hose down speculation that it was actively seeking to step in and offer to host the 2010 World Cup should South Africa not be able to host the tournament.

"Fifa has awarded the 2010 tournament to South Africa and have consistently endorsed South Africa's appointment and state of preparations," FFA chairperson Frank Lowy said in the statement.

"FFA has no reason to expect that the 2010 Fifa World Cup will take place anywhere other than South Africa, and we are looking forward to having the opportunity to qualify to participate in South Africa when Asian qualifying matches start in 2008.

"We wish South Africa every success in preparing for, hosting and enjoying a lasting positive legacy from staging the world's largest sports event."

Lowy also affirmed Australia's interest in hosting Fifa and Asian Football Confederation events at appropriate times in the future.

"Australia has a wonderful track record of hosting major events and we believe that there are Fifa and AFC competitions that would be highly successful if held here," he said.

"We are continuing to look into the feasibility of hosting a future World Cup and potentially the AFC Asian Cup and other international Football events.

"In the meantime, we hope to see the Socceroos once again making all Australians proud in South Africa in 2010."

AFP

Published on the Web by IOL on 2006-12-01 08:47:43
© Independent Online 2005. All rights reserved. IOL publishes this article in good faith but is not liable for any loss or damage caused by reliance on the information it contains.

just wondering, are there any construction pics or renovation pics?

There are some in the King Senz stadium thread.

To the best of my knowledge, most of the construction will begin in January 2007 with the tenders already awarded for some of the stadiums and for some due in the next few weeks.

However piling and in some cases demolition of structures to clear the area
for new ones has started for Senzangakhona and Nelson Mandela Bay stadiums.

Does anyone know the local kick-off times for the WC in South Africa, remembering that in the Highveldt (more than 1200m above sea level) it can get below freezing during the late evening?

Does anyone know the local kick-off times for the WC in South Africa, remembering that in the Highveldt (more than 1200m above sea level) it can get below freezing during the late evening?
Kick-off times, shedules etc. will be decided upon between the LOC and FIFA at a future date. Temperatures, logistics etc. will probably all be taken into account.

I think it will be more or less the same times as last year in Germany no? There is no or little time diffrence betweem Europe an SA no?

I think it will be more or less the same times as last year in Germany no? There is no or little time diffrence betweem Europe an SA no?

Well Germany had summer and South Africa will be experiencing winter, so decisions will need to be made. e.g PE and cape town will experience cold weather in comparison to the rest of the country. Some cities may experience extreme conditions mainly at night and some mainly during the day. Also in terms of logistics to minimize travel, some teams/groups may play matches in 2/3 cities which are located close/closest together.

I think kick off times are still to be decided on, plus FIFA is still considering whether on not to stage the tounormant alittle later than normal to avoid the freezing temps in the northern regions of SA.

It will be great to watch a World Cup being played in decent temperatures :)
/Greetings from Sweden

CT could lose 2010 status

05/12/2006 18:05 - (SA)

http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Soccer/0,,2-9-840_2040561,00.html

Cape Town - Possible court action by citizens citing environmental concerns could cost South Africa's tourist hub of Cape Town its status as a host city for the 2010 football World Cup.

Residents say the proposed 68 000-seater stadium in Green Point will rob the city of much-needed public amenities but Sports Minister Makhenkesi Stofile will ask cabinet to take away Cape Town's host status if they do not back down.

"If the process in Cape Town is delayed, and this in turn delays our overall preparations, we will have to move it to another place," Stofile's spokesperson Bonginkosi Sishi said.

Stofile's stance even has the backing of the Western Cape provincial government which fears a court battle will severely delay construction work.

"It will be sad for Cape Town to lose this great development in terms of infrastructure," provincial sports minister Whitey Jacobs told AFP.

"No one could guarantee the time frames within a court process. The issue here is that we must deliver a stadium."

Appeal against planning permission to build

David Polovin, chair of the Green Point Common Association, said court action depended on the outcome of an appeal against planning permission to build the stadium at an 80 hectare site which currently houses a golf course and other public amenities.

"The common is there for a purpose, it is not a wasteland. It is a breathing space," said Polovin.

"If we want to be a world class city we must have world-class facilities, which must include green open spaces."

The association has suggested the existing Newlands or Athlone stadia as alternatives.

But Tumi Makgabo, spokesperson for the Fifa local organising committee, ruled other venues out.

"If the Green Point stadium does not become a reality, we will have to start looking at other venues in other cities."

Ten stadiums in nine cities have been identified as match hosts.

Pieter Cronje, spokesperson for the Cape Town city council's 2010 project team, said construction must start at Green Point soon to meet Fifa deadlines.

"If we are not on site towards the end of February we will be running into problems. We won't have enough room to manoeuvre."

Stadium deal on the cards

By Sivuyile Mangxamba

A deal to avoid a High Court battle that could delay construction of the 2010 Green Point Stadium was on the cards, the Green Point Common Association said on Tuesday.

"We are trying to find middle ground," said association chairman David Polovin.

"Our interest is not the stadium but the Common, and it's possible to talk on this issue," .

This follows an intense, last-minute scramble for a compromise to avoid court action should Environment Affairs, Planning and Economic Development MEC Tasneem Essop rule against stadium appeals, including one from the association.

Essop is expected to announce her decision later this month.

Speaking to the Cape Argus early on Tuesday, Polovin said: "If we keep some of the spaces green and open at the Common, then it's better than nothing."

The City of Cape Town and the association held "frank and constructive talks" on Monday in a bid to work out a deal, following mayor Helen Zille's intervention on Saturday.

"The talks will be ongoing in order to try to save the rest of the Common from commercial exploitation in return for accepting the new stadium.

"The association's object is to preserve as much as possible of the open green space on the Common for sports and recreation, and to prevent it from being covered over in buildings and concrete," said Polovin.

Meanwhile, Western Cape 2010 provincial co-ordinator Laurine Platzky said she was confident the Green Point Stadium could be built on time and fulfil Fifa obligations.

"I'm confident we will fulfil our obligations to the international community," she said.

"In our planning we considered the possibility of appeals and it's built into the time frames."

Platzky also said she was confident that the majority of Capetonians wanted to embrace the World Cup.

sivuyile.mangxamba@inl.co.za

* This article was originally published on page 1 of The Cape Argus on December 05, 2006

The Argus

Published on the Web by IOL on 2006-12-05 13:07:00
© Independent Online 2005. All rights reserved. IOL publishes this article in good faith but is not liable for any loss or damage caused by reliance on the information it contains.

It will be great to watch a World Cup being played in decent temperatures :)
/Greetings from Sweden


the 2014 World Cup in Brazil will also be played in winter. And because of the size of the country, teams playing in the northeast will face "summer" temperatures of 25-30 degrees, while teams playing in the south, like Curitiba or Porto Alegre, may experience "european autumn" temperatures of 5-15 degrees Celcius.

the 2014 World Cup in Brazil will also be played in winter. And because of the size of the country, teams playing in the northeast will face "summer" temperatures of 25-30 degrees, while teams playing in the south, like Curitiba or Porto Alegre, may experience "european autumn" temperatures of 5-15 degrees Celcius.

As far as i know, it has not yet been decided that Brazil would host the 2014 world cup.

As far as i know, it has not yet been decided that Brazil would host the 2014 world cup.

Basically they have it...

Basically they have it...
Ill wait for FIFA's decision

The 2010 World Cup will run from June 11 until July 11.

As far as i know, it has not yet been decided that Brazil would host the 2014 world cup.

There was (previously) an agreement between Brazil and the other S.A. nations that only Brazil would put forward a bid - which would have made them very hard to turn down (assuming they matched the required specifications). However, there's been a lot of talk lately about Argentina putting a bid together, and the USA is always likely (and in a good position) to throw their hat into the ring as well.

Back to South Africa...

ZURICH, Dec 6 (Switzerland) - FIFA president Sepp Blatter said he was confident that South Africa would be ready to stage the World Cup in 2010 despite concerns over delays in the building of new stadiums.


'We need to bring a little bit of fire (to the organisers),' Blatter told a news conference following a two-day meeting of FIFA's Executive Committee. 'But I am confident that everything will be ready on time.'


South Africa 2010 chief executive Danny Jordaan said the local organising committee planned to have five stadiums ready by December 2008 for use at the 2009 Confederations Cup.

He said the remaining five stadiums would be finished by October 2009.

With the exception of Cape Town's stadium, which is involved in a planning dispute, Jordaan said building work was expected to be under way on all sites by the first quarter of 2007.

The executive committee has now finalised the dates for the World Cup finals which will take place between June 11 and July 11, 2010.

It also confirmed that the allocation of World Cup places to the continental confederations would remain the same as for the 2006 World Cup with 13 qualifying places available for European nations and five available to African countries.

Africa will receive an additional sixth place, however, with South Africa receiving an automatic spot as hosts.

Asia and Oceania will again share five qualifying slots while the two American confederations will receive a total of eight places.

There was (previously) an agreement between Brazil and the other S.A. nations that only Brazil would put forward a bid - which would have made them very hard to turn down (assuming they matched the required specifications). However, there's been a lot of talk lately about Argentina putting a bid together, and the USA is always likely (and in a good position) to throw their hat into the ring as well.

Back to South Africa...

ZURICH, Dec 6 (Switzerland) - FIFA president Sepp Blatter said he was confident that South Africa would be ready to stage the World Cup in 2010 despite concerns over delays in the building of new stadiums.


'We need to bring a little bit of fire (to the organisers),' Blatter told a news conference following a two-day meeting of FIFA's Executive Committee. 'But I am confident that everything will be ready on time.'


South Africa 2010 chief executive Danny Jordaan said the local organising committee planned to have five stadiums ready by December 2008 for use at the 2009 Confederations Cup.

He said the remaining five stadiums would be finished by October 2009.

With the exception of Cape Town's stadium, which is involved in a planning dispute, Jordaan said building work was expected to be under way on all sites by the first quarter of 2007.

The executive committee has now finalised the dates for the World Cup finals which will take place between June 11 and July 11, 2010.

It also confirmed that the allocation of World Cup places to the continental confederations would remain the same as for the 2006 World Cup with 13 qualifying places available for European nations and five available to African countries.

Africa will receive an additional sixth place, however, with South Africa receiving an automatic spot as hosts.

Asia and Oceania will again share five qualifying slots while the two American confederations will receive a total of eight places.

thanks im fully aware of that. Ill still wait for the FIFA decision.

2010: It's Green Point or bust for Cape Town

By Anél Powell

It's Green Point Common for the stadium, or Cape Town will lose 2010, the city council has warned.

"Cape Town has only one option as far as 2010 is concerned. Build a 68 000-seat stadium on Green Point or we won't get 2010," said Ian Neilson, mayoral committee member for finance.

The decision by the mayoral committee to recommend that council vote on Thursday in favour of the rezoning application that will allow for the construction of the stadium on a public open space, has re-ignited fears that court battles could delay or jeopardise the construction of the stadium.

'We have moved beyond those issues'
Despite recent reports of an out-of-court compromise agreement between objectors and the city, chairperson of the Common Association, David Polovin, said on Thursday that court action would definitely go ahead if plans to build the stadium on the common were approved by the provincial government.

"It is a deliberate misconception that our actions threaten Cape Town's prospects to have 2010. We will still enjoy 2010, but with no stadium on Green Point Common."

He said Newlands had been the venue originally chosen by Fifa as the preferred option, albeit for a quarter-final event.

But executive mayor Helen Zille said: "Whether a threat or not, the provincial and national governments have said that we must host a semi-final or we lose 2010. This is the choice that we face as a council."

Zille said she had asked for an independent risk analysis of the city's business plan for the Green Point Common stadium to test the concerns that have been raised in the objections.

'We trust that residents will see it in that light'
As the city can only recommend an application for the rezoning of a public space, the final decision rests with the provincial government.

But objectors, including the Green Point Common Association, said the decision by the mayoral committee on Thursday came as no surprise.

Polovin said it was clear from the decision that the volumes of objections submitted to council were not taken into account. "And I think that the reason is, and always has been, a political one."

Neilson acknowledged the objections raised to the rezoning, but said: "We have moved beyond those issues."

Larry Aberman, representing the Mouille Point Ratepayers Association, said in his presentation that the holding of a quarterfinal event, rather than a semi-final, would not represent a significant lost opportunity for the city.

He said it was unnecessary for the city to spend R400 million on a stadium so that it could host a semi-final event, when far less could be spent on the upgrade of Newlands or Athlone for a smaller event.

But Neilson said: "There is no question of whether it is a necessity. It is a necessity if we are going to have 2010 in Cape Town."

Polovin said the city had paid lip service to due process and law by pushing ahead with the rezoning application.

"The public should not be under the misconception that there is a deal (with the city). A deal is a long way away."

Polovin said he would take the matter to the Cape High Court if Tasneem Essop, MEC for Environmental Affairs, rejected the appeal on the rezoning.

Aberman charged the city with not listening to the objections, especially about the parking specifications. "We will see what happens, otherwise the matter will end up in court."

Neilson said the publics objections had been listened to and that the stadium plans took into account noise and aesthetic concerns.

"The opportunity that 2010 provides for Cape Town is enormous. We must not underestimate what will happen if 2010 does not come to Cape Town," said Neilson.

He said losses would include the R10-billion national government investment.

Zille said the rezoning of the common had long-term implications not only for the precinct, but for the city, province and country.

"Under normal circumstances we would not be able to justify putting money into one of the wealthiest precincts," she said. "But we are doing it to make 2010 a success and we trust that residents will see it in that light."

The rezoning application goes to full council for approval on Thursday.

* This article was originally published on page 1 of The Cape Times on December 07, 2006

Cape Times

Hey Mo, you seem the guy switched on about SA 2010. What is the FIFA formula for hosting a WC. Do they send delegates to each country to look at stadium sites, infrastructures and transport etc. before making their decision?

If that's the case what site did they see when they went to Cape Town, and why is it not being used now?

Hey Mo, you seem the guy switched on about SA 2010. What is the FIFA formula for hosting a WC. Do they send delegates to each country to look at stadium sites, infrastructures and transport etc. before making their decision?

If that's the case what site did they see when they went to Cape Town, and why is it not being used now?

Well for the 2010 World Cup specifically, a delegation was sent to each country to ensure that what was presented in the bid books matched the reality of each country. However, technical merits are not necessarily the only factor as the 24 FIFA members excluding the president vote for their own reasons. So yes, a significant amount of time was spent inspecting transport, stadia, accommodation etc.
This report is available online.
http://www.fifa.com/en/media/index/0,1369,127068,00.html

The proposed stadium in the bid book for CT was Newlands Stadium. It was decided that five new stadia would be built.
The CT stadium decision was inherited by FIFA and is backed by the national gvt. It was felt that new stadia would provide a better legacy. Specfically for CT, for it to host a semi-final it would need a venue which seats 65,000+ and the Stadium at Newlands seats close to 50,000 and since it is in a residential area meeting the 65,000 capacity might have been a problem some believe.

see www.enviropartnership.co.za for information regarding the planning for CT's stadium.

Fond farewell to the 'old lady' - enjoy the facelift

By Jonty Mark

Trevor Phillips this week called FNB Stadium "the old lady" but he was surely doing the country's greatest soccer stadium a mild disservice.

"Let's hope we can stage an event that can let the old lady bow out with dignity and style," said Phillips of this afternoon's Soweto derby, the last game to be played at Soccer City before it's World Cup 2010 refurbishment.

This fine stadium may indeed be feminine (who knows why we feel the need to personalise inanimate objects), yet in real terms it is really not that old.

At 17 years of age, indeed, FNB Stadium is more like a teenager going for her first ever facelift. By 2010, after extensive plastic (concrete, electronic, the list is endless) surgery, it will be the most beautiful stadium Africa has ever seen.

This grand young lady has provided us with many wonderful memories over the years. Who could forget the 1996 African Nations Cup final, where Bafana Bafana united a nation by lifting the continent's greatest prize. Or the clash with then world champions Brazil a few months later, when the genius of Doctor Khumalo was not quite enough to stop those legends in yellow.

Then there are the numerous cup finals hosted here, with one set of supporters going home joyous, the other crying into their post-match beer.

The FNB Stadium's website also lists a couple of non-footballing events these grounds are famous for - Nelson Mandela's first speech after his release from prison in 1990. And the funeral of Chris Hani in 1993.

But returning to football as we must, the event that always packs out FNB Stadium, that produces the most excitement season after season, is the Soweto derby, the Amakhosi up against the Buccaneers. One side of the stadium clad in black and white, the other in gold and black.

The smell of the vendor's meat cooking outside the stadium, and youngsters begging for tickets that are long sold out.

It all started in 1989, when Chiefs beat Pirates in a league match here, with legends Donald 'Ace' Khuse and Marks Maponyane getting the goals.

And there have been plenty of thrilling moments over the years.

Before:

African Cup of Nations Final 1996

http://www.gilesridley.com/newpics/fnb-01.jpg

http://www.gilesridley.com/newpics/fnb-02.jpg


2010 Final Design (104,000)

http://www.southafrica.info/cm_pics/10years/1277-0-0-0_379432.jpg

Mo, you're doing a great job for S.A.

After Germany I was adamant that I wasn't going to risk South Africa... Five months on and you have single handedly got me looking forward to a hot summer in Africa 2010.

Bring it on.

^^
Except it will be winter if it's held in June/July.....:lol:

Naturally, we would have preferred a summer WC Fiesta, but FIFA insisted on the July period, else the world wide soccer calendar needs to be altered. It sucks really, for it's our first and maybe only time (in my lifespan at least) to impress. Holding it during the winter, won't do us many favours :(

But the period wont hampen Durbans plans, we have brilliant weather all year round, with the occasional showers.

News Insert(Requires Real One Player)

http://www.sabcnews.co.za/video_ram/0,1573,42805,00.ram
http://www.southafrica.info/cm_pics/10years/1277-0-0-0_379232.jpg
Construction of 2010 Mbombela Stadium underway
December 11, 2006, 18:30

It has been 31 months since South Africa won the right to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup and finally a sod has been turned for the building process to commence on a stadium for the global showpiece.

Construction work on the 43 500 seater Mbombela Stadium outside Nelspruit will start in earnest early next year. Sepp Blatter, the FIFA president, said: "We trust South Africa, and ask them now, Danny, can you take a few spades and pickaxes that we have here, so holes can start being dug and so stadiums can start to rise." But his call has been answered, soon earthworks will begin at the site for the R920 million sports facility set to be ready for use early in 2009.

Danny Jordaan says next year they will see the construction beginning and will monitor the project over the next two years to make sure that Nelspruit is ready in 2010. But it is not expected to be a smooth ride. A shortage of cement and other building material could slow the process, but the people of Mpumalanga will strive to deliver on their 2010 promise.

Huge economic spin-offs for Mpumalanga
Joe Phaahla, the director general of the department of sport and recreation, says the funding is available. The Mbombela Stadium could host up to four first-round matches during the World Cup which will have huge economic spin-offs for the region.

There will be ten in nine host cities. Apart from Mbombela, three other new stadia will be built.The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in PE, King Senzanga-khona Stadium in Durban, and a new Greenpoint Stadium in Cape Town. A legal wrangle could delay the start of construction of the Green Point stadium.

The remaining six will be upgraded or improved. They are in Rustenburg, Bloemfontein, Tshwane, Polokwane and two in Johannesburg. Five of the venues must be ready for the 2009 Confederation's
Cup.

Bloemfontein

Free State Stadium

The upgrade of the Free State stadium (Vodacom Park) in the Mangaung municipality has been awarded to the BKS-Iliso Consortium.

Iliso will mainly be involved in the civil engineering work of the project, while BKS is the structuralconstruction engineer.

“The project is currently in its conceptual design phase, and we plan to start the construction phase by July 2007,” says BKS technical director Gert Fourie.

At this stage, the construction cost is R245-million.

The current 38 000-seat capacitywill be upgraded to accommodate 45 000 people by extending theexisting grand stand.

The construction period isestimated to take 14 months, which means the upgrade will be complete by mid-2008.

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/dynamicimage/12981.png

Does anyone know the local kick-off times for the WC in South Africa, remembering that in the Highveldt (more than 1200m above sea level) it can get below freezing during the late evening?

Match start times will be influenced by world broadcast peak audience.
With South Africa on UCT +2.00 this matches much of mainland Western Europe and their peak viewing times tend to determine match starts. Consequently South Africa 2010 is likely to have many evening kick-offs to maximize broadcast audiences in Europe. So expect broadcast times similar to that of Germany 2006, adjusted for local conditions in the various cities.

^^
Except it will be winter if it's held in June/July.....:lol:

I was born and raised in the cold North East of England, as far as I'm concerned June/July will always be summer... And that's having lived in Oz for the last 7 years (I still can't get used to Christmas being in the summer holidays!)

^^
Fair enough then! :) But still, it won't exactly be hot!! ;)

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/1350/matchscheduletl8.jpg

Fond farewell to the 'old lady' - enjoy the facelift



Before:

African Cup of Nations Final 1996

http://www.gilesridley.com/newpics/fnb-01.jpg

http://www.gilesridley.com/newpics/fnb-02.jpg


2010 Final Design (104,000)

http://www.southafrica.info/cm_pics/10years/1277-0-0-0_379432.jpg

Is going to be a great stadium, shows sims with Valencia from the outside (yeah I know this design was first) inside might be something like the big stadium in Mexico city? 2 rings as far as I can see?

2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™: Nelspruit ready for construction

/noticias.info/ The Premier of the Mpumalanga Province, Thabang Makwetla, was joined by the Executive Mayor of Nelspruit, Justice Nsibande and CEO of the 2010 South African Local Organising Committee, Danny Jordaan to turn the first sods of soil on the site of the new Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

Earthworks have started, and the city is full steam ahead with the construction of their $131,224,460 stadium. Upon completion, the stadium will have a seating capacity of 43,500 and will be used for the group stages of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The media centre will be able to host 620 print and new media journalists. The pylons of the stadium will be giraffe-like in style and the interior décor of the complex will include trees, which are characteristic of the Mpumalanga province.

Mayor Nsibande used this occasion to highlight the important role that football plays in the development of the city's youth. He said: "Sport plays an important role in the daily lives of our young people and I look forward to the day when sportsmen and women are able to make their mark at the highest level, made possible by the endless hours of training and match time accumulated at the Mbombela Stadium."

FIFA President, Joseph S. Blatter will no doubt be pleased to see a literal interpretation of his urge for South Africa to start construction work.

Safa can move into their new home

The South African Football Association announced that Safa House has been completed and is ready for occupation on Wednesday.

However, Safa are reluctant at this stage to take possession of the building without all equipment having been thoroughly tested and an occupation certificate being issued in their favour.

"The contractor confirmed that they will be ready immediately after the builders break to complete the testing of equipment and hand over the building to us," said a statement released by Safa on Wednesday.

Safa House is based in Johannesburg on the premises of the FNB Stadium where the Fifa 2010 World Cup final is scheduled to be held.

The last match played at the stadium was on Saturday in the derby match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

From January, the stadium will be under construction in preparation for the tournament in 2010.

Safa House will house the South African 2010 Local Organising Committee and Fifa representatives until the World Cup. - Sapa

Quickwire

Published on the Web by IOL on 2006-12-13 13:32:52
© Independent Online 2005. All rights reserved. IOL publishes this article in good faith but is not liable for any loss or damage caused by reliance on the information it contains.

[QUOTE=Mo Rush;10831589]News Insert(Requires Real One Player)

http://www.sabcnews.co.za/video_ram/0,1573,42805,00.ram
http://www.southafrica.info/cm_pics/10years/1277-0-0-0_379232.jpg


looking good without reminding me of a stadium directly, might it be original then???? it doesn't look like that, just a good modern football stadium, nothing wrong with that!
Does anyone thinks it looks like something?

Cape Town could lose out as 2010 host
December 13, 2006, 17:00

The City of Cape Town may lose out on a chance to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup semifinal if they fail to resolve the problems facing the building of the new stadium by next week. The strong message was sent by Irvin Khoza the chairperson of the 2010 Local Organising Committee (LOC) that Cape Town must get its house in order or face the axe.

The LOC was giving a final report on the progress made during this year. Of the 10 cities earmarked for the 2010 World Cup matches, Port Elizabeth, Durban and Nelspruit have already started with construction work. But the same cannot be said about Green Point stadium. Earlier this year, the Cape Town City Council endorsed it as the only feasible venue to hold a World Cup semifinal match.

The site was reserved for a golf course and there are 19 appeals pending against the construction of the stadium. But time is running out. Khoza says they are on strict time lines with FIFA. He says the country has made a commitment to the world that the stadia will be finished on this date in 2009, therefore it is going to be very important that the stadium is ready.

World Cup will benefit SA citizens
The government has once again shown its commitment to the success of the soccer spectacle, with assurance that the finance and securities are in place. Jabu Moleketi, the deputy minister of finance, says as government they see the World Cup giving them an opportunity as South Africa to also leave a legacy and a benefit to its citizens. Meanwhile, the Ethekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal has been awarded the right to host the Preliminary FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup draw in Durban in November next year.

Soccer fans assured of safety in 2010

By Sheena Adams and Sapa

The government has told soccer fans across the world that their safety in South Africa during the 2010 World Cup was guaranteed.

"We guarantee the safety and security of all the fans and teams that will be participating in the 2010 soccer event," Deputy Finance Minister Jabu Moleketi said on Wednesday.

Addressing the media in Pretoria, Moleketi said there would be 192 000 police officers in the country by 2009, and that of these, 30 000 would be attached to the soccer event.

'Kiss the World Cup goodbye'
Some of the security plans unveiled during the briefing included ensuring a 24-hour presence at all hotels, places and routes to be used by soccer fans.

The government has set aside R15-billion for infrastructure development ahead of the tournament. About R8,4-billion will be used for refurbishment of stadiums.

Meanwhile, Cape Town can "kiss the World Cup goodbye" - along with a R2-billion cash injection - if construction has not begun on the new stadium in Green Point come January.

This was the stern-faced warning from Irvin Khoza, chairperson of the 2010 local organising committee (LOC), at a Sandton press conference yesterday.

"If the delay is even two or three weeks, they are out," Khoza said.

The threat is the strongest indication yet that if the city fails to ensure that construction begins on January 25, the Mother City will not be hosting any World Cup matches.

Cape Town has already been allocated a space for a semifinal match.

The problem hinges on a threat of legal action against the city by the Green Point Common Association, an organisation of residents that has objected to the stadium on the grounds that it would encroach on the last remaining green space in the city.

The City of Cape Town has reacted to Khoza's warning with surprise, saying it was of the opinion that it had until April to get its house in order.

Khoza said that while the LOC acknowledged the hard work being done by the city government to deal with objections to the stadium, any delays would embarrass the country and could not be afforded.

"I want to reiterate categorically that the LOC will not tolerate any delays. If there are any more delays in Cape Town, they are out," Khoza explained.

LOC chief executive Danny Jordaan met with Cape Town Mayor Helen Zille and other city officials on Tuesday and said he had sensed a "real commitment" to resolving the impasse with the objectors.

An environmental impact assessment had already been completed on the site and the area had been rezoned to make way for a new stadium, he said.

Western Cape MEC for Environment, Planning and Economic Development Tasneem Essop now sits with the headache of dealing with a final round of objections to the construction. Jordaan said she would have until December 22 to consider the objections and express her views.

"Also, clearly Cape Town is aware of the R2-billion we are going to give them for the stadium. If it is not going to be a venue, there is no reason to give Cape Town the R2-billion," Jordaan said.

Khoza also announced yesterday that Durban had been chosen as host city for the Cup's preliminary draw next November. The six-day event will be held at the city's International Convention Centre.

He said the board had also approved the creation of the post of chief operating officer for the LOC, which would be finalised early next year.

* This article was originally published on page 2 of The Star on December 14, 2006

Star

Published on the Web by IOL on 2006-12-14 08:18:00
© Independent Online 2005. All rights reserved. IOL publishes this article in good faith but is not liable for any loss or damage caused by reliance on the information it contains.

do we have any construction photos yet

These questions about South Africa were posted on a South African Tourism Website and were answered by the website owner.

Q: Does it ever get windy in South Africa? I have never seen it rain on TV, so how do the plants grow? (UK)
A: We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around watching them die.

Q: Will I be able to see elephants in the street? (USA)
A: Depends how much you’ve been drinking.

Q: I want to walk from Durban to Cape Town - can I follow the railroad tracks? (Sweden)
A: Sure, it’s only two thousand kilometres take lots of water …

Q: Is it safe to run around in the bushes in South Africa? (Sweden)
A: So it’s true what they say about Swedes.

Q: Are there any ATMs (cash machines) in South Africa? Can you send me a list of them in JHB, Cape Town, Knysna and Jeffrey’s Bay? (UK)
A: What did your last slave die of?

Q: Can you give me some information about Koala Bear racing in South Africa? (USA)
A: Aus-tra-lia is that big island in the middle of the pacific. A-fri-ca is the big triangle shaped continent south of Europe which does not… oh forget it. Sure, the Koala Bear racing is every Tuesday night in Hillbrow. Come naked.

Q: Which direction is north in South Africa? (USA)
A: Face south and then turn 90 degrees. Contact us when you get here and we’ll send the rest of the directions.

Q: Can I bring cutlery into South Africa? (UK)
A: Why?

Q: Can I bring cutlery into South Africa? (UK)
A: Why? Just use your fingers like we do.

Q: Can you send me the Vienna Boys’ Choir schedule? (USA)
A: Aus-tri-a is that quaint little country bordering Ger-man-y, which is…oh forget it. Sure, the Vienna Boys Choir plays every Tuesday night in Hillbrow, straight after the Koala Bear races. Come naked.

Q: Do you have perfume in South Africa? (France)
A: No, WE don’t stink.

Q: I have developed a new product that is the fountain of youth. Can you tell me where I can sell it in South Africa?(USA)
A: Anywhere significant numbers of Americans gather.

Q: Can you tell me the regions in South Africa where the female population is smaller than the male population? (Italy)
A: Yes, gay nightclubs.

Q: Do you celebrate Christmas in South Africa? (France)
A: Only at Christmas.

Q: Are there killer bees in South Africa? (Germany)
A: Not yet, but for you, we’ll import them.

Q: Are there supermarkets in Cape Town and is milk available all year round? (Germany)
A: No, we are a peaceful civilisation of vegan hunter-gatherers. Milk is illegal.

Q: Please send a list of all doctors in South Africa who can dispense rattlesnake serum. (USA)
A: Rattlesnakes live in A-meri-ca, which is where YOU come from. All South African snakes are perfectly harmless, can be safely handled and make good pets.

Q: I was in South Africa in 1969, and I want to contact the girl I dated while I was staying in Hillbrow. Can you help? (USA)
A: Yes, and you will still have to pay her by the hour.

Q: Will I be able to speek English most places I go? (USA)
A: Yes, but you’ll have to learn it first.

That's funny, every other time I've seen that list on the Internet it's been more like this:

The questions below about Australia, are from potential visitors.
They were posted on an Australian Tourism Website and the answers are the actual responses by the website officials, who obviously have a sense of humour:


Q: Does it ever get windy in Australia? I have never seen it rain on TV, how
do the plants grow? (UK).
A: We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around watching them
die.

Q: Will I be able to see kangaroos in the street? (USA)
A: Depends how much you've been drinking.

Q: I want to walk from Perth to Sydney - can I follow the railroad tracks?
(Sweden)
A: Sure, it's only three thousand miles, take lots of water.

Q: Is it safe to run around in the bushes in Australia? (Sweden)
A: So it's true what they say about Swedes.

Q: Are there any ATMs (cash machines) in Australia? Can you send me a list
of them in Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville and Hervey Bay? (UK)
A: What did your last slave die of?

Q: Can you give me some information about hippo racing in Australia? (USA)
A: A-fri-ca is the big triangle shaped continent south of Europe.
Aus-tra-lia is that big island in the middle of the Pacific which does
not... oh forget it. Sure, the hippo racing is every Tuesday night in
Kings Cross. Come naked.

Q: Which direction is North in Australia? (USA)
A: Face south and then turn 180 degrees. Contact us when you get here and
we'll send the rest of the directions.

Q: Can I bring cutlery into Australia? (UK)
A: Why? Just use your fingers like we do.

Q: Can you send me the Vienna Boys' Choir schedule? (USA)
A: Aus-tri-a is that quaint little country bordering Ger-man-y, which
is...oh forget it. Sure, the Vienna Boys Choir plays every Tuesday night
in Kings Cross, straight after the hippo races. Come naked.

Q: Can I wear high heels in Australia? ( UK)
A: You are a British politician, right?

Q: Are there supermarkets in Sydney and is milk available all year round?
(Germany)
A: No, we are a peaceful civilization of vegan hunter/gatherers. Milk is
illegal.

Q: Please send a list of all doctors in Australia who can dispense
rattlesnake serum. (USA)
A: Rattlesnakes live in A-meri-ca which is where YOU come from. All
Australian snakes are perfectly harmless, can be safely handled and make
good pets.

Q: I have a question about a famous animal in Australia, but I forget its
name.
It's a kind of bear and lives in trees. (USA)
A: It's called a Drop Bear. They are so called because they drop out of Gum
trees and eat the brains of anyone walking underneath them. You can scare
them off by spraying yourself with human urine before you go out walking.

Q: Do you have perfume in Australia? (France)
A: No, WE don't stink.

Q: I have developed a new product that is the fountain of youth. Can you
tell me where I can sell it in Australia? (USA)
A: Anywhere significant numbers of Americans gather.

Q: Can you tell me the regions in Tasmania where the female population is
smaller than the male population? (Italy)
A: Yes, gay nightclubs.

Q: Do you celebrate Christmas in Australia? (France)
A: Only at Christmas.

Q: I was in Australia in 1969 on R+R, and I want to contact the girl I dated
while I was staying in Kings Cross. Can you help? (USA)
A: Yes, and you will still have to pay her by the hour.

Q: Will I be able to speak English most places I go? (USA)
A: Yes, but you'll have to learn it first.

Although it might be Canadian too:

http://www.snopes.com/travel/foreign/olympics.asp

Full Article: http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/eng...ek/?show=98909

Portions related to 2010

Dubai World spending $1-billion at Cape Town's Waterfront and introducing expertise that turned Dubai into an iconic city
Africas riviera - As the first stage of development of the Victoria and Alfred (V&A) waterfront in Cape Town gets under way, South Africans are keen to discover what the UK-Dubai buyers are planning and what roll-on benefits the sale may have for the country, and its construction and tourism sectors, in particular.

The waterfront attracts over 22-million people every year. In keeping with the fast-trackapproach, technical planning for the development had already begun two weeks after the transaction had been inked, Spencer says.

James Wilson-
“We have had a very goodreception in Cape Town, the Western Cape and from the country,” says Wilson, whose company has been tasked with the development of the waterfront. “And, while everything has been done within the due processes, the authorities have gone out of their way to facilitate the investment – it is clear to me that the country wants to do business,” he says.

Dubai World has indicated that it will spend at least $1-billion on developing ‘Africa’s Riviera’ before the World Cup begins and is considering supporting the initiative by part funding and construction of a new boulevard between the waterfront and the still-to-be-built stadium, Wilson reveals.

This was included in the deal with the V&A’s previous owners – State-owned Transnet and itspension funds – and honours an earlier promise to see that the waterfront facilitates ‘seamlessintegration’ between the Cape Town central business district and the World Cup stadium, which the city announced in November may be built on the Metropolitan golf course on Green Point common, rather than on the site of the existing stadium.

The new stadium, expected to cost at least R2,5-billion, will be within walking distance of thewaterfront.

Atkins, the UK’s largest engineering consultancy – and the world’s third-largest global design firm – has been retained as master planner and is creating and refining drawings in consultation with the ownersand the city.

‘Don’t expect a mini Dubai’
Wilson is quick to stress that the new develop-ment and design will build on and echo the existing themes and style of the waterfront and city.
“We are planning to expand on the architectural style of Cape Town, and not to create a mini Dubai,” he states.

South African Shaun Killa, who heads the architecture department at Atkins Middle East’s Dubaioffice, agrees.“We want to be contextuallysensitive in terms of building heights, existing spatial proportions and building articulation,” he says.

“While we have some exciting ideas for developments, there is no question that we will be usingsimilar design themes and building on what is already there.” That said, Nakheel may tap into its experience in reclamation, with a focus on making best use of the coastline.


Fittingly, Killa, a Cape-tonian himself, was involved in the architectural design of phase one of the waterfront’s construction, before joining Atkins in Dubai.

Two key themes of the upcoming development will be the opening up of more water to the public and the provision of resort hotels with associated residential accommodation. This will also be complemented with more retail and public attractions. The planners are also lookingto reduce the surface parking so that the streets become more pedestrian orientated.

“Having a powerful developer consortium also allows for a lot of opportunities to review the waterfront development as a totality and master-plan for future seamlessintegration into the Cape Town CBD,” says Killa.

“However, we now have the chance to take a step back and look at our opportunities and, as London & Regional, Istithmar, Nakheeland ourselves have experience in developing three-, four-, five- and six-star resort hotels, we are confident that we possess the knowledge to create successful destinations that will keep tourists in Cape Town for longer,” he says.

According to a four-year develop-ment strategy presented last month by Dubai World chair Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem and Western Cape Premier Ebrahim Rasool (on an official visit to Dubai),

stageone of the project, starting immediately and continuing over the next six months, will involve landscaping and beautification measures, additional car parking space, commercial facilities and improvements to pedestrian access to the area.

Stage two will “ensure the water-front is one of the highlights of World Cup 2010” and stage three will involve new facilities to consolidate the waterfront’s status as a leading global resort, with potential elements including a new yacht club and further marina development, a cruise ship terminal, a train station and improved connections to the airport, said Bin Sulayem.

At the canal area there will be a gateway, with a ‘mini-Sandton’-type development, made up ofoffices and loft apartments.

In terms of accommodation, there are several developments alreadyin the pipeline, with more almost certainly on the way, as globalhospitality giants eye Africa’spremier property, leisure and retail development.

“We have already had everytop-ten hotel group in the worldapproach us over opportunities at the V&A,” remarks Wilson.

The consortium is looking to build-ing a number of hotel properties, including a 250-bedroom luxury hotel, such as a Four Seasons, and a resort hotel, as Wilson points out that there is, oddly, no resort option in the city.

It will also help to open up more water and beach areas to the public.

Further, Kerzner International, in which Dubai World holds a minor interest, will build a One and Only luxury hotel along the existing apartment strip, Wilson reveals.

On plans for a cruise terminal, he tells Engineering News that this could also have important implications for the city’s World Cup plans, should it be completed by 2010.

“It’s all very well planning toaccommodate an estimated 100 000spectators in hotels and other tradi-tional establishments, but whathappens when the event ends and they all go home? Cruise-liners offer an innovative and very practicalalternative,” he suggests.

Tried to get a phot while driving but nearly killed myself doing it, so will have to find another way

They have started construction on the overhead pedestrian bridge that crosses the M4 highway in the vicinity of the King Senz stadium in Durban. They are demolishing the median in the highway to build the support pillars. The public walkway will link the stadium directly with the beach 500m away, and the beachfront promenade

Tried to get a photo while driving but nearly killed myself doing it, so will have to find another way

Tried to get a phot while driving but nearly killed myself doing it, so will have to find another way

Maybe try stopping the car, then getting out, then taking some pics?

can somebody make a list with all stadiums projects (if possible with pic9 and the capacity?

thanks

Maybe try stopping the car, then getting out, then taking some pics?

And how am i going to stop the car in the middle of the freeway?

can somebody make a list with all stadiums projects (if possible with pic9 and the capacity?

thanks

Thats been done like a 1000 times mate

Johannesburg
cap.80000
http://www.southafrica.info/cm_pics/10years/1277-0-0-0_379432.jpg

Durban
cap.70000
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/3157/stadiumns23ge.jpg

Cape Town
cap.68000
http://www.greenpointcommon.com/_imgs/gpca_stadium_4.jpg

Pics of the King Senz site, piler's are busy as well as escavator's

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Sky%20Scrapercity/72743051.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Sky%20Scrapercity/72743120.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Sky%20Scrapercity/72743131.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Sky%20Scrapercity/72743135.jpg

soccer city capacity 104,000
king senz stadium 70,000
cape town 68,000
ellis park 60,000
free state stadium 46,000
mbombela stadium 43,500
rustenburg 45,000
peter mokaba stadium 40,000
loftus versfeld 45,000
nelson mandela bay stadium 50,000

Fifa to publish guidelines on 2010 marketing

By Barry Bateman

South African businesses eager to be part of 2010 but unsure of the legalities need only wait until January for information.

Next month Fifa will publish a set of guidelines informing businesses what they can and can't do in terms of using the soccer World Cup to market their business.

This came to light following queries by Pretoria News to the international football body on local businessperson Kobus Oosthuizen's advertising outside his tavern in Arcadia.

Oosthuizen had the words "World Cup 2010" printed on a banner below the name of the tavern, apparently in contravention of trademark laws.

A Fifa media officer speaking from Switzerland said its legal representatives were liaising with Oosthuizen to resolve the matter amicably.

She said that in January Fifa would publish guidelines informing businesses how they could get on board ahead of 2010. "We will deal with the local organising committee (LOC) and the host city.

"Representatives will have information sessions with local communities and businesses to see what they can do to get involved," she said.

Once Fifa had established the framework, she said, it would publish the guidelines.

LOC spokesperson Tumi Makgabo said the guidelines were an understanding referring to Fifa's intellectual property.

"We (LOC) look at South Africa within a local context and our input is to ensure specific or unseen dynamics, if they exist, are catered for in the guidelines. It is a singular guiding document for all aspects relating to intellectual property.

"One of our responsibilities will be dissemination, so people who are looking for business opportunities understand the context and environment," she said.

Local representative for the Fifa rights protection programme and an attorney who specialises in intellectual property, Dr Owen Dean, said: "The idea was to publish user-friendly guidelines to provide an impression without businesses necessarily having to seek expensive legal opinion."

He said it was a criminal offence to contravene these laws. Offenders would also be liable for a civil claim that could amount to millions of rands.

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/8872/1277000379932vw2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/8872/1277000379932vw2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

will present the updated designs for cape town, free state and peter mokaba when they become available.

^^pics don't enlarge.

& the new stand for the Vodacom Park has been revised

thanks a lot

sorry for asking

but i was a little bit confused after so much projects

Only Polokwane needs to go and it will be a 100% football- stadium tournament!

Only Polokwane needs to go and it will be a 100% football- stadium tournament!

u mean rustenburg.

^^ and it cant go cos it is an existing stadium.... :)

Whats the story with the tarmac at Rustenburg? I mean it doesn't look wide enough from that picture to take a running track so what has it been used for?

Whats the story with the tarmac at Rustenburg? I mean it doesn't look wide enough from that picture to take a running track so what has it been used for?

that image has been airbrushed and appeared that way in the bid book..
some images from inside the stadium

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/71768547.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A68856C471C29B1F3B329DF394FE942516
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/71768546.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A68856C471C29B1F3B4EF3EA9A178B7582

Dont worry there is a running track in there, had a nice pic of the stadium some where, when I find it, I'll post it.

found them

http://img392.imageshack.us/img392/3730/bofohz7.png
http://img314.imageshack.us/img314/585/mediumnf3.jpg

it's a nive stadium, but....

it's a nive stadium, but....

As far as i know there are plans to include extra rows of seating to increase capacity, i may be incorrect but i think the extra rows will bring spectators closer to the field.

In germany 2006 17 matches were played at stadia with athletics tracks.
In south africa 2010 only five matches will be played at this stadium.

And its a great stadium so chill on the worries mense!!

These are the Ticket prices that the South African OC have proposed to FIFA.

Opening Match:
Cat 3: $40 (-43)
Cat 2: $274 (+127)
Cat 1: $549 (+319)
Super: $722 (+338)

1st stage:
C3: 20 (-25)
C2: 110 (+52)
C1: 165 (+88)
Spr: 216 (+92)

2nd stage:
C3: 40 (-18)
C2: 192 (+115)
C1: 247 (+155)
Spr:325 (+170)

Qtrfinals:
C3: 50 (-20)
C2: 219 (+110)
C1: 329 (+189)
Spr: 433 (+203)

Semifinals:
C3: 70 (-45)
C2: 329 (+137)
C1: 549 (+242)
Spr: 722 (+210)

3rd place:
C3: 50 (-8)
C2: 192 (+115)
C1: 247 (+155)
Spr: 325 (+170)

Final:
C3: 90 (-65)
C2: 549 (+267)
C1: 823 (+363)
Spr: 1083 (+315)

These are the Ticket prices that the South African OC have proposed to FIFA.

Opening Match:
Cat 3: $40 (-43)
Cat 2: $274 (+127)
Cat 1: $549 (+319)
Super: $722 (+338)

1st stage:
C3: 20 (-25)
C2: 110 (+52)
C1: 165 (+88)
Spr: 216 (+92)

2nd stage:
C3: 40 (-18)
C2: 192 (+115)
C1: 247 (+155)
Spr:325 (+170)

Qtrfinals:
C3: 50 (-20)
C2: 219 (+110)
C1: 329 (+189)
Spr: 433 (+203)

Semifinals:
C3: 70 (-45)
C2: 329 (+137)
C1: 549 (+242)
Spr: 722 (+210)

3rd place:
C3: 50 (-8)
C2: 192 (+115)
C1: 247 (+155)
Spr: 325 (+170)

Final:
C3: 90 (-65)
C2: 549 (+267)
C1: 823 (+363)
Spr: 1083 (+315)

These prices are in $US I'm guessing?

How do they compare with Germany '06?

Theres quite a jump from the cheapest to the next cheapest ticket, some cases more than 3 x times the price.

.....Something doesnt seem right about those prices, SAFA clearly said that tickets will be made affordable to the SA public, so I dont trust those prices.

Well thats the prices they have presented to FIFA. It makes plenty of sense. they have made some really cheap tickets but they have compensated that by marking up the other tickets. Tickets were never going to be cheap.

SA certain of 2010 Cup success: Mbeki

CAPE TOWN – President Thabo Mbeki on Friday rubbished suggestions South Africa will fail to successfully stage the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup.
The truth is South Africa is way ahead in preparations for hosting a successful tournament, he said in his last weekly newsletter for 2006 on the African National Congress (ANC) website.
Mbeki said some people, both locally and abroad, had done their best this year to convince the nation it would fail to create the conditions for a successful 2010 World Cup.
“Media suggestions were floated liberally that some countries were already standing by to take over this responsibility from us, since it was certain that we would definitely fail to do the things Fifa required of us, to ensure that the 2010 Soccer World Cup would actually take place in our country.
“Most fortunately, consistently, the President of Fifa, Sepp Blatter, insisted correctly that our country was perfectly capable of hosting the World Cup, and would indeed do so, setting new benchmarks in terms of the success of this most important global sports tournament,” Mbeki said.
“The truth is that with regard to 2010, we have beaten all previous records with regard to the preparations for the successful hosting of the Fifa Soccer World Cup, including the benchmarks set by the highly successful 2006 German Fifa World Cup.
“This includes the financial sponsorships without which it would be impossible to hold the tournament.”
The work done to prepare for 2010 represented one of the most prominent items of good news of which South Africans should be proud.
Mbeki also had a word of inspiration for the national team, Bafana Bafana.
“The appointment of a new coach, Carlos Alberto Parreira, is an opportunity to leave recent disappointments behind and make progress towards a successful campaign in 2010.
“History suggests that an uplifting performance by the host country is often an integral element in a successful Fifa World Cup, and we are confident that the hope of the nation, Bafana Bafana, will rise to the occasion in 2010,” he said. – Sapa.


Last updated

Yes DB, if you look the category 3 tickets are way cheaper, hence they are the ones that will offer south africans the ability to buy them. The LOC never had to make all tickets cheaper for that would be foolish. Just make a selection so that some people that cant afford the higher ones can go. If you want a better seat. Well then PAY

As far as i know there are plans to include extra rows of seating to increase capacity, i may be incorrect but i think the extra rows will bring spectators closer to the field.

In germany 2006 17 matches were played at stadia with athletics tracks.
In south africa 2010 only five matches will be played at this stadium.

I ques this is a compliment, but I have got SA way up here, and Germany way down there in my mind... (maybe because I am Dutch :) )
Therefor I expect a lot more from SA then from my former neighbours!

Yes DB, if you look the category 3 tickets are way cheaper, hence they are the ones that will offer south africans the ability to buy them. The LOC never had to make all tickets cheaper for that would be foolish. Just make a selection so that some people that cant afford the higher ones can go. If you want a better seat. Well then PAY

or just save R10 a month:)

http://www.grinaker-lta.co.za/files/projects/1090931054.jpg

Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/3016/picture2ks7.jpg
http://img454.imageshack.us/img454/2296/picture1lk7.jpg

•New Board Halls
•North Entry Upgrades
•South Entry Upgrades
•New Bridge between gymnasium and stadium
•Conference Facilities
•Gymnasium Facilities
•Additional Ablution Facilities
•New Ticket Offices
•Camera Platform
•Additional Lift
•Turnstiles
•Upgraded Concession stalls
•Upgrade existing VOC
•Upgrade and expand existing VIP suite
•Roof over Eastern Pavilion
•New Seats
•New Plant Rooms
•Temporary Facilities for Media
•Dug-outs for Reserves
•Pull out Shelter for Tunnel
•Electrical and Electronic Upgrade

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/1856/loftus2vr1.jpg
http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/7762/loftus1bj2.jpg

New stadium based on decision to retain existing stadium:

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/3372/petermokabagd1.jpg
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/7401/petermokaba1ii1.jpg

Construction: 22 Jan 2007 - 19 December 2008

Capacity: 55,000

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/1050/orlandstadiumyl5.jpg

Capacity: 35,000
Cost: R297.4 million

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/691/athlone1dr7.jpg
Currently: The construction has progressed well, a roof now exists over both sets of seating visible in the above image.

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/8641/athlonenh0.jpg

Stadium: All systems go


By Linsday Dentlinger

The construction of a 68 000-seater stadium at the Green Point Common for the 2010 World Cup has been given the all-clear following two critical decisions by Environment, Planning and Economic Development MEC Tasneem Essop today.

She is sticking with last year's decision to build the stadium on a portion of the Metropolitan Golf Course, and she has agreed to the city's recommendation that the Green Point Common be rezoned from a public open space to one for community facilities.

"My decision addresses the triple bottom line of sustainable development which ensures environmental integrity, economic development and social justice," she said today.

Essop said she believed that negative environmental im-pacts put to her in 23 appeals against her department's environmental Record of Decision (ROD) at the end of October would be adequately mitigated.

"I am convinced that far from having a substantial detrimental effect on the environment, overall the new stadium and urban park on Green Point Common will have a beneficial im-pact on the local environment and will benefit the broader Cape Town community," she said.

"The benefits of this amenity to the broader public outweigh any potential negative environmental impacts that could be experienced by the immediate communities of Green Point, Mouille Point and Granger Bay."

But in a review of the environmental ROD, Essop has added new conditions, none of which will affect the immediate commencement of construction.

Throwing the ball back into the city's court, Essop is demanding that within six months, the city must submit site development plans for the new urban park for the World Cup tournament, as well as plans for the period after 2010.

Another ROD amendment made by Essop is that within the next month, the city must submit a plan for a public participation process, which includes the provision of information to and consultation with the broader Cape Town community and communities in the vicinity of the urban park.

Essop said this condition was to give everyone an opportunity to determine the future layout of the urban park, which is to be retained as a sport, recreational and public space.

In the past few weeks, the city has been engaged in protracted negotiations with a major objector to the stadium, the Green Point Common Association, on the layout of the urban park.

"If properly developed and operated, it can be a green lung of metropolitan significance," said Essop.

She said she would not accept a re-organisation of the existing sports fields and golf course, or an outflow area of the stadium. She said the area had to become a multi-purpose space for sporting activities, informal trading and recreation.

Explaining why she was not upholding appeals against the building of the stadium, Essop said she was satisfied that the conditions incorporated in the environmental ROD would mitigate adverse im-pacts of the con- struction and operation of the stadium and park.

These conditions include limiting the height of the building, ad-dressing the visual and aural impact of the stadium and surrounding podium, and dealing with roads, parking and transport to and from the stadium.

Essop has also not backed down on the original decision that the stadium be constructed on the existing golf course site rather than at the existing stadium site.

She said the construction of the stadium on the golf course site presented opportunities for the preservation of historical linkages with surrounding sites such as Fort Wynard, Somerset Hospital and the Green Point Track.

It was her view that this site also provided better opportunity for the accommodation of existing sporting codes, better use of the land and resources and the retention of distinctive boundaries between green open areas and infrastructure.

The city has been negotiating with the Metropolitan Golf Club to move the golf course westwards, a plan the club has agreed to in principle.

Published on the web by Cape Argus on January 5, 2007. © Cape Argus 2007. All rights reserved.

Stadium demolition to be fast-tracked


By Linsday Dentlinger

The final go-ahead granted this morning by Environment, Planning and Economic Development MEC Tasneen Essop for the construction of a new stadium for the 2010 World Cup, means that the existing stadium will come tumbling down by the end of the month.

It also means that the city can now award the tender for the construction of the new stadium.

Although it was always the city's intention to demolish the existing stadium, deemed no longer viable, the city's 2010 technical director Dave Hugo said yesterday that Essop's positive decision would mean the process could be fast-tracked.

The tender for the demolition work has not yet been awarded, as it is forms part of the bigger tender for the R2.49 billion construction of the new stadium.

However, Hugo said that should there be a delay in the city's ability to award the tender for construction almost immediately, it would negotiate with the preferred contractor to remove the demolition job from the contract.

The city would then ask demolition companies to provide quotations to carry out the job as soon as possible.

The three companies poised to clinch the lucrative 2010 deal are Group Five, a joint venture of Murray and Roberts and WBHO; and another consortia of Steffanutti & Bressan Civils and Constructora do Tamega SA.

The city is still considering further costing information re-quested by the Bid Evaluation Committee before awarding the contract.

The three bidders are said to have submitted budgets which are very close.

Hugo would not reveal the cost of the demolition, saying it was confidential pending the award of the tender.

The costs will be paid from the city's coffers and not from the 2010 budget.

Today the city will engage in extensive discussions with the Green Point Common Association on its proposals for the management of the urban park - the remaining portion of the common around the stadium.

As part of her announcement today, Essop also gave the city six months to submit architectural and landscaping guidelines and site development plans for the urban park.

She has also demanded a public participation process on how the area should be managed.

Published on the web by Cape Argus on January 5, 2007.

All systems go for Cape Town 2010 World Cup Stadium - http://www.capeargus.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3614569

Mayor welcomes stadium decision - http://www.capeargus.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3614584

Stadium demolition to be fast-tracked - http://www.capeargus.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3614530

The training venues are awesome;
does it really mean training will be held for a 55.000 audience ??

However often coaches want to plan "secret" trainings to practise corners and free kicks .
It is a good way to give alot of people the opportunity to see the world stars in action.

World-class urban park planned for Cape Town

By Willem Steenkamp

A huge world-class urban park and dedicated sports and recreational precinct is on the cards for Cape Town as part of the 2010 Soccer World Cup Stadium development at Green Point.

The 70-hectare park and the surrounding sport facilities are expected to be on a par with similar great public parks in other world cities, like Central Park in New York, and will include green public spaces, landscaped garden sections and tree-lined walkways.

And the recreational node that forms part of Cape Town's new green lung will consist of a multi-purpose sports precinct, with at least seven full-sized playing fields for sports like rugby, soccer, hockey and cricket, as well as club facilities.

City Mayor Helen Zille and other senior city officials gave Weekend Argus a sneak preview of far-reaching proposals that could change the face of the Common.

'A significant green lung for Cape Town'
The rezoning approval on Friday by Environmental and Planning Tasneem Essop of the Green Point Common from a public open space to community facility has been welcomed by planners as the catalyst that will finally get the building of Cape Town's new 68 000 seat stadium moving ahead at pace.

The new stadium will be built on part of the current Metropolitan Golf Course site. New land will be designated for a nine hole golf course that will run along the edge of the Common closest to the sea, with an L-shape sweep back towards the stadium site.

Announcing her agreement for the rezoning of the Common from public open space community facilities, Essop said: "My decision addresses the triple bottom line of sustainable development, which ensures environmental integrity, economic development and social justice."

She said she believed that negative environmental impacts put to her in 23 appeals against her department's environmental Record of Decisions would be adequately mitigated.

Zille stressed that the proposed plans for the Common would still need the approval and backing of all role players and the necessary statutory approval.

This approval included Friday's rezoning by provincial government and a "consent of use", which must still be given by the city council.

"On a project of this magnitude there are various work streams, each with their own objectives, management teams and timelines.

"The overarching strategy must be to keep everything happening at the right time, in the right sequence," the mayor said.

"But we cannot pre-empt the primary decisions, which must be taken on a basis of factual and objective evaluations, on the rezoning and consent usage, for example."

Referring to facilities around the proposed new stadium, Zille said the current proposal was for the realignment and upgrading of the entire Common into a dedicated sport, recreational precinct and huge park on par with the best parks in top world cities.

Zille said the new park would be landscaped and trees planted to include attractive public open spaces. It would become a significant "green lung" for Cape Town.

Including the sports fields and other recreational facilities, the park would consist of 70 hectares of land. This did not include the 16 hectares that would be occupied by the new 2010 stadium that would also include recreational facilities.

Referring to the old stadium that is to be demolished, Zille said the medium term plan was to construct a dedicated athletics track on the site of the old stadium - but this plan depended on a range of other approvals being granted.

"One of the reasons so much work is going into planning a stadium is precisely to ensure that it does not end up a white elephant after the World Cup. We have brought in top independent consultants to undertake a risk analysis at every step of the way - and one of the key risk factors we have to avoid is the white elephant outcome.

"We are going out soon on a call for proposals for the operator of a stadium and the key will be finding a long term operator with a viable plan."

Zille said it should not be a foregone conclusion that the construction of a new stadium did not make financial sense for the city.

"We will be spending around R400-million on the stadium in return for a massive investment from central government in both the stadium and infrastructure. If the interest of potential operators is anything to go by, this development could have long-lasting impact on the city."

She said there was already significant interest from entrepreneurs with ideas for post 2010 use of the stadium.

"We will be evaluating all the proposals within the broader context of retaining the rest of the Common as a viable sport precinct and urban park."

The city's 2010 spokesperson, Pieter Cronje, said demolition of the old stadium would probably start towards the end of the month and should take about six weeks to complete. Dismantling and removing doors, chairs and other equipment would start this weekend.

But, despite the progress and the rezoning approval on Friday Environmental and Planning MEC Tasneem Essop of the Common from public open space to one for community facilities, the Green Point Common Association remains strongly opposed to the stadium being built anywhere on the Common.

Zille, city officials, planners and legal experts were locked in extended talks with the Association yesterday to find a solution.

David Polovin, chairman of the Association said while residents were strongly opposed to the construction of the new stadium, a compromise could be reached if the role of the private sector in managing and maintaining both the stadium and sport precinct could be clarified and entrenched.

"We believe great care should be taken that the new stadium does not become a white elephant. We believe city officials simply cannot successfully run such a facility. We want private sector involvement, we want a management team to manage and maintain the urban park and sport precinct to the benefit of all."

Referring to the talks with the mayor and top city officials and legal experts, Polovin said he believed the involvement of the private sector would offer a reasonable alternative.

"We hope to reach a compromise that will meet these requirements. But we will ultimately still have to report back to the public, and specifically our constituency, to get a fresh mandate - either to continue opposing or to agree to allow the stadium to be built subject to our compromise proposals being accepted."

Polovin said most of the Green Point objectors still believed that the new stadium should be built closer to the vast majority of soccer supporters.

"Athlone is the ideal site. Why are we building a big fat-cat stadium in an area where it is completely unjustified? We are not against 2010, but we do not believe this is the right location," he said.

World-class urban park planned for Cape Town

By Willem Steenkamp

A huge world-class urban park and dedicated sports and recreational precinct is on the cards for Cape Town as part of the 2010 Soccer World Cup Stadium development at Green Point.

The 70-hectare park and the surrounding sport facilities are expected to be on a par with similar great public parks in other world cities, like Central Park in New York, and will include green public spaces, landscaped garden sections and tree-lined walkways.

And the recreational node that forms part of Cape Town's new green lung will consist of a multi-purpose sports precinct, with at least seven full-sized playing fields for sports like rugby, soccer, hockey and cricket, as well as club facilities.

City Mayor Helen Zille and other senior city officials gave Weekend Argus a sneak preview of far-reaching proposals that could change the face of the Common.

'A significant green lung for Cape Town'
The rezoning approval on Friday by Environmental and Planning Tasneem Essop of the Green Point Common from a public open space to community facility has been welcomed by planners as the catalyst that will finally get the building of Cape Town's new 68 000 seat stadium moving ahead at pace.

The new stadium will be built on part of the current Metropolitan Golf Course site. New land will be designated for a nine hole golf course that will run along the edge of the Common closest to the sea, with an L-shape sweep back towards the stadium site.

Announcing her agreement for the rezoning of the Common from public open space community facilities, Essop said: "My decision addresses the triple bottom line of sustainable development, which ensures environmental integrity, economic development and social justice."

She said she believed that negative environmental impacts put to her in 23 appeals against her department's environmental Record of Decisions would be adequately mitigated.

Zille stressed that the proposed plans for the Common would still need the approval and backing of all role players and the necessary statutory approval.

This approval included Friday's rezoning by provincial government and a "consent of use", which must still be given by the city council.

"On a project of this magnitude there are various work streams, each with their own objectives, management teams and timelines.

"The overarching strategy must be to keep everything happening at the right time, in the right sequence," the mayor said.

"But we cannot pre-empt the primary decisions, which must be taken on a basis of factual and objective evaluations, on the rezoning and consent usage, for example."

Referring to facilities around the proposed new stadium, Zille said the current proposal was for the realignment and upgrading of the entire Common into a dedicated sport, recreational precinct and huge park on par with the best parks in top world cities.

Zille said the new park would be landscaped and trees planted to include attractive public open spaces. It would become a significant "green lung" for Cape Town.

Including the sports fields and other recreational facilities, the park would consist of 70 hectares of land. This did not include the 16 hectares that would be occupied by the new 2010 stadium that would also include recreational facilities.

Referring to the old stadium that is to be demolished, Zille said the medium term plan was to construct a dedicated athletics track on the site of the old stadium - but this plan depended on a range of other approvals being granted.

"One of the reasons so much work is going into planning a stadium is precisely to ensure that it does not end up a white elephant after the World Cup. We have brought in top independent consultants to undertake a risk analysis at every step of the way - and one of the key risk factors we have to avoid is the white elephant outcome.

"We are going out soon on a call for proposals for the operator of a stadium and the key will be finding a long term operator with a viable plan."

Zille said it should not be a foregone conclusion that the construction of a new stadium did not make financial sense for the city.

"We will be spending around R400-million on the stadium in return for a massive investment from central government in both the stadium and infrastructure. If the interest of potential operators is anything to go by, this development could have long-lasting impact on the city."

She said there was already significant interest from entrepreneurs with ideas for post 2010 use of the stadium.

"We will be evaluating all the proposals within the broader context of retaining the rest of the Common as a viable sport precinct and urban park."

The city's 2010 spokesperson, Pieter Cronje, said demolition of the old stadium would probably start towards the end of the month and should take about six weeks to complete. Dismantling and removing doors, chairs and other equipment would start this weekend.

But, despite the progress and the rezoning approval on Friday Environmental and Planning MEC Tasneem Essop of the Common from public open space to one for community facilities, the Green Point Common Association remains strongly opposed to the stadium being built anywhere on the Common.

Zille, city officials, planners and legal experts were locked in extended talks with the Association yesterday to find a solution.

David Polovin, chairman of the Association said while residents were strongly opposed to the construction of the new stadium, a compromise could be reached if the role of the private sector in managing and maintaining both the stadium and sport precinct could be clarified and entrenched.

"We believe great care should be taken that the new stadium does not become a white elephant. We believe city officials simply cannot successfully run such a facility. We want private sector involvement, we want a management team to manage and maintain the urban park and sport precinct to the benefit of all."

Referring to the talks with the mayor and top city officials and legal experts, Polovin said he believed the involvement of the private sector would offer a reasonable alternative.

"We hope to reach a compromise that will meet these requirements. But we will ultimately still have to report back to the public, and specifically our constituency, to get a fresh mandate - either to continue opposing or to agree to allow the stadium to be built subject to our compromise proposals being accepted."

Which is the stadium for the third place match?

Which is the stadium for the third place match?
The schedule has not been decided upon yet by FIFA.
The LOC would like the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in PE to host the 3rd place match. That is probably the most likely venue.http://www.rendertaxi.de/img/projekte/full/spe_01.jpg
http://www.rendertaxi.de/img/projekte/full/spe_02.jpg
http://www.rendertaxi.de/img/projekte/full/spe_03.jpg
http://www.rendertaxi.de/img/projekte/full/spe_04.jpg

It comes fully fitted with an adjacent dam/pond for drunk english fans.

^^ To throw up into or to drown in?

^^ To throw up into or to drown in?
its a multi-purpose pond.unruly behaviour and you get chucked in the dam.

I would like to see how they'd manage the renovations to the Jo'berg stadium. That has a lot of promise. The Green Point scheme looks more and more complex by the day.

I would like to see how they'd manage the renovations to the Jo'berg stadium. That has a lot of promise. The Green Point scheme looks more and more complex by the day.
yeah soccer city will be an interesting stadium...greenpoint should be fine...once the contractors are chosen they will be under pressure...the urban park will really transform the dump around the stadium

Nice stadium that Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, but and this genoraly (WTF!)speaking I always like the stadiums more when the second tire is bigger then the first. small note, for the rest it's okay!

Jowell backs 2010 and a Games in (South)Africa
UK planner supports Cape's bid for semifinal

By Anél Powell

While the jury is still out on whether the City of Cape Town and objectors will be able to reach a compromise agreement on the construction of the 2010 stadium on Green Point Common, Britain's Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Tessa Jowell, has urged detractors to "get behind it" and support the city's bid to host a semifinal event.

"This is something where there are bound to be cynics all over the place. I say, get behind it. And God speed to the Local Organising Committee."

Jowell, the UK's cabinet minister responsible for the 2012 Olympic Games, spoke to the Cape Town Press Club on Monday about the lessons that can be learnt and shared between South Africa and the UK ahead of 2010 and the Olympics in 2012.

However, she did emphasise the importance of keeping the public informed
DA leader Tony Leon was among the guests who attended Monday's discussion, as well as Paul Boateng, the British High Commissioner to SA, and former mayor Clive Keegan.

Although she has spent the past week in East London working on a soccer outreach programme with the rural community, Jowell has on previous visits met the Local Organising Committee for 2010.

"Last time (we met), we all agreed on the importance of robust budget control."

Referring to London's preparations for the construction of its 80 000-seat Olympic stadium, Jowell said it was imperative that local planners made sure that the Green Point Stadium did not become a "white elephant" after the World Cup.

She said 75 percent of the London structure would be dismantled after the games, reducing the capacity of the stadium to 20 000. Jowell said one million pieces of sporting equipment would be relocated to other sites after the event.

"This is better for maintenance and running costs."

Pieter Cronje, the city's project manager for 2010, confirmed later that the top tier of the 68 000-seat stadium at Green Point would be removed after the event to leave a 55 000- seater venue.

"Two options are being investigated - temporary, scaffold-type seating which can be removed, or more permanent seats which can be removed and used elsewhere after 2010."

Proposed post-2010 uses for the stadium include business suites, conference facilities, a banqueting venue, museum, gymnasium, sports science clinic, games and amusement spaces.

Jowell declined to comment on Cape Town's progress in terms of planning and preparation for 2010.

"It would be discourteous for an outsider to make judgments about local discussions because I know how sensitive these things are."

However, she did emphasise the importance of keeping the public informed about ongoing discussions and projects.

Jowell suggested that failure to do so could result in unnecessary delays. "And time is expensive."

She also urged the media to "(not) lose touch with (their) public" when reporting on 2010 issues.

"Even in East London, the rural community knew that South Africa was hosting the World Cup."

Jowell said the city would only succeed in its bid to host the event if it engaged in "real partnerships" with those involved, and she said there would be greater interaction between the UK and SA ahead of the countries' respective sporting events.

"And I hope it will (not be too long) before Africa gets to host the Olympics."

* This article was originally published on page 6 of The Cape Times on January 09, 2007

Cape Times

Published on the Web by IOL on 2007-01-09 01:30:00
© Independent Online 2005. All rights reserved. IOL publishes this article in good faith but is not liable for any loss or damage caused by reliance on the information it contains.

Polokwane stadium contract to be awarded before month end
WORLD-CUP-STADIUMSThe contractor for the new R797-million Peter Mokaba sports stadium, in Polokwane, will be announced on January 22, with construction expected to start shortly thereafter.

Speaking to Engineering News Online, Polokwane municipality spokesperson Mabilu Mokwalakwala confirmed that stadium construction was scheduled to start on February 5, with completion proposed for December 30, 2008.

The new stadium will have 45 000 seats, a 500-seat VIP area with its own entrance, seats for 1 675 media representatives, 200 TV positions, an 800-m2 VIP reception area and lounge, offices and storage areas, and parking for players and officials.

The Peter Mokaba stadium is one of five new stadiums that will be built in preparation for the 2010 Fifa soccer World Cup, including King Senzangakhona stadium, in Durban, Nelson Mandela stadium, in Port Elizabeth, Mbombela stadium, in Nelspruit and Green Point stadium, in Cape Town.

Late last month, government announced that each main contractor would be ready to move on site by February.

“That will give us ample time to complete the stadiums,” said Finance Minister Jabu Molekti, in December, briefing media on government's preparations for the World Cup.

Meanwhile, the Western Cape Environmental Affairs Minister Tasneem Essop last week approved the rezoning application that would allow the construction of the controversial new stadium in Green Point. The Green Point stadium has been rezoned from a public space to a community facilities use zone.

This includes the contested area of the Green Point common and the Metropolitan golf course.

In addition, the new Mbombela stadium, located at Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, which marked the beginning of construction with a sod-turning ceremony, in December, indicated that it would start stadium construction in early January.

The construction period envisaged was 24-months, with completion scheduled for December 2008.

The five stadiums that are scheduled for upgrading are Ellis Park, in Johannesburg, Loftus Versveld, in Pretoria, Free State stadium, in Bloemfontein, Royal Bafokeng, in Rustenburg and the FNB stadium, in Johannesburg.

http://www.joburg-archive.co.za/images_2007/jan/ellis_front.jpg
'Gateways' to Ellis Park on the cards

Plans to upgrade Ellis Park in time for the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup include creating northern and southern gateways to the area, which will give a sense of arrival.

January 9, 2007

By Anish Abraham

GREATER Ellis Park being given an extreme makeover, with the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) implementing rehabilitation plans to beautify the area in preparation for the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup.

These plans were presented to current and potential inner city investors at a function on Johannesburg's Urban Development Zone, held in Newtown. In the inner city the agency is focusing on the central business district, Newtown, the Greater Ellis Park precinct and the area around Park Station.
An artist's impression of the Doornfontein Northern Gateway

An artist's impression of the Doornfontein Northern Gateway

According to Agmat Badat, the JDA's senior manager in charge of the project, northern and southern gateways to the Ellis Park precinct will be established, making the area more accessible, safe and aesthetically pleasing.

"This is major entry point into the area and we want to make a statement of arriving into the Greater Ellis Park precinct," he said.

The Ellis Park stadium features on Fifa's list of host stadiums for the 2010 World Cup and is expected to host several group matches. City officials are also hopeful it will be chosen to host at least a quarter final match.

To the north, the agency is targeting open public spaces in the area, as well as pedestrian routes along Joe Slovo Drive, Charlton Terrace, Hadfield Road and Sivewright Avenue in Doornfontein.

The northern gateway upgrade is expected to cost about R21,5-million for the civil work and R3,5-million for the electrical work, with funding coming from the City and the national Department of Transport.

According to Badat, work on the northern gateway and along Siemert and Sivewright avenues should be completed by June. "Environmental upgrades will include improved pedestrian circulation, feature lighting, safety and security features as well as a public art component."

Interventions at the southern gateway, entered through Bezuidenhout and Bertrams roads, are improved accessibility and signage. This is targeted at those coming into the area from OR Tambo International Airport and the city's eastern and southern suburbs.
Environmental upgrade to include: improved pedestrian circulation, feature lighting, safety and security features and public art component

Environmental upgrade to include: improved pedestrian circulation, feature lighting, safety and security features and public art component

The JDA put out a tender related to improving public lighting in the area in the second week of December. "The tender is only for the manufacture and supply of lights, which the contractors doing the construction will take possession of and install," Badat explained.

The agency is improving the urban environment in Johannesburg's inner city through initiatives such as improved, fashionable lighting, improved pedestrian access, benches, improved signage and introducing public art.


http://www.joburg-archive.co.za/images_2007/jan/ellispark001.jpg
http://www.joburg-archive.co.za/images_2007/jan/ellispark00.jpg
http://www.joburg-archive.co.za/images_2007/jan/ellispark00.jpg

yeah soccer city will be an interesting stadium...greenpoint should be fine...once the contractors are chosen they will be under pressure...the urban park will really transform the dump around the stadium

I read the other day that the they just had their latest Cape Minstrel festival at Green Point. Minstrels are like a longstanding tradition in the Cape. In Europe, that tradition had faded away a century or so ago and, in addition, minstrels elsewhere have taken on a negative image because of political correctness.

It would be cool if they had the opening ceremony with people wearing shiny costumes.

See here the football atmosphere in South Africa

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3930397444668306072&q=kaizer+chiefs

Was at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium construction site before Christmas, and it seems they've demolished the rugby/cricket club that was there and levelled the ground in preparation for construction.

The pictures provided look idyllic, however the stadium is siuated in an industrial zone. The Cadburys factory, from which most chocolate in South Africa is distributed, is within two hundred or so meters of the stadium.

Poverty and crime seem higher than average there and the whole area will require major investment.

Port Elizabeth, however, is a great place to holiday. It's cheap (we ate at a place called Angelo's for R14-R20), friendly, and the authorities seem more than welcoming of tourists and investment.

The opening of season on 16 December, was amazing.

Come to South Africa in 2010. For a purely African experience.

2010 stadium cost shock


By Linsday Dentlinger

The City of Cape Town is racing against the clock to negotiate a reduction in the cost of building the 2010 World Cup stadium at Green Point, after its top three preferred contractors put in bids at least 30% above council estimates.

The city has put a price tag of R2.49 billion on the stadium.

The top three bidders, Group Five; a joint venture of Murray and Roberts and WBHO; and Steffanutti & Bressan Civils with Constructora do Tamega SA are confirmed to have submitted bids above the budget figure.

Now the city has called in private sector experts to assist with its negotiations.

This latest hurdle puts Cape Town in the same boat as Durban, which has indefinitely postponed the awarding of a tender for its 2010 stadium because bidders came in over budget.

A tender by a consortium of Group Five and WBHO is reported to be favoured in Durban, but the Treasury was not prepared at this stage to make up the shortfall of around 30% to build the stadium at an estimated cost of R1.8bn.

Cape Town's mayoral committee member for finance, Ian Neilson, told the Cape Argus that the city was working flat out to reach a compromise with local contractors. He believed it was a "resolvable problem".

Neilson said he was confident that the city could pare down the tenders.

The council is considering dividing the tender into sections, which could be awarded in phases as work was required.

Neilson said that if local prices could not be beaten down, the city could consider hiring foreign companies to do some of the work down the line, but that the schedule did not allow for their involvement in the initial construction work.

The tender hitch would not delay preparation of he site for construction, and preliminary earthworks could still go ahead as planned next month.

"We are in a time squeeze, but we are examining the tenders very thoroughly.

"We want the best deal for the city, even if it is the national government's money," he said.

"The key issue is to get on site, because time is of the essence. We are working flat out to get to the point where we can proceed."

Neilson said it was crucial that the tender be awarded within the next month, as any delays could mean costs escalating by around R30m a month.

A City of Cape Town official has visited Durban to exchange views on how to deal with their shared predicament.

Murray and Roberts new business executive Tony Matthews said the the city's cost estimates were not known to the company.

"We don't know what the make-up is, but we submitted a price which is realistic with the market," he said.

There had been a dramatic increase in the cost of building material throughout the country recently, which had affected the cost of construction.

Matthews said the thin skills base had affected the labour situation in the construction industry and that recruits often had to be sought from abroad.

Group Five's area manager had not re-sponded to a request for comment at the time of going to press.

The city council had been expected to award the tender for the construction soon after Environment MEC Tasneem Es-sop took a decision on the appeals against the siting of the stadium and the rezoning of Green Point Common from a public open space to a space for community facilities.

She gave the go-ahead for construction to begin, pending the city's approval of the consent use for the rezoned common, which it is due to give next week.

The existing stadium is being prepared for demolition at the end of the month, with the removal of valuable items.

The demolition work is included in the tender contract currently under scrutiny.

The city will advertise the building plans for the stadium towards the end of next week for public comment, before a full sitting of the council is expected to pass them next month.

Published on the web by Cape Argus on January 10, 2007. © Cape Argus 2007. All rights reserved.

End of the road for a proud arena

By Anél Powell

Work has started on the dismantling of the Green Point Stadium, which has over the past 50 years hosted numerous local and international sporting heroes and celebrities.

A team of the City of Cape Town's sport and recreation department this week started removing seats, fencing, roof sheets, roller doors and the irrigation system from the venue.

The previous city administration spent R2-million on resurfacing the tartan track in 2003. A further R2-million was also spent then on "general upgrading" of the stadium which has now been deemed as "unviable" for redevelopment.

The loudspeakers that once reverberated with the sounds of musical legends such as Michael Jackson, Paul Simon and, in 2004, with U2 and others who took part in the first 46664 concert for Nelson Mandela, will also be removed.

Pieter Cronje, of the city's 2010 project team, said on Tuesday that the items removed this week would be stored and re-used at other city facilities.

He said at this stage, no steel was being removed from the stadium structure.

Cronje could not provide an estimate of the value of the items being removed this week, but he said they were "of sufficient value so as not to lose them in the demolition".

Dave Hugo, city project manager for the construction of the 2010 stadium, said the athletic track would be relocated to another facility on the Green Point Common.

Cronje said that, as the demolition of the stadium had been on the cards irrespective of 2010, the city would be paying for the dismantling from its own budget and not from the 2010 allocation.

The city has said it will contribute R400-million to the construction of a new 68 000-seat stadium to be located on part of the Metropolitan Golf Course and Green Point Common.

Cronje said the demolition contractors were expected to be on site by the end of January. The demolition, which would be by mechanical means and not by implosion or explosion, would take about six weeks.

Concrete from the demolition would either be crushed on site to produce land fill material or be used as raw material to build roads.

The informal traders who use the parking lot outside the stadium as a weekend flea market will be moved to an area behind the stadium, said Cronje. He said the city had "reached an agreement" with the traders about the new site for the market.

Traders would also be allowed to set up stalls on a nearby city-owned field.

On January 17 the council will vote on giving final statutory consent for construction of the stadium to begin.



* This article was originally published on page 4 of The Cape Times on January 10, 2007

Cape Times

Published on the Web by IOL on 2007-01-10 00:40:00
© Independent Online 2005. All rights reserved. IOL publishes this article in good faith but is not liable for any loss or damage caused by reliance on the information it contains.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/104/289627133_3933b42627.jpg?v=0
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/130/334369846_fc3ad03019.jpg?v=0
http://www.shiltsmusic.com/photos/46664.jpg

Who foots the bill for Durban 2010 stadium?

By Bongani Mthembu

Ethekwini manager Dr Mike Sutcliffe is keeping his cards close to his chest on whether ratepayers will foot the bill for construction of Durban's new World Cup soccer stadium.

This comes after weekend reports that Fifa's new demands for additional facilities at the stadiums, and the escalated cost for construction of the King Senzangakhona Stadium, would force the city to fork out from its coffers to cover shortfalls.

The Sunday Tribune reported that eThekwini wanted the central government to cover the cost of the stadium, but the national treasury was still only offering the city R1,8-billion for stadium development and other World Cup upgrades for the city.

Sutcliffe on Sunday refused to say whether the city would end up footing the bill.

'There is no need to panic'
"The national government, the province, the city and the businesses will cover the cost. Everything is under control and there is no need to panic," he said.

The preferred bidder for the stadium, Group Five/WBHO-/Pandev JV, is believed to be asking R1,8-billion, excluding VAT, for construction, and there is fear that costs might escalate to more than R2-billion.

The initial estimate cost was R1,6-billion when the design of the stadium was announced early last year. Escalating cement and steel costs could, however, sink the city's hopes of keeping within the R1,6-billion budget.

Sutcliffe said members of the Local Organising Committee, headed by Dr Irvin Khoza, would be in Durban on Wednesday and that the preferred bidder would be officially announced this week.

Some additional facilities that Fifa demand to be added include back-up generators.

The report said Fifa wanted stadiums to have generators because it had doubts regarding South Africa's electricity supply following embarrassing power cuts in Cape Town in 2004.

Fifa is also reported to have asked for safety evacuation chambers for high profile spectators in case of emergency and strongrooms for VIPs.

These images are a few months old. The roof at the main pavillion has been duplicated at the end still under construction.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/106/298905664_cd370b7551_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/115/298905661_8a99b90f9f_b.jpg

The north and south stand will then be completed.

Stadium render:
http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/7089/athlone111gv9.jpg

^^ ^^ ^^
this so-called training facility will end up looking way better than some of the 2010 WC stadiums, such as the Peter Mokaba Stadium or the Royal Bafokeng Stadium...
http://www.go2africa.com/football-world-cup-2010/images/stadiums/polokwane.jpg http://www.go2africa.com/football-world-cup-2010/images/stadiums/rustenburg.jpg

^^ ^^ ^^
this so-called training facility will end up looking way better than some of the 2010 WC stadiums, such as the Peter Mokaba Stadium or the Royal Bafokeng Stadium...
http://www.go2africa.com/football-world-cup-2010/images/stadiums/polokwane.jpg http://www.go2africa.com/football-world-cup-2010/images/stadiums/rustenburg.jpg

"so-called"- it is one of two official training venues in CT for the world cup, will also be used as a viewing park on match days. its also set to host world cup warm up matches.

peter mokaba design was updated a while back.

"so-called"- it is one of two official training venues in CT for the world cup, will also be used as a viewing park on match days. its also set to host world cup warm up matches.

peter mokaba design was updated a while back.

any renders of the update design on the peter mokaba???
and what about the royal bafokeng, will it keep that same design???

I agree with cmc, the training venue does look better than some of the smaller stadia that will host WC matches. I really like the look of it.

Those last few articles look a little ominous in terms of budget blow-outs. Is everything going to be alright or are we going to have to put up with the Aussie FA/media circling with their bizarre claims to be the 'emergency' cover?

I don't know if I can handle another round of "AFL grounds are no worse than grounds with running tracks", and FIFA might let Australia use smaller stadiums, or numerous stadiums in one city, etc.

Those last few articles look a little ominous in terms of budget blow-outs. Is everything going to be alright or are we going to have to put up with the Aussie FA/media circling with their bizarre claims to be the 'emergency' cover?

I don't know if I can handle another round of "AFL grounds are no worse than grounds with running tracks", and FIFA might let Australia use smaller stadiums, or numerous stadiums in one city, etc.

Well, this is how it works, National Gvt has no shortage of money,however,they only allocated a certain amount to each city, so e.g. cape town got R1.93 billion, and the city contributed R400 million and the province R112 million so the remaining millions will have to be covered either by the private operator, or by the city or by the ratepayers, so the cities have to negotiate with the builders because tenders have been presented in some cases up to 30% higher than the R2.49 billion cost of the stadium...its tricky but construction needs to start by the first quarter of 2007.

Peter Mokaba
http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/8418/petermokabajb8.jpg

Rustenburg stadium will keep with its design, its an existing stadium, has hosted tri nations rugby, some decent football matches and its the only venue that will include an athletics track during the world cup,

the cape town training venue was proposed as a world cup venue, but FIFA did not agree and it cant be built to meet the 60,000 capacity, its not in the greatest area and the field faces the wrong direction amongst other things, FIFA decided on the greenpoint site for cape towns new stadium..

looks good, but I dont like the name, everytime I read it, his blody song rings in my head, "kill da boer, kill da farmer"

Good to hear Mo. So long as the government have money in reserve you would have to assume that in a worst case scenario they will bail out the cities rather than risk losing the finals.

What kind of contingencies does the S.A. bid have? I seem to remember that Germany dropped a stadium or two from their original bid but still had enough to stage the finals. How many can S.A. afford to drop?

^^ we have already dropped ours from the sounds of it

Peter Mokaba
http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/8418/petermokabajb8.jpg

yeah that's a way better design than the original one...

http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/7789/1plan2010wn4.png



1- Granger Bay Boulevard - Connects to $1billion Waterfront Waterfont Plans/Info (http://www.eprop.co.za/news/article.aspx?idArticle=8309)


2 - Existing Cricket Club - United Cricket Club

3- World Cup stadium with surrounding concourse, Capacity 68,000
Rugby, Football, perhaps athletics

4 - Golf Course [ expansion - stadium site will be built at existing golf course location, so golf course "shifted" outwards
http://www.sa-venues.com/golf/wc_metropolitan.htm

5- Current use: Cricket, Future Use: Cricket and Field Hockey

6- Site of old GreenPoint Stadium to be partially demolished, a "grand stand" will be retained and the remainder of seats will be a grass embankment similar to the Sydney Athletic Centre

7- New Urban Park, integrated into surrounding sports facilities
Full story : http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20070106092142988C213897

8- Existing Tennis Club, new stadium to be built as part of expansion, to form a Tennis Centre, 23 courts in total

9- Existing Bowls Club

10 - Hamilton's Rugby Club - Founded 1887 - http://www.hamiltonsrfc.co.za/history/index.php

11 - Urban Park Forecourt/Soccer Fields

12-Residential- Somerset Precinct, existing accommodation to be transformed
http://www.sabcnews.com/economy/business/0,2172,141801,00.html

Images of the site currently

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/130/334369846_fc3ad03019_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/139/358309461_422781395b_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/109/291702765_d13cd438e9.jpg?v=0
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/104/289627133_3933b42627_o.jpg

Stadium conceptual design
http://www.greenpointcommon.co.za/_imgs/gpca_stadium_4.jpg
http://www.greenpointcommon.co.za/_imgs/gpca_stadium_5.jpg
http://www.greenpointcommon.co.za/_imgs/gpca_stadium_6.jpg

More park for Cape Town

Extra R55m to boost Green Point development

By Anél Powell

The City of Cape Town will allocate an additional R55-million towards the development of an urban park on Green Point Common in an attempt to assure residents that the upgrade will not be overshadowed by the construction of the 2010 stadium.

Ian Neilson, mayoral committee member for finance, said on Tuesday that the budget for developing the Common would be increased from R65m to R120m when the adjustments budget was decided at the end of the month.

"We want to give the assurance that there is enough money on the table so that not only the stadium will be built."

Neilson said that, given concerns about the delay in awarding the construction contract because of the above-budget tender being offered, the city wanted to ensure the development of the rest of the Common did not fall behind.

Other concessions included a recommendation by the mayoral committee that the council agrees to establish a forum to give representatives of Mouille Point, Green Point, Granger Bay and others a say in the future of the Common.

David Polovin, of the Green Point Residents' Association, said while these changes were a step in the right direction, it was too soon to say a satisfactory agreement had been reached.

He said the formation of a representative forum had been set out in Environment, Planning and Economic Development MEC Tasneem Essop's decision. But the association wanted the city to "flesh out properly" what this forum would entail.

Polovin commended the city for increasing its allocation by more than R50m, which he said came after the association had requested that R150m be set aside for development.

"We are now waiting anxiously for the city to sign a memorandum of understanding." The association has threatened to take legal action

* This article was originally published on page 1 of The Cape Times on January 17, 2007

Cape Times

Published on the Web by IOL on 2007-01-17 01:40:00
© Independent Online 2005. All rights reserved. IOL publishes this article in good faith but is not liable for any loss or damage caused by reliance on the information it contains.

King Senz stadium
Includes stadium visuals.

Article: http://www.sabcnews.co.za/politics/t...141874,00.html

Video:
http://www.sabcnews.co.za/video_ram/0,1573,43240,00.ram

Real Player required to view video

Soccer City, Jhb

Article:http://www.sabcnews.co.za/sport/soccer/0,2172,142033,00.html

Video(SABC News) :http://www.sabcnews.co.za/video_ram/0,1573,43278,00.ram

Will the new Cape Town and Durban stadia be open in time for the Lions tour in 2009 (which I'm hoping to go on :))...?

Will the new Cape Town and Durban stadia be open in time for the Lions tour in 2009 (which I'm hoping to go on :))...?

Open by October 2009, So i dont think so.

Shame. Guess it will be Newlands - Kings Park - Ellis Park again.

and what happen with this design for the Cape Town stadium?????
I personally like it more than the GreenPoint desing....
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/520/ctok5.png

Shame. Guess it will be Newlands - Kings Park - Ellis Park again.

I would rather prefer to watch a rugby game in Kings Park than the new Senz stadium, Kings Park is the home of Rugby in KZN, I hope they keep it after the new one is built. Nothing better than to be watching an exciting game on one of the steepest stands in the world, the emotions alone will leave you breathless, you wouldnt know whether to jump with excitment or shit in you pants thinking you going to fall & tumble to the bottom :D

and what happen with this design for the Cape Town stadium?????
I personally like it more than the GreenPoint desing....
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/520/ctok5.png
an old proposal before the greenpoint stadium proposal was made public....

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2010 lead stadium work begins

18 January 2007

The site of Johannesburg's FNB Stadium has been handed over to the builders for a R1.5-billion revamp that will increase its capacity to 94 000 seats - under a roof that leaves the soccer pitch itself open to the sunlight - as South Africa gets down to work in preparation for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

Plans for the construction of four stadiums and upgrading of six others in South Africa's nine 2010 host cities has been completed, and their funding secured, and construction work on all the venues is due to begin over the next few months.

The FNB Stadium - also known as Soccer City - will host the World Cup opening ceremony, first match and final game, as well as five first-round matches, one second-round match and one quarter-final.

The contract for revamping the stadium was awarded to Grinaker-LTA Construction, a subsidiary of JSE-listed The Aveng Group, in a joint venture with Interbeton bv, part of the Royal BAM Group from Holland.

According to the SA Press Assocation (Sapa), German company HBM Stadien-und Sportstaettenbau GmbH - a specialist stadium construction company involved in the 2006 World Cup, and also part of the Royal BAM Group - will be contributing its expertise.

Construction is scheduled to begin in two weeks, and the stadium is expected to be completed by the end of March 2009, Sapa reports.

Speaking at Wednesday's handover and sod-turning ceremony, Johannesburg Mayor Amos Masondo said the city was "ready and prepared to take on the challenge of hosting all relevant events and matches."

R1bn for 2010 legacy projects
Masondo announced that the city had set aside R1-billion for legacy projects aimed at ensuring that Joburg continued to benefit from the World Cup long after the final whistle was blown.

Seven legacy projects had been identified, Masondo said, in order to "stimulate economic and social development in previously neglected areas".

One of the projects will involve the replacement of inner city public utilities such as outdoor refuse bins, benches, vendor stalls, play areas, pathways and ablution facilities.

Others include upgrading undeveloped soccer fields across the city; greening Klipspruit River and its tributaries in Soweto; and building an indoor sports centre complete with Olympic-sized swimming pool and gymnastics hall in Soweto.

R385m for safety and security
Masondo added that Johannesburg had allocated about R385-million for safety and security during the World Cup.

"Safety and security planning for 2010 is at an advanced stage," he said. "The city will be extending the … closed circuit television camera surveillance system throughout the city and linking this with a national database containing biometric data."

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department would train and employ 500 new officers every year, he said, increasing its total number of officers to 4 000 by 2010.

At the same time, the city's safety plans would be integrated into the country's national 2010 security strategy, and Joburg's metro police would be working closely with the South African Police Service and the national intelligence community.

"We want to host a people-friendly and incident-free World Cup and ensure that visitors enjoy the many sights of Johannesburg in a safe and secure environment," Masondo said.

"Let me assure you that our plans and our preparations are on track, on time and within budget. We are ready, we are willing and we are able to host the showpiece events of the world's greatest sporting spectacle."

SouthAfrica.info reporter, BuaNews and City of Johannesburg

Using SAinfo material Want to use this article in your publication or on your website?
See: Using SAinfo material

Council gives thumbs up for 2010 stadium

By Anél Powell

The City of Cape Town has approved the application for Green Point Common land to be used for the 2010 World Cup stadium and has agreed to the partial demolition of the present stadium.

During the debate at a specially convened meeting on Wednesday, executive mayor Helen Zille warned that delays arising from objections to the construction of the stadium would cost the city "billions of rand (in) 2010-linked investments".

"No one should think for a minute that if the building of the new stadium was stopped, by legal or other means, Cape Town would have a plan B semi-final elsewhere," she said.

'There are no delays'
"Do not think that we would still get the money committed for the stadium for other projects. What I am saying is not blackmail or intimidation. These are simply the facts."

The right of the Green Point Common Association and others to object to the stadium being built on part of the common would be respected, said Zille, but "it would be a tragic pity if this investment opportunity for our city were lost".

She reiterated that the city would not agree to a special purpose vehicle or partnership structure being created to manage 2010. This would have more disadvantages than benefits for the city, among them the handing over of political control to the provincial government.

Fifa's agreement was with the city, so the council should remain responsible and keep control over the expenditure for 2010, Zille said.

The council voted in favour of the consent use for a place of assembly, incorporating a multipurpose stadium on the common, as well as the building of an electrical substation.

The partial demolition of the Green Point Stadium was also approved.

Ian Neilson, mayoral committee member for finance, strongly denied suggestions made during the meeting that the city was behind schedule.

"We have seen that there is a campaign (of claims in the media) that Cape Town is (behind). There are no delays."

The city's concern about the tendered prices exceeding the budget was no different from Durban's.

ANC councillor Joseph Thee asked Zille whether emerging contractors and smaller businesses would be recognised in the awarding of contracts for 2010.

Zille said it was not the city's goal for a "handful to get super-rich". While every effort would be made to include the poor and disadvantaged, patronage would not be tolerated, she said.

Koos Bredenhand (ANC) said stripping of the Green Point Stadium had begun before there had been sufficient consultation. He said the materials and items being removed should be given to needy organisations and communities.

Neilson said non-governmental organisations had been approached about taking these.

A decision about which section of the stadium would be preserved would be made after public consultation, he said.

Funding of the partial demolition of the stadium would be included in the total construction costs, he said. Funds for the construction could include money from the city, province or national government.

The only vote against the recommendations was by J P Smith (DA), councillor for the ward that includes Green Point. He said he was required to vote according to his constituency's mandate.

David Polovin, chairperson of the Green Point Common Association, said a public meeting would be held next Thursday to decide whether the association should continue with objections to the building of the 2010 stadium on the common and take legal action against the city.



* This article was originally published on page 3 of The Cape Times on January 18, 2007

Cape Times

Published on the Web by IOL on 2007-01-18 06:23:00
© Independent Online 2005. All rights reserved. IOL publishes this article in good faith but is not liable for any loss or damage caused by reliance on the information it contains.

http://www.greenpointcommon.com/_imgs/gpca_stadium_5.jpg
http://img161.imagevenue.com/aAfkjfp01fo1i-1066/loc519/50992_21csejc_122_519lo.jpg

Don't you hate it when they publish the same pictures over and over again?

depends of the pictures, that picture i just cannot get enough from! great stadium

i dont think the second image appeared the first time i post this..
http://www.greenpointcommon.com/_imgs/gpca_stadium_5.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/21csejc.jpg

jug no ! don't make it a German design!! better to keep it the Valencian style !
but to be hounest, the Alianz does give better view on the pitch.

allianz seats less i think...the stadium will also cater for rugby so the area behind the goal posts will be larger than allianz by a few metres.

Go south africa!!!
see ya 2010

2010: residents back down


By Candes Bailey and Sivuyile Mangxamba

Green Point residents, the arch opponents to the city's plans to build a World Cup sStadium on Green Point Common, have backed down from their position, allaying fears that they might take the government to court.

In a show of hands at a public meeting last night, the Green Point Common Association (GPCA) indicated they supported the construction of a semi-final 68 000-seater stadium, ending months of speculation that Cape Town might have to kiss the World Cup goodbye.

Their position will be taken to the caucus on Saturday morning, where a final decision will be made.

About 300 residents packed into the Sea Point hall, where a committee explained the pros and cons of the construction of the stadium.

At the end of the evening, a show of hands indicated that 103 people supported a compromise, which would see the stadium being built.

Another 73 thought it would be better to take the city to court. There were some abstentions.

GPCA spokesman David Pol-ovin said: "The decision now is that we will not oppose the process but become part of it.

"It's been a tough time for us. We had to deal with different opinions as we had people who were violently opposed to the idea of a stadium and others who favoured it. It was very difficult to reconcile these different interests."

He admitted that he and the association had faced immense pressure over the stand they took regarding the construction of the stadium.

"It was even difficult for the city to negotiate with people determined to go to court," said Pol-ovin, adding that this was all in the past as they prepared now to be the partners in the project.

Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Tasneem Essop said today: "We can now get on with it and deliver a world-class stadium."

Mayor Helen Zille, Cape Town's 2010 administrator, Mike Marsden, mayoral committee member of finance Ian Neilson and councillor JP Smith attended last night's meeting, where they fielded questions from residents.

In an appeal to the residents, Zille said the stadium would be a "win-win" situation for everyone.

Residents wanted to know why the stadium had to have 68 000 seats when other World Cup stadiums were not as large.

They also asked whether the city had asked the majority of soccer's black fans if they wanted a stadium of these proportions.

They were also concerned about the future of the golf course, traffic congestion and what cost they would have to bear after the stadium had been built.

After the meeting, resident Michael Wolfe said he had decided to compromise but that he was sceptical of the council's ability to deliver.

Another resident, Ralph Rosen, felt the show of hands in favour of the stadium would have a tremendous spin-off for Cape Town.

But Leslie McKenzie, a former Fine Music Radio personality, abstained because as a trustee of a block of flats, he felt he needed to consult residents before making a decision.

He said the show of hands could not be regarded as a fair reflection of what the community felt.

Published on the web by Cape Argus on January 26, 2007. © Cape Argus 2007. All rights reserved.

i dont think the second image appeared the first time i post this..
http://www.greenpointcommon.com/_imgs/gpca_stadium_5.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/21csejc.jpg

by the way, this is Capetown no?
I have read some strange storries in dutch newspaper, that they did not know what to do with the stadium after the WC. because the local footballclubs do not want to play in it, what's true about that?

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/mbombela-1.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/mbombela3.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/mbombela2.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/mbombela4.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/mbombela5.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/mbombela6.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/mbombela7.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/senz4.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/senz3.jpg

Stadium Interior:

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/senz.jpg

This picture says: "Berlin!"

This picture says: "Berlin!"

except better.closer to the field and no roof supports.

Of course better. It's 74 years younger. ;)

still it is a shame of the running track...

still it is a shame of the running track...

well rather that than no track at all..distances from the pitch will be comparable to stade de france.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/124/370171899_e4713603a9_b.jpg
The current stadium in the image is being dismantled.

Out of curiosity, what are the attendance figures to South African club soccer matches?

From what I have seen on the tv, the grounds look practically empty.

Out of curiosity, what are the attendance figures to South African club soccer matches?

From what I have seen on the tv, the grounds look practically empty.
very very poor...and i mean very poor...packed stadia for big matches though..the new stadia arent being constructed for soccer purposes only

well rather that than no track at all..

???

???
the city hopes to host the commonwealth games and wants to bid for the olympic games.

I remember seeing the Greenpoint Stadium on my visit to C-Town in 1999 and thinking, "that would be an excellent site for a WC stadium."

I remember seeing the Greenpoint Stadium on my visit to C-Town in 1999 and thinking, "that would be an excellent site for a WC stadium."
sepp blatter felt the same way.

Why is it that the league attendence is so low in SA?

South Africa will pull off a good world cup I'm sure, especially after seeing these stadium designs. Really hope it will be easier to get tickets than in Germany. One thing that should be copied from Germany are the public viewing areas, which arguably where the biggest success of the world cup (especially the ones in Berlin and Frankfurt). Maybe Horst R. Schmidt, the vice president of the FIFA organization committe during the world cup in Germany, who's also now helping out FIFA in SA can float the idea around.

South Africa will pull off a good world cup I'm sure, especially after seeing these stadium designs. Really hope it will be easier to get tickets than in Germany. One thing that should be copied from Germany are the public viewing areas, which arguably where the biggest success of the world cup (especially the ones in Berlin and Frankfurt). Maybe Horst R. Schmidt, the vice president of the FIFA organization committe during the world cup in Germany, who's also now helping out FIFA in SA can float the idea around.

most definitely...public viewing areas have already been designated...fan parks..fan fests etc...all sorted out already..:)ill post some info on that at a later stage.

still it is a shame of the running track...

In one way yes, in another no. The running track is def needed for durban's future endevours. and from the pics the track does not make u too far from the track anyway. At the end of the day having a track in the way doesnt damage much for the majority of people in the stadium

In one way yes, in another no. The running track is def needed for durban's future endevours. and from the pics the track does not make u too far from the track anyway. At the end of the day having a track in the way doesnt damage much for the majority of people in the stadium
and spectators are still closer to the action compared to the berlin olympic staidum...and that stadium hosted the world cup final.

New stadium is crazy, says Sharks boss

By Sibusiso Ngalwa

Ratepayers will know this week how much of the R600 million shortfall for the construction of the King Senzangakhona Stadium they will be expected to make up.

But as provincial officials and preferred building consortium Group 5 sharpened their pencils to reduce costs in the face of the national Treasury's refusal to raise its contribution of R1,8-billion, the project, and eThekwini's handling of it, were lambasted by Sharks Chief Executive Brian van Zyl.

"It is a sad state of affairs, really. In the first instance, to fill that stadium . . . where do you have two stadiums together like this anywhere in the world that are viable? I can't think of any. It doesn't make sense. It's crazy," he said.

He described the World Cup stadium as a potential "White Elephant". Citing the running and maintenance costs of the Sharks' Absa Stadium across the road, Van Zyl asked how similar expenses at King Senzangakhona would be met.

'They were negotiating with Group 5 to bring down its price'
The Absa stadium could have been expanded, making it suitable for the World Cup - and at a fraction of the cost of Senzangakhona, he said. It is understood that the preferred bidder, Group 5, has sent proposals to the eThekwini Municipality with a reduced price, after the Treasury's refusal to provide further funding.

eThekwini Municipality head of Strategic Projects, Julie-May Ellingson, told parliament's sports portfolio committee this week that the city was short of R600-million for the stadium. The national Treasury had allocated R1,8-billion to eThekwini for the development - R1,6-billion for stadium construction and R200-million for the precinct development.

But the Treasury reiterated that it would not increase its allocation to the host cities, five of which have sought a total of R2.5 billion more.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier S'bu Ndebele told the Tribune that a task team would produce a report by Wednesday on how the costs of the stadium could be adjusted to keep it within budget. This team comprises KwaZulu-Natal Director-General Mandla Mchunu, provincial head of Treasury Sipho Shabalala, Transport Head of Department Dr Kwazi Mbanjwa, and Sports and Recreation Head of Department Sumayya Khan.

They were negotiating with Group 5 to bring down its price, said Ndebele.

Group 5 KwaZulu-Natal Managing Director Craig Jessop said, "We've reassessed certain provisions which we had made and we have sent proposals to the city, but nothing has been accepted yet. There is potential to reduce the price," he said.

If all failed, Ndebele said that the provincial government and the eThekwini Municipality would have to find ways to meet the shortfall. He was hoping the private sector would get involved too, he said.

"We hope that people will rise to the occasion, because this is the biggest show on earth and we have to take advantage of that. There won't be another soccer World Cup coming to Africa in our lifetime," he said.

"We have to look at how to adjust costs so that we can come up with the stadium within budget. If not, where can we find the money to cover the overflow? Treasury is not coming to the party, as they are finding it difficult to go beyond what they have allocated," he said.

Ndebele was part of a meeting on January 18 which included City Manager Mike Sutcliffe, 2010 Local Organising Committee bosses Irvin Khoza and Danny Jordaan, and Minister in the Presidency Essop Pahad, to discuss the stadium.

There has been a rumour doing the rounds that the city wasconsidering upgrading Absa Stadium as an alternative.

Sutcliffe would not comment on this. All he would say was that a decision on what was to be done would be made on January 31. "I'm not going to discuss anything right now. The task team has finished their work. All that's left is for a decision to be taken by the political structures," he said.

However, Ndebele said that upgrading the rugby stadium for the World Cup was "out of the question".

"We're going to build this thing (King Senzangakhona); R1,6 billion is a lot of money," he said.

An upbeat Ndebele said the province was confident about hosting a successful World Cup semifinal and would be pushing to be the home ground for five of the 32 competing countries.

Acknowledging that he had heard rumours of a city re-think in light of the Treasury's refusal to budge, Van Zyl said, "We are totally in the dark. We've received no communication - not a phone call, a letter or a fax - since August."

Van Zyl said the municipality had asked the rugby union in August for financial details of its operation. It was given these in September. "We've moved on; we're assuming that the new stadium is going ahead. For us it's business as usual," Van Zyl said.

Rugby suite holders' leases were being renewed at Absa Stadium, some up to 2012. "It would be difficult to move at this stage because of these issues."

But was the union's door still open to negotiations? "In the interests of the city we would be prepared to listen," said Van Zyl.

On whether rugby was interested in moving across to the King Senzangakhona facility, he said it included an athletic track which distanced spectators from the game. A real rugby ground did not have a track around it.

The rugby boss said his union had consulted architects, engineers and quantity surveyors in 2005. They believed they could upgrade Absa Stadium from 50 000 seats to 70 000 for R500 million. "With escalations, the city could do a fantastic job with R1 billion. Now they're talking about R2-billion or more."

Van Zyl said the Absa Stadium cost between R10 million and R12-million a year to run and maintain. "This for a 50 000-seater. Can you imagine what the upkeep of the new stadium (with 70 000 seats) would be?"

At a lunch with Sutcliffe, he said he had floated the idea of eThekwini buying the Absa Stadium. The informal price tag was R400-million. And the proposal was that the city could lease it to rugby.

"He did not seem keen on this," Van Zyl said.

* This article was originally published on page 2 of The Sunday Tribune on January 28, 2007

Tribune

Published on the Web by IOL on 2007-01-28 09:00:00
© Independent Online 2005. All rights reserved. IOL publishes this article in good faith but is not liable for any loss or damage caused by reliance on the information it contains.

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Durban stadium to go ahead without any design changes...

RATEPAYERS OFF THE HOOK

Province will pay stadium shortfall
January 31, 2007 The Mercury Edition 2

Colleen Dardagan

DURBAN'S R2.6 billion 2010 soccer World Cup stadium has received the go-ahead and will proceed largely as originally conceived. After weeks of negotiations, it has emerged that ratepayers will not have to finance the R800 million shortfall.

This assurance was given yesterday as the eThekwini Municipality's executive committee unanimously voted to leave the present design untouched and to press ahead with the development of the stadium, regardless of the large overrun.

The stadium was originally expected to cost R1.8 billion.

It was approved with the proviso that rates would not increase and service budgets would not be compromised.

City Manager Mike Sutcliffe said after a critical meeting with Premier S'bu Ndebele that it had been agreed that the province would assist by putting R300 million into the kitty. The remaining R500 million would come from money already set aside for special long-term projects such as the iDube Trade Port and the people mover, among others.

"National Treasury and the local organising committee asked us if we could build a stadium for less than R1.8 billion, to which we applied our minds - but changing the design of the stadium would have incurred further cost implications without any guarantee that the final figure would come in under the R1.8 billion estimate," he said.

Sutcliffe, who was relieved that the matter had been settled, said this was a vote of confidence in the city's technical team and in the processes put in place to ensure the city met Fifa's stringent deadlines.

The Democratic Alliance's John Steenhuisen said that, while the party had no response from the city for an investigation into how the estimates for the new stadium had been calculated last year, he was satisfied that the city had made the right decision.

"We have appreciated the dialogue from the city manager's office and have investigated the three options very thoroughly.

"The first option to change the design was just not feasible as the abortive costs in calling for new designs, reappointing consultants and reconfiguring the piling would have cost almost the same as the present shortfall.

"The second option to cut back on some of the iconic features of the new stadium was also not appropriate. I believe this decision will protect ratepayers in the long term as the cost-cutting measure would have brought the sustainability of the stadium into question.

"The third option to upgrade the Absa Stadium, which was also thoroughly investigated, just doesn't make good financial sense."

Steenhuisen said the DA would have vetoed the motion in principle if a move to increase rates or a cut in service budgets was mooted.

"We feel very strongly that the national Treasury should be paying for the cost of the stadium and, as such, have requested that it underwrites the risk," he said.

Minority Front representative Jayraj Singh said that as long as service to the community was not compromised, the plans for the new stadium should go ahead.

A full council meeting will be held today at Folweni, near Amanzimtoti, where plans for the official naming of the stadium and the executive committee decision on the funding will be announced.

HELL YEAH! :rock:

2010 LOC/FIFA headquarters opens

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, January 31 -- After more than 12 months of waiting, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and FIFA finally moved into the Safa House at the FNB today.

Molefi Oliphant, the president of the South African Football Association (Safa) and landlord of Safa House, handed the keys to Irvin Khoza, the chairperson of the LOC, to officially open the building -- a month and a half after the set deadline.

Khoza congratulated Safa saying South African football finally has a home. He says they do not just have an ordinary home but an iconic building where history will be able to say that people who served football in this time offered this particular home for football in South Africa.

"But also to me it is another indication of the asset building project of Safa to say beyond 2010, what legacy will be left behind," says Khoza.

The R86 million facility will accommodate 250 people and the building is rated Fifth in the FIFA family worldwide. The LOC is moving in on Friday.

Earlier this week at the AU Summit in Addis Ababa, President Thabo Mbeki spoke about the importance of a strong football administration. The President said out of that will emerge better managers, better institutions of governance with regard to soccer.

FIFA and the LOC will mastermind the 2010 World Cup from the venue while construction company Grinakers also held a luncheon on the FNB Stadium pitch to mark the start of ground's ambitious reconstruction. - SABCnews

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Kaizer Chiefs vs Manchester United, 22 July, Loftus, Pretoria

Video of Loftus Verssfeld World Cup Stadium
During national anthem:http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8795141788736548592&q=rugby+south+africa&hl=en
During rugby match:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMRXsW2_Ks4
A new roof will be constructed over the eastern pavillions

edit =P

The Board of Directors of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ Organising Committee (OC) held their first meeting for the year on 5-6 February 2007. In conjunction with this, the OC also had their first Annual General Meeting.
The Chairman of the OC, Dr Irvin Khoza was all smiles at the subsequent press conference. The OC had resolved many pressing issues and the venues for the FIFA Confederations Cup were ratified at the OC Board level.

There will be five host cities and stadiums for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein and the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Rustenberg will be joining the new Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth in hosting the champions of each of the six confederations, hosts South Africa and Germany 2006 winners, Italy.


LOC CEO Danny Jordaan, FIFA Vice President Mr. David Will, LOC chairman Dr Irvin Khoza and FIFA General Secretary Dr. Urs Linsi (from left to right).
(FIFA.com)

Stadiums on-track
The stadium construction process has come under intense scrutiny by the South African media, with Durban and Cape Town receiving the majority of the attention. Despite being in the final phases of the construction tender processes, both cities were outside of their allocated budgets.
The situation was one which the OC and their technical team's gave extensive time to resolve. At the press conference, Khoza announced that both the King Senzangakhona Stadium in Durban and Greenpoint Stadium in Cape Town's cost overruns were brought to zero, which in turn gave the go-ahead for construction.

The OC technical team was credited for playing an instrumental role in nullifying the three billion Rand deficit. The Cape Town stadium was also threatened by a legal dispute lodged by certain residents living in the area but this has also since been resolved.

In the meantime however, the two stadiums have been doing earthworks. It seems smooth sailing for the OC, as all stadiums are now on schedule and within budget.

Seven month deadline
The ticketing sub-committee of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ held their initial meeting on 4 February under the leadership of FIFA Vice-President, David Will.

The stadiums for the FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa are set to be completed by 31 October 2009 and he said this deadline was imperative as at least seven months is needed from the completion of the stadiums to have the appropriate seating plans in place.

However, Will added that he was filled with "absolute confidence that this will be a wonderful World Cup."

:banana: :banana: :banana:

Hello... Anybody out there. No developments on 2010, Mo? No pictures? Nothing? Come on...

sorry but is there a list of stadia on which construction has already started?

Construction has started on:

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium - Port Elizabeth (new)
King Senzangkhona Stadium - Durban (new) Piling is complete, cranes are being readied on site
Soccer City - Johannesburg (refurb, but extensive so basically new)

Loads more info and more requently posted about in the 2010 thread in the south african section of the forum

I thought they would get a sellout to watch Man U. Though i bet it was second or third string team that actually played? Alot of clueless people wouldn't know though! lol

Anyways, good to hear a bit of progress being made on the stadia.

My friend, you will be surprised the knowledge we have on English soccer, we even know the guys names that play in the Reserves B team ;)

My friend, you will be surprised the knowledge we have on English soccer, we even know the guys names that play in the Reserves B team ;)
No doubt there are quite a few people in South Africa that follow the prem. Likewise in Australia. But i bet there would have been alot of people at that match that don't really know who plays for Man U. It would be the same here as well. lol

So, after all that, did they play many big names? :)

Construction has started on:

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium - Port Elizabeth (new)
King Senzangkhona Stadium - Durban (new) Piling is complete, cranes are being readied on site
Soccer City - Johannesburg (refurb, but extensive so basically new)

Loads more info and more requently posted about in the 2010 thread in the south african section of the forum

more news soon, varsity started today and i get home 7-8pm.

World Cup 2010

World Cup 2010 is our primary catalyst to radically reshape the Western Cape in the image of AsgiSA. Understandably, attention has been fixated on the stadium until now. Having crossed the financing, EIA and HIA hurdles, the path has been cleared for construction to commence in March. An achievement we are proud of as Minister Whitey Jacobs, on our behalf, played a pivotal role in securing the R1.9bn from national government in addition to our own contribution of R212m.



However, WC 2010 has always been about a lot more than just soccer and the stadium. It is an opportunity to accelerate key development investments that can be used in the fight against poverty and under-development. Hence, the R2.7 billion investment into the stadium is regarded by us merely as bait to attract at least another R7- to R8-billion in linked public investments for transport and infrastructure; and a similar amount in private sector investments into the leisure, tourism and retail sectors of the surrounding economy in the V&A Waterfront, the Somerset Hospital Precinct and the larger inner city bowl. In other words, Mr Speaker, we are positioning the Cape to leverage a further R15 billion off the stadium investment. R15 billion is almost 10% of our GDPR!



For ordinary citizens this investment should result in employment in the construction, leisure, transport, tourism and service sectors. But other benefits include:

• Dedicated bus and taxi lanes from the R300 right into Cape Town along the N2;

• The expansion of the airport through a R2 billion expansion investment;

• The planned dedicated rail link from the airport into town for both tourists and Capetownians;

• New retail and leisure industry opportunities associated with the possible passenger liner terminal at the bottom-end of Adderley Street once the link to the harbour is restored;

• The Convention Centre will double its volume, taking our conferencing infrastructure into another league globally;

• We also anticipate at least six new hotels in the Western Cape by 2010.



III. Property Development

The anticipated investments around World Cup 2010 speak to sustaining the unprecedented construction boom. The fact that the first phases of the V&A Waterfront development could have attracted R14bn worth of investment shows the latent potential for future growth that a strategic approach to property management can unlock. The Western Cape government, along with the municipalities in the province are significant property owners, and if we approach our assets from a strategic business perspective we can use these resources as leverage to achieve a host of developmental objectives simultaneously.



To begin this approach, Minister Marius Fransman will bring the strategically located Somerset Hospital site to market in a unique way. We are confident that we can realise the best possible price, advance an inclusive approach to broad-based black economic empowerment, ensure greater social mixing in the inner-city through variable tenure options and categories of housing, maintain a crucial public health facility and augment the substantial surrounding investments along Green Point, the stadium precinct, and of course the V&A Waterfront itself. It is this multi-dimensional outcome that we will pursue with vigour and determination across the province in order to democratise the property sector, foster social integration, and truly embrace integrated human settlements.



Concretely, in the next few years leading up to 2010, we will:

• Develop the Phillipi Stadium precinct as a practice venue and fan park for the 2010 World Cup, in the context of a sustainable human settlement component in Kosovo which will pioneer sustainable building technologies and techniques to bring dignity to people living in the most densely populated slum areas in the city;

No doubt there are quite a few people in South Africa that follow the prem. Likewise in Australia. But i bet there would have been alot of people at that match that don't really know who plays for Man U. It would be the same here as well. lol



No you are wrong. Many of my relatives/friends know players/coaches/transfer offers basically everything about the EPL. Australia is not nearly as crazy as the SA about the EPL.

Do you that ALL games in the EPL are telecast LIVE on cable? The time difference is minimal, so many games are watched on weekends at live time slots. We have only ONE live match per time slot as it is midnight, 3am 5am live kickoff.

No doubt there are quite a few people in South Africa that follow the prem. Likewise in Australia. But i bet there would have been alot of people at that match that don't really know who plays for Man U. It would be the same here as well. lol

So, after all that, did they play many big names? :)

well I wouldnt say they are big names, but they did play, Giggs, Wes Brown, Kiren Richardson, Ola Gona Solsajer, that fench defender, I think Scoles was down too.

Objection to stadium 'was not authorised'

By LINDSAY DENTLINGER
Metro Writer

A submission to the city by the Mouille Point Ratepayers' Association to object to the building plans of the 2010 Green Point stadium was not sanctioned by the association.

Although on its letterhead and signed by its deputy chairperson Bronny Harding, the association's chairman, Marco van Embden, said the committee would need to discuss the contents of the submission before deciding whether or not to back it.

The city on Monday report-ed that it had received 26 objections to the building plans of the stadium, all except one from individual residents of Sea Point and Green Point.

When contacted by the Cape Argus, Van Embden said he was flummoxed as no such decision had been made at its last meeting two weeks ago.

He said later that the association's committee had received a copy of the objection from the city and would meet soon to consider the contents.

Harding said yesterday that she and others had failed to obtain revised stadium designs from the city, after a decision to reduce its diameter and height slightly to cut costs.

She said it was unacceptable that the city could not provide the updated designs, having put the process out for public comment and that ratepayers in the association could object as individuals.

A special full sitting of the city council is expected to decide on the matter next week.

City of Cape Town 2010 spokesman Pieter Cronje said that unless the city received a letter of clarity from the Mouille Point Ratepayers' Association, it would assume the objection to be from it.

Published on the web by Cape Argus on February 21, 2007.

State contribution to 2010 swells 224% to R17,4bn

TREVOR MANUELThe South African government has allocated a further R13,3-billion to the 2010 soccer World Cup, bringing its total contribution to the event to R17,4-billion, Finance Minister Trevor Manuel said in his 2007 Budget Review, on Wednesday.

Stadiums would receive R8,4-billion of this amount, and the remaining R9-billion would go to upgrading transport systems.

This was a 224% increase from the 2006 Budget Review, where initial allocations of R4,1-billion were made for the sporting event.

“I am happy to announce that the Local Organising Committee has reached an agreement with municipalities on the budgets for the construction and upgrading of the stadiums and that these agreements are within the R8,4-billion set aside for stadiums,” Manuel stated.

He added that these agreements had set a “firm precedent” that the country had to go out of its way to ensure a successful tournament and a lasting legacy beyond 2010, but that fiscal prudence and sound budgeting principles had to be adhered to.

Five new stadiums were being built, and five existing facilities were being upgraded to meet Fifa requirements.

The Budget Review document detailed that the Cape Town municipality would receive the largest stadium allocation of R1,9-billion to construct Green Point stadium.

Kings Park stadium, in eThekwini, would get R1,8-billion from government by 2010.

The State had granted R1,5-billion for the upgrade of Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium, and R229-million for the revamp of Ellis Park, also in Johannesburg.

For the construction of Prince Alfred Park, in the Nelson Mandela metropolis, government set aside R895-million in its 2007 Budget Review.

The Mbombela stadium would receive R855-million from government for its construction, and the Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane, R696-million.

To date, R600-million had been transferred for the construction and renovation of stadiums.

Ellis Park, Prince Alfred Park, Vodacom Park, Royal Bafokeng and Loftus Versveld stadiums were expected to be completed before the Confederations Cup in September 2009.

Transport investment

Hosting the World Cup provided an opportunity to reduce infrastructure investment backlogs in metropolitan areas and municipalities.

These investments would target a wide range of projects - from improvements in sports facilities to roads and public transport networks - and serve as a catalyst for tourism promotion, sports development and voluntary community participation, the Budget Review highlighted.

Johannesburg was set to receive a significant R1,3-billion from government by 2010 to upgrade its transport infrastructure, while eThekwini was allocated R851-million.

The third-biggest allocation to a city was Cape Town's R766-million that it would receive by 2010.

Government also granted R694-million to the city of Tshwane to spend on transport infrastructure before the World Cup.

Meanwhile, the statement said that the development of the Bus Rapid Transit schemes offered “exciting opportunities” to improve municipal public transport systems, and government added a further R2,3-billion to this programme.

Over the three-year Medium-Term Expenditure Framework period, national government would transfer R55,3-billion to municipalities, through various earmarked grants for the delivery of basic services and to support host cities in meeting their 2010 Fifa World Cup obligations.

In addition to stadiums and transport, the budget would also include provision for community and cultural events leading up to and during the competition, improved services at ports of entry and an increase in security.

A Fifa inspection team would arrive in South Africa in September 2008 to review the country's readiness for the event.

So PE's stadium is now called Prince Alfred Park?? or is the journalist also talking shit

I believe that is the truth. Right now is experiencing something of a "Let's change all the names just because we can" phase. Even the name of Durban's King Senzangakhona Stadium is dubious, with debates raging as to whether to rename it after a more relevant and somewhat more polarising hero.

Hey Mo. I'm not too hot on currency conversions but isn't R17.4 bn about 1.5 bn GBP? If it is, then compared to the London 2012 Olympics ever increasing budget of 9 bn GBP, you South Africans have got a bit of a bargain going on!

You may even have the most profitable WC ever on your hands. Which would be fantastic not just for S. Africa but for the continent of Africa as a whole! I guess the next question is how much profit stays in S. Africa, and how much finds it's way into FIFA's coffers?

Hey Mo. I'm not too hot on currency conversions but isn't R17.4 bn about 1.5 bn GBP? If it is, then compared to the London 2012 Olympics ever increasing budget of 9 bn GBP, you South Africans have got a bit of a bargain going on!

You may even have the most profitable WC ever on your hands. Which would be fantastic not just for S. Africa but for the continent of Africa as a whole! I guess the next question is how much profit stays in S. Africa, and how much finds it's way into FIFA's coffers?

Well R17.4 takes into account all costs.
The government allocation on stadium costs is about R9bn. (0.65bn GBP)
However, that does not cover the cost of the various stadia. Basically each city had to cover the remainder of the stadium cost not covered by the gvt allocation.

The bargaining really has to do with low construction costs in South Africa.
I think the 2010 world cup is more than a profit making event. So it really depends on how you look at things. If South Africa were to go for the least cost alternative, then a few more existing stadia would have been included, which would reduce the stadium cost by about 3-4billion rand (0.2+ billion GBP).

As for FIFA--

Fifa has already secured the $3.1-billion for the period between next year and 2010, the biggest amount in the football world governing body's history.

In the period between 2003 and 2007, which included the recently concluded tournament in Germany, Fifa earned $1.8-billion.

My point being if you can stage a great WC, and leave a legacy without burdening the local tax payer for the forseeable future. (Montreal taxpayers have just finished paying for the '76 Olmpics stadium!) Then S. Africans should feel very proud.

I was watching Futbol Mundial the other day and the rebuilding work is starting on Soccer City.

Any photo's of the final renderings?

i hope something like this never happen
an accident in south africa
FSaJHFYj8kA&mode=related&search=

see 2010 fifa world cup thread.

My point being if you can stage a great WC, and leave a legacy without burdening the local tax payer for the forseeable future. (Montreal taxpayers have just finished paying for the '76 Olmpics stadium!) Then S. Africans should feel very proud.

Thats whats happening now. Funds are available so there is no dramatic impact on taxpayers.

i hope something like this never happen
an accident in south africa

Revenge Of The Flying Ads! :D

money well spent for the likes of vodacam, metropolitan and all the others

lol, it was an advertising ploy! :D

Aerial Gautrain Video:

Click on the links below to view the videos:

Click here to view. (mpg, 26,732kb, Windows)
Click here to view. (wmv, 7,221kb, Windows)
Click here to view. (mov, 4,891kb, Mac)
__________________

^^
There are no links on ur post Mo.

Aerial Gautrain Video:

Click on the links below to view the videos:

Click here to view. (mpg, 26,732kb, Windows)
Click here to view. (wmv, 7,221kb, Windows)
Click here to view. (mov, 4,891kb, Mac)
__________________

uh, Mo, ubani lo links?

Builders on the ball at FNB stadium

By Lebogang Seale

Fifa World Cup 2010 organising committee representatives and FNB stadium developers are impressed with the progress made with its revamp.

Schalk Ackerman, managing director of Grinaker LTA, awarded the tender for the refurbishment of the R1,5-billion stadium, said on Wednesday construction was progressing well since work began on February 5.

"The demolition of the existing stadium started on time and is well advanced," said Ackerman.

'Progress has been very impressive'
This phase was expected to be completed by end of the month," he said.

"Bulk earthworks are also well under way and the follow-up operation, piling for the foundations, commenced last week. This will continue for about four months."

Construction of the foundations would start next week and the first of the tower cranes would be erected on site before Easter, he said.

"The concrete batch plant to provide concrete to the project is to be erected this month.

The progress of the project is on track and we are satisfied with all the work that has been done so far," he said.

His views were echoed by the organising committee's head of communications, Tim Modise.

"Progress has been very impressive because there is lot of work going on. Everything is on course."

Modise dismissed reports that construction had been hampered by a shortage of water, saying the water flow was disrupted for less than an hour while workers were busy with construction.

Once completed, the newly revamped stadium, to be known as Soccer City, will seat 94 700 people.

While it is one of the five venues that will host the 2009 Fifa Confederation Cup, the stadium is the only venue guaranteed the hosting of the 2010 World Cup's opening and closing ceremonies, as well as some of the quarterfinal matches

Budget approved for Cape stadium

March 08 2007 at 06:58PM

Cape Town city council on Thursday afternoon approved a R2,9-billion budget for its 2010 Soccer World Cup stadium at Green Point.

The approval brings to an end most of the uncertainty that has surrounded the funding of the 68 000-seater structure, destined to host a semifinal.

It also clears the way for the award of the tender to the preferred bidder, a Murray and Roberts/WBHO consortium.

Mayor Helen Zille had been contemplating canning the project until international banking group Investec this week promised to guarantee a R185-million budget shortfall.

The guarantee is set against income from a post-2010 operating lease on the stadium, which Zille said would, despite the guarantee, go out on public tender

The budget was approved by the council after a meeting of more than three hours.

African National Congress councillors, who make up an opposition to the Democratic Alliance-led multiparty city government, initially expressed concern over the implications of the Investec guarantee, and demanded to see the agreement itself.

The council was briefly adjourned while copies were procured, and again for the party to caucus on it.

However in the end the ANC supported the vote.

The city's 2010 spokesperson Pieter Cronje said the council's bid evaluation committee would meet between Thursday and 1pm Monday, which was when the bid adjudication committee was expected to formally award the tender.

"It should take about another week to have some activity on site," he said.

"They'll start with the partial demolition of the existing stadium."

This would be followed by diversion of bulk services, and casting of foundations.

Cape Town is still seeking a central government guarantee to cover escalation above the 10 percent the city has already provided for.

Treasury has undertaken to put together a task team to examine the issue in relation to all host cities.

Of the total stadium cost of R2,9-billion, R1,9-billion will come from central government, R500-million plus the Investec-guaranteed R185-million from the city, and R212-million from the Western Cape provincial government. - Sapa

Bidding war kicks off for 2010 stadium

March 08 2007 at 04:41AM

By Boyd Webb, Sapa and Reuters

As an investment bank on Wednesday bailed out the city of Cape Town with the R180-million needed to get the Green Point Stadium back on track, Chinese companies were revving the engines of their front-end loaders in a bid to get a part of the multimillion-rand 2010 contracts.

Faced with rising stadium costs and crippling skills shortages, the government is hoping more foreign contractors will bid for the lucrative construction contracts.

Cape Town's 2010 Fifa World Cup stadium was back on track yesterday with a R185-million funding guarantee from banking group Investec.

'Something is happening in that sector'
The city put the R2.9-billion project on hold last week when revised costings pushed the total above budget.

Mayor Helen Zille said on Wednesday that Investec had guaranteed the outstanding R185-million as payment on a post-2010 operating lease on the stadium, to be built at Green Point.


National Treasury Deputy Director-General for the World Cup Malcolm Simpson told the National Assembly's finance committee on Wednesday that the limited competition among construction companies, arising from the skills shortage in the country, was leading to price variations.

This is a big concern, Simpson said.

"We would like possibly more foreign construction companies to bid for work and add some competition into the market," he told MPs.

'We can hold discussions with various suppliers and challenge them'
Currently there are only about seven domestic construction companies large enough to bid for work on stadiums and related infrastructure projects.

Simpson said a number of Chinese companies had applied to or were registered on the South African Contractor's Register. "Something is happening in that sector... They are coming, they're coming."

The government has allocated R8.4-billion for the development of stadiums.

"To move this money over 30 months is approximately R260-million a month," he said to gasps from MPs, who are aware that local governments are already battling to spend their regular budgets on service delivery projects.

"This is significant work," he said.

Of the R8.4-billion, R600-million, in the form of a conditional grant, was provided for in last year's October adjustments to help cities start construction in January. A further R2.7-billion would be funnelled into projects this financial year with an additional R3.8-billion in 2008/2009 and R1.3-billion in 2009/2010.

MPs raised concerns that contractors and suppliers, who felt they had government over a barrel, were unnecessarily increasing prices.

Admitting it was a problem, the Treasury has stopped short of threatening the market with fixing the price of raw materials, but said it would challenge suppliers who did over-inflate prices.

Simpson said prices were difficult to manage as the Treasury did not want to interfere in the market ,but they were watching the situation.

"If necessary, we can hold discussions with various suppliers and challenge them as to why the prices have gone up significantly."

But in general Simpson said the Treasury was pleased with the "great work" done by host cities and felt that South Africa would be ready to host a successful 2010 World Cup

Simpson also told the lawmakers the construction of the soccer stadiums for 2010 would create about 107 000 jobs.

Five new stadiums are planned while five others will be upgraded.

Companies building the new stadiums "will have to have two teams in place working 24 hours a day to have them completed on time," he said.

Fifa World Cup 2010 organising committee representatives and developers of Johannesburg's FNB Stadium said on Wednesday they were impressed with the progress made with its R1.5-billion revamp.

Schalk Ackerman, of Grinaker LTA, which was awarded the contract, said work was progressing well since construction had started on February 5.

Green light for Cape's 2010 stadium

March 09 2007 at 03:54PM

By A’Eysha Kassiem

Cape Town has finally pressed "go" on the Green Point 2010 World Cup stadium.

At a special council meeting on Thursday, councillors approved the multibillion rand budget that will enable the bid adjudication committee to award the contract on Monday.

The contractor would then move on site within a week.

'The stadium, however, is the critical first domino to fall'
The 68 000-seater stadium, that has already come up against several obstacles, again faced strong opposing views and fierce debate in the council chamber, but eventually the R2,8-billion budget was approved.

Mayor Helen Zille said in her opening address that while the stadium had been a major focus, it was just the "tip of the iceberg" as the "real work" begins.

An equal, if not greater challenge will be to get our public transport system right. The stadium, however, is the critical first domino to fall.

"No stadium would mean no semifinal and much less investment from the national and provincial governments in the city's infrastructure."

She said reaching this point had been a "tough road with many obstacles, some placed by law, some by people".

Zille was referring to several challenges that included an initial project cost of more than R1,2-billion above the City's budget.

This was then lowered by almost R1-billion but costs resurfaced when too many cuts placed the stadium in danger of not being Fifa-compliant. The final bill was set at about R2,8-bilion, leaving the city with a shortfall of R185-million.

This then saw Investec entering into an understanding with the City "guaranteeing it a minimum safety net".

"Investec guaranteed the City payment of R185-million after the World Cup for an operating lease on the stadium on condition that stadium's post-2010 operating lease is put out to open public tender as required by the Municipal Finance Management Act."

When challenged by councillors on whether Investec would get preferential treatment, Zille said there was an open invitation to any bank or business to beat Investec's offer. A tender for a long-term operator for the stadium after the 2010 event would soon go out. The post-2010 operator was likely to be given a 30-year lease agreement.

But before then, the City was not yet "out of the woods".

Outlining the plans for the stadium's construction, Zille said the building structure was subject to "final acoustic modelling and wind tunnel testing" before the building plans would be approved. The next three months would see the business plan finalised.

In the interim, the first step will be earth works - excavations would be done before the foundations for the stadium are set.

It must be completed by the end of 2009.

Capacity: 45,000

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AFL architects, the designers of this stadium are also resposible for
*Old Trafford
*Stamford Bridge
*Charlton stadium
***** of Manchester stadium and others.

Design philosophy
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The land identified for the *** stadium is situated south of the N4 national route between Nelspruit and Pretoria and in close proximity to the Hall’s gateway, the Mpumalanga Parks Board Offices and east of the Mataffin Village.

The design of the stadium will not be for the purpose the 2010 Soccer World Cup event only but will be suitable for other events such as product launches, conferences, exhibitions and banquets. The proposed athletics stadium, constructed from sections of the world cup Stadium, is a further example of the additional flexibility to be created. The stadium will have a design life of 50 years.

Designs and development will comply with all South African local and national statutory regulations and guidance documents. It will also comply with the following: FIFA/UEFA Technical Recommendations and requirements for the construction or modernization of football stadia, 2000; Guide to safety at Sports Grounds’ (Green Guide) HMSO 1997; Football Stadium advisory Design Committee Guidance Notes (FSADC).

Parking facilities will include an informal car park for minibus taxi users, and area for Mbombela municipal busses as well as VIP parking. An additional facility will be created for 2000 vehicles in the inicial project and will be extended to accommodate 6000 vehicles.

The principal design philosophy is to create a stadium with a 45 000 seat capacity for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. In order to keep the overall project viable and within the business plan of the Mbombela Local Authority, the top tier that will seat 20 000 spectators will be removed and reconstructed to create the adjacent athletics stadium. - smart people!

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE STADIUM HAS 4 PHASES:

* Phase 1: Construction of the stadium
* Phase 2: The removal of the 3rd tier to create the athletics stadium
* Phase 3: Final development of the soccer and athletics stadiums
* Phase 4: Development of the sports arena and convention centre

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South Africa to meet deadlines
Posted on Saturday, March 31, 2007 - 15:38

Danny Jordaan © Gallo ImagesDr Danny Jordaan the chief executive officer of South Africa's 2010 Fifa World Cup local Organising Committee, has said that the sod-turning ceremony at Polokwane's Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday is an indication that South Africa intends to stick to its 2010 Fifa World Cup deadlines.

"We have undertaken publicly that by the end of the first quarter of 2007, to quote Fifa president Sepp Blatter, we will have picks and shovels in every host ****. We have done that and today is a signal of a closing of that process. It reaffirms our commitment that we want to meet every deadline and stick to our timelines. Today, as we turn the sod, the picks and shovels will start in Polokwane," he said.

The Peter Mokaba Stadium will be built by a consortium comprising of WBHO (Pty Ltd) and Paul's ******** Contracting.

Construction is progressing rapidly on the upgrade of Johannesburg's Soccer **** stadium, while work is now also underway at the *** 2010 World Cup stadiums being built in Port Elizabeth, Mpumalanga, Cape Town, Durban and Polokwane.

Dr Jordaan said the Limpopo province traditionally had the second highest number of football supporters in the country, but there was a mismatch in terms of the infrastructure available for football in the province.

"We're ******** this stadium to match that profile. If you can have a World Cup match here, any team in the world can play here. You can have Brazil or Real Madrid and you don't have to explain that your stadium is among the best in the world. This gives you the possibility to commercialise the game, sell hospitality suites in the stadium and have better revenue for football and for the professional game in this area," said Dr Jordaan.

The chairman of WBHO, Mike Wylie, said it was a "privilege" for the company to be involved with the 2010 Fifa World Cup project.

"We feel the weight of responsibility on our shoulders, but we feel strong.

This stadium is good for the whole region of Limpopo and the whole community will benefit. Earthworks have started and concrete work will start in the next two months. The stadium is due for completion in March 2009 and we will have about 800 construction workers on site," said Wyllie.

NWest assesses readiness for World Cup

01 ***** 2007
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A conference to assess the North West province’s readiness for the 2010 Soccer World Cup will begin at Sun **** on Wednesday, the office of the premier said.

"The Conference will seek to produce a proper assessment of the collective work done to ensure that the province is ready to deliver a successful World Cup," said Ndleleni Duma, the MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture.

Duma is also the chairman of the Provincial World Cup Committee.

The two-day conference will be held under the theme ’Holding a successful FIFA World Cup and leaving a lasting South African legacy in the North West’.

Rustenburg will be one of the host cities of the Cup and the Royal Bafokeng Stadium has been selected as a venue for the games.

"The provincial government is doing everything possible to ensure that all stakeholders play their roles to ensure that the province contributes towards the success of the World Cup," the statement said.

Key people from the Local Organising Committee, MEC’s, senior government officials, football structures, business and stakeholders from civil society are among those expected to attend the conference.

"We are confident that we are on track with regard to preparations," said Duma.

Sapa

An epic arrangement

Last month this province hosted two immense sporting events. Both were cycling races - the Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour and the eight-day Cape Epic stage race.

The former attracted 30 000 entrants, many foreign, who pedalled around this most beautiful of peninsulas without a serious hitch.

The latter race began in Knysna with 603 teams of two riders each and weaved its way through the province to finish at the Lourensford wine estate in Somerset West on Saturday.

It also attracted many foreign entrants - from all corners of the globe - and all seemed entranced by the experience.

Part of the appeal - besides the physical challenge - was the extraordinary beauty that participants were exposed to. The route took them from the valleys and crags of the Karoo to the coast at Kleinmond and then up over the Hottentots Holland range and on to the Peninsula.

And the race once again confirmed the ability of South Africans to organise highly complex events. It required that accommodation for more than 1 200 cyclists and the many organisers and staff were set up in each of the seven overnight stops. All had to be fed and watered and many treated medically.

A tent town, with an individual tent for each of the riders and ablution facilities, was set up in each stop. By the time the riders arrived in the next town their new temporary home was in place.

Then there were the logistics of getting the riders through some of the more obscure back roads of the province.

Like the Cycle Tour, it suggested that we are capable of pulling off the most complex of arrangements. All of which is extremely heartening as we contemplate the even bigger challenge that looms in 2010.

Published on the web by Cape Argus on April 2, 2007. © Cape Argus 2007. All rights reserved.

Orlando Stadium before - one of the stadiums earmarked for practice sessions come 2010 in Soweto

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And now

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Non-world cup stadia complete or existing by 2010 (30,000 +)


1. Newlands stadium , Cape Town 50,000
2. Athlone Stadium, Cape Town 40,000
3. Amakhosi stadium, Mogale City 45,000
4. Orlando stadium, 40,000
5. Kings Park, Durban, 55,000
6. East London stadium 35,000
7. Boet Erasmus Stadium, Port Elizabeth , 45,000
8. Johannesburg Stadium, 35,000


to be update based on Finalization of 2010 World Cup Training Venues.

Would be great if Orlando Pirates could make it their home!