SOUTH AFRICA - FIFA World Cup 2010 [Archive] - Page 5

Mo Rush

May 1st, 2007, 01:30 PM

"Towards 2010: A green way to fund our city's growth"

By Theuns Botha

The grand development plans for the City of Cape Town leading up to and beyond the 2010 World Cup present two immediate challenges. First - how do we finance these extensive developmental plans and, secondly - how do we develop our city in a way that is least damaging to the natural environment?

We all acknowledge the need for an integrated approach to current and future development of our city in which transportation is part of a larger focus on sustainable development that also addresses housing, land use and economic development.

With that in mind, it is important to understand that current infrastructure, investment and development decisions have a major impact on future pollution rates, where implementing sustainable solutions can now advance multiple goals.

When it comes to sourcing the financing for that development, the city cannot expect to achieve this monumental task solely on its allotted budget from the province's coffers and municipal revenue.

All the developmental plans for our city mean nothing without the appropriate funding. The public outcry following the 15% rates increase and the city's assertion that we are on the verge of an infrastructural breakdown place the issue of funding for development and infrastructure in the spotlight.

In reality, we have barely enough funding to operate and manage the infrastructure that already exists, never mind the developmental plans for our city beyond 2010. It is wholly unrealistic to imagine that the city's ratepayers and taxpayers should foot the bill for the extensive development that is envisaged.

It is time that the city and the province start thinking of alternative and innovative ways of increasing our funding sources. It is time that we start thinking outside of conventional methods of securing funds for development, and I am not talking about introducing fuel levies and tourism levies, which further burden the taxpaying public.

I am proposing that we become serious players in the emissions trading market, and in particular carbon credits trading.

Carbon credits trading is a relatively unknown market mechanism which can yield not only the development plans we aspire to, such as a revamped and modernised transport system, but also development that is environmentally sustainable. Climate change has undoubtedly become the most pressing environmental issue today, and in response to the ever-worsening crisis, countries have embarked on massive campaigns to address the issue.

Carbon trading was developed as a way to deal with climate change and assist developing countries in developing in a manner which will not further erode the environment.

The global climate change talks have focused on facilitating the transition of developing countries' current development path from one modelled after the industrialised nations to a clean and energy-efficient paradigm. The Kyoto Protocol is an amendment to the UN International Treaty on Climate Change, which assigns mandatory emission limitations for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to signatory nations.

Under the protocol, ratifying countries agree to submit themselves to the obligation to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, nitric oxide and ash.

The concept underlying carbon trading is straightforward. Carbon emissions of industries and industrialised nations are limited and those that meet the requirements are allowed to sell any unused allocations on the open market. Those that require more credits are free to buy any unused allocations.

Thus, a developing country can offer its credits in return for investment in its development projects. Thus, social, environmental, technological and economic goals are achieved through market mechanisms. Clean development mechanism (CDM) projects allow companies or industrialised countries to invest in projects in developing countries. In return for this investment, carbon credits are received by the investor in the industrialised country.

However, a key clause in the Kyoto Protocol is that all CDM projects in developing countries must contribute to sustainable development goals in the host country and must not generate any negative environmental externalities.

Next year will see the beginning of the second phase of the European Commission's programme to reduce emissions. This phase will run until 2012 and will coincide with the Kyoto commitment to reduce emissions by 8% from 1990 levels. Countries such as the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and Finland, Switzerland and Austria, which are already ahead in their mandated domestic emissions reductions, are investing abroad in project-based reductions under the CDM projects.

As a city we have a five-year window of opportunity starting in 2008 to attract some form of benefit from this trading mechanism.

To gauge the extent of the economic benefits involved consider this: Europe traded one billion tons of carbon dioxide to the value of E18 billion in 2006 alone. Looking at the number of CDM projects running in countries such as Brazil, India and China, it is clear that South Africa has been slow to take up the challenge.

As of February 13 this year, 500 CDM projects were registered worldwide. Of these, 167 are registered in India, 88 in Brazil and 37 in India. Disappointingly, only six CDM projects are currently registered in the whole of South Africa. Interestingly, 900 more projects worldwide are in the process of being registered. A staggering 80% of those are based in China alone.

Of the six CDM projects running in South Africa, three are in the Western Cape. The benefits of increasing our market share of carbon credits trading are three-fold: a lower emissions benefit which is environmentally sustainable; meeting the cost-effectiveness and energy-saving targets; and the increase of funding for development projects.

In Cape Town, transportation is the largest contributor to air emissions in the city, while the modernisation of our transport infrastructure has been earmarked as a critical project for 2010 and beyond.

Carbon credit trading is an interesting opportunity for the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape in general to tap into a large revenue-generating scheme while contributing towards the fight against climate change.

Bogota, the capital of Colombia, has begun a process of modernising its transport system under the auspices of a Japanese CDM project.

The example of the Bogota transport system upgrade through carbon credit trading could be extremely helpful in the search for alternative sources of funding for developing our transport infrastructure into the best of its kind in the world.

During the 1990s, Bogota was plagued by serious transportation problems, including neglect of road maintenance. While the largest portion of the budget for transport was being spent on road-widening and flyovers, the critical traffic situation was not being adequately addressed.

According to various commentators, this situation was compounded by other critical urban dilemmas, such as rising pollution levels, high accident rates, increasing population, a high crime rate, the growth of informal settlements, poor infrastructure and an absence of public spaces. In essence, the situation was not very different from that in present-day Cape Town.

Bogota was approached by the government of Japan as part of a CDM initiative to introduce an energy-efficient solution to the prevailing transport crisis. With the support of the Japanese government, the city created a more comprehensive transport and pollution control plan, which included the institution of a rapid transit bus system - known as the TransMilenio - encouraging the use of bicycles and discouraging the use of private vehicles.

The bus system is expected to be completed only in 2016, but it already uses intricate systems such as segregated bus lanes, rapid boarding and alighting; clean, secure and comfortable stations; efficient pre-board ticketing, and priority for buses over private vehicles.

The management control and planning is based on a public-private enterprise initiative. Essentially, infrastructure facilities such as corridor, stations and garages are handled by the government, while operational activities such as equipment and ticketing are handled by the private sector, creating a favourable situation for both parties.

Since the project was instituted at the end of the last millennium, the system has grown to carry more than 875 000 passengers a day in more than 500 buses.

However, it is the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that is astonishing. In Bogota, transport's contribution to carbon emissions has been cut by more than 40%, although the project is still in its infancy.

The TransMilenio system re-duces greenhouse gas emissions through more efficient transport and the partial substitution of private transport by high-quality public transport. This has also resulted in more than 2 000 public service vehicles being scrapped or removed from the public transport system.

In addition, the city stands to gain millions through the selling of carbon credits in energy efficiency initiatives. With the success of the first phase of the project, the Netherlands has realised its financial viability and has partly financed the second phase of the project under the CDM umbrella.

According to official estimates, the cost of instituting the system is considerably less than that of systems introduced in, for example, China and Japan. In fact, the total investment cost of building the road network stood at $5 million a kilometre, transporting between 35 000 and 45 000 passengers an hour.

The system is envisaged to be completed in 2016, at which time the total investment is expected to be $1.97 billion. The system is being funded from the Bogota mayor's office, the World Bank and private-sector stakeholders. What is more exciting is the fact that the system is completely maintained from ticket revenue, with no subsidies provided.

With the approach of the World Cup, it seems that Cape Town has a significant challenge to meet. But at the same time, it could address climate change and fulfil its 2010 transportation mandate and many other development plans, much in the way that Bogota has done, by stepping into the global carbon credits trading market.

All we need is the political will and buy-in from all sectors.

# Theuns Botha is provincial leader of the DA, Western Cape, and the DA spokesman on finance in the Western Cape provincial legislature.

Published on the web by Cape Argus on May 1, 2007. © Cape Argus 2007. All rights reserved.

Durbsboi

May 3rd, 2007, 11:40 AM

http://i16.tinypic.com/62z2nvs.jpg

Mo Rush

May 4th, 2007, 12:56 PM

Danny Jordaan on Cape Town and 2010

"Towards 2010: Largest sporting event will benefit city"

By Danny Jordaan

The Fifa World Cup is being held in Africa for the very first time in the history of the tournament. This is a unique moment in the history of the continent.

South Africa has been chosen to not only stage the World Cup in 2010 but also to carry the hopes, dreams and aspirations of Africa, and especially, African football.

The choice of Africa as a theatre for this spectacular event and South Africa as a stage provides a golden opportunity to change perceptions about Africa and to influence public opinion around the globe. Our vision is to strengthen the South African and African image and promote new partnerships with the world as we stage a unique and memorable event.

In staging the event, we will also inspire and drive our collective determination to be significant global players in all fields of human endeavour. We will rally our people and mobilise them to organise an African World Cup with precision, innovation and flair, and a critical component of our mission is to extend an unforgettable South African welcome to the world.

South Africa's journey and bid to host the Fifa World Cup began more than 13 years ago on September 16, 1994. This was before the successful hosting of the 1995 International Rugby Board World Cup and the International Cricket Council World Cup in 2003. We also tried unsuccessfully to host the 2004 Olympic Games, the 2006 Fifa soccer World Cup and the 2011 IRB World Cup. We have consistently as a country and as a sporting fraternity made great strides to make South Africa an international destination of choice for tourists around the world. Our message has over the years remained the same. We have repeatedly said to the world that South Africa is alive with possibilities and we have always spoken about the natural beauty and warmth of the African people from Cape to Cairo.

In our planning to deliver the World Cup, a number of cities were considered, including Cape Town, because of its historical significance and beauty. The iconic beauty of Table Mountain and Robben Island and the refreshing drive along Chapman's Peak and Cape Point remain compelling selling points for the city of Cape Town as an international attraction and global destination.

The beauty of Cape Town also lies in its people and the wealth of talent that comes from the city.

Cape Town has produced international football stars such as Benni McCarthy from Hanover Park, Quinton Fortune from Kewtown and Shaun Bartlett from Maitland, who have all made South Africans proud across the world.

Millions of young South Africans have been inspired by the likes of McCarthy, who continues to bang in the goals in the English Premier League. His achievements should warm the hearts of all South Africans, considering he started life in his parents Dora and Dudley's two-roomed council house with his siblings in Hanover Park and has now fulfilled his wildest dreams and used his football talents to provide for his family in a way he could never have imagined possible.

Many of the young children who grow up in the streets of Gugulethu and the rest of the Cape Flats, and those youngsters playing football in Camps Bay or Llandudno, draw hope and inspiration from such talent. And what better way to reward and inspire them than to bring the World Cup to Cape Town and create access for them to state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure, such as the Green Point Stadium.

Green Point Stadium was chosen as the ideal space to build a new complex for the tournament after careful consideration. The City of Cape Town conducted various studies to satisfy itself of the appropriateness of the choice of venue. After all, there is nothing new about Green Point Stadium. To refresh our national memory, during our bid to host the Olympics, Green Point Stadium was chosen as one of the venues to host the Games. At the time of the bid, there were extensive plans to construct an Olympic tennis facility within and around the existing football and athletics stadium at Green Point Stadium.

Fourteen temporary units with spectator stands were to be erected, along with a centre court seating 21 000 and a number one court seating 7 000 within the existing stadium. Everyone at the time accepted that Green Point was an ideal venue to host the Olympics. Now, there is the opportunity for Green Point to host the 2010 Fifa World Cup and for the people of Cape Town to be given the opportunity to see international football stars such as Didier Drogba, Ronaldinho, Cristiano Ronaldo and many others in action.

The City of Cape Town has, of its own accord, taken a decision to play a major role during the 2010 Fifa World Cup tournament and, in arriving at a decision to choose Green Point, the city ensured that proper studies were conducted and engaged the communities in and around the Green Point area. A number of high profile meetings and delegates from across the world have congratulated Cape Town and look forward to their next visit to the city, especially during the World Cup. The announcement of the preferred bidder and the subsequent sod-turning ceremony in Cape Town gave everyone around the world the confidence that Cape Town will be a wonderful host for the event.

Studies conducted by Grant Thornton Kessel Feinstein (GTKF) have demonstrated the economic benefits that will arise from the hosting of the World Cup, ranging from tourism attraction, accommodation and hospitality.

During our planning process for the tournament the 2010 organising committee commissioned the Development Bank of Southern Africa to rank the candidate host cities in terms of the following Fifa requirements: the cost of upgrading match and training venues, accommodation, transportation, safety and security, banking and financial services, medical and emergency services, the number of restaurants, the potential number of volunteers and financial capacity. Using this criteria, Cape Town rated extremely high in all these departments. This evaluation inspired Cape Town to seek an extended period of engagement with the 2010 Fifa World Cup. The longer the city plays a role in the tournament, the more revenue it stands to generate from the event.

The marketing opportunities for World Cup host cities is considerable. The World Cup is the largest sporting event on earth, with the 64 games watched by a cumulative audience of 40 billion people in 207 countries. It's also a massive media spectacle, covered by the world's biggest television networks, radio stations and the world's most influential newspapers and media, who for six weeks will provide invaluable exposure to World Cup host cities.

It's a public relations exercise bar none and is a wonderful opportunity for the country and the host cities to showcase itself and attract more investment and increased tourism revenue post-2010, as evidenced by the impact of the 2000 Sydney Olympics for Australia and the 2006 Fifa World Cup for Germany.

As hosts, Bafana have fortunately already qualified for the 2010 World Cup, but the 31 teams and their hundreds of thousands of fans travelling to the tournament will also bring tourist flows from new markets such as Asia and the Americas.

The acceleration of infrastructure development will also ensure world-class cities for years to come.

The tournament will also undoubtedly impact on skills development among the youth and lead to more job creation opportunities, with the GTKF study estimating that 129 000 jobs will be created as a result of the World Cup.

In addition to the tournament itself, there are a number of other events relating to the World Cup which will be held in host cities, such as the preliminary draw, the opening and closing ceremonies, the International Broadcast Centre, as well as meetings and conferences hosted by Fifa and its commercial partners.

Fifa's commercial partners were hosted in Cape Town last year and all of them were impressed with the level of hospitality and quality of service they received, as well as the keen interest and support from central government, the City of Cape Town and the province of the Western Cape. During the week they spent in Cape Town, they were met by President Thabo Mbeki, Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, cabinet ministers, Premier Ebrahim Rasool and Mayor Helen Zille. This left them with no doubt about Cape Town's commitment to ensuring a successful World Cup.

The local, national and provincial spheres of government have committed themselves to ensuring that the 2010 Fifa World Cup becomes a reality for the people of Cape Town. Our key objectives remain achieving national unity and national reconciliation by providing opportunities for our people, both in the area of job creation and commercial ventures. The rest of the world is watching us and we simply cannot afford to fail. Let us therefore embrace the challenge that lies ahead.

The 2010 Fifa World Cup is already a guaranteed commercial success. Now let us as South Africans and Africans make it the best Fifa World Cup in history.

# Dr Danny Jordaan is the chief executive officer of the 2010 Fifa World Cup Organising Committee South Africa

Published on the web by Cape Argus on May 4, 2007. © Cape Argus 2007. All rights reserved.

Mo Rush

May 5th, 2007, 05:51 PM

Free State Stadium - May 2009
Ellis Park - May 2009
Rustenburg Stadium - May 2009
Loftus Versfeld - May 2009
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium - May 2009

Soccer City - August 2009
Moses Mabhida Stadium - June/July 2009 (if not earlier)
Polokwane - August 2009 (if not earlier)
Nelspruit - August 2009 (if not earlier)
Cape Town Stadium - November 2009

Kampflamm

May 6th, 2007, 03:50 PM

They have to be ready for the Confederations Cup, don't they? So there had better not be any delays.

Mo Rush

May 6th, 2007, 06:31 PM

They have to be ready for the Confederations Cup, don't they? So there had better not be any delays.

Only five venues are used in the Confederations Cup and those venues have already been decided upon.

Free State Stadium - May 2009
Ellis Park - May 2009
Rustenburg Stadium - May 2009
Loftus Versfeld - May 2009
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium - May 2009

Those dates are just the dates they have to be ready. The venues could be ready as early as December 2008 even with delays, except for the new Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium which is a new venue.

The FIFA Inspection date is November 2009.

Soccer City - August 2009(if not earlier)
Moses Mabhida Stadium - June/July 2009 (if not earlier)
Polokwane - July/August 2009 (if not earlier)
Nelspruit - July/August 2009 (if not earlier)
Cape Town Stadium - November 2009

kulani

May 13th, 2007, 10:19 PM

Mbeki reassures heavyweights on World Cup

May at 11:40AM

By Angela Quintal (http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=19&art_id=vn20070513084224733C&set_id=)

While rugby fans were glued to their TV sets, it was soccer and 2010 that dominated President Thabo Mbeki's International Investment Council (IIC) on Saturday afternoon.

Mbeki, his deputy Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and senior cabinet ministers and officials gathered in the tiny Eastern Cape town of Alicedale with top international investors for their bi-annual meeting. The town, an hour's drive from Port Elizabeth, was once the central railway junction for rail transport throughout the country, although this ended in the mid-1990s.

Although poverty and joblessness remain high, some locals have found employment in an area that boasts several private luxury game reserves, as well as the Bushman Sands hotel and golf complex, where the three-day meeting is being held.

Although there are reportedly plans to start a rugby academy in the area, it was the 2010 soccer World Cup that was high on yesterday's IIC agenda.

Business leaders present included Mitsubishi Corporation's Masaki Miyaji, AngloGold Ashanti's Sir Samuel Jonah, Mittal Steel's Lakshmi Mittal, Ratan Tata of Tata Sons Limited and Sir Anthony O'Reilly of Independent News and Media.

While the economy was the focus of yesterday morning's discussions, Jabu Moleketi, the deputy finance minister, updated the council on South Africa's 2010 preparations in the afternoon.

The government is pulling out all the stops to silence the pessimists and sceptics at home and abroad, with proof that preparations are on track. A major press briefing is scheduled for this week.

Moleketi told The Sunday Independent that his World Cup presentation was a follow-up on the October briefing to the IIC.

"It addresses a number of things, particularly the state of readiness of South Africa."

Details would be given on the R8,3 billion set aside for the construction of stadiums, and R9 billion for supporting infrastructure, Moleketi said.

On construction alone, the treasury would have to move funds forward.

"R2 billion more will have to be appropriated. This indicates that there is a lot of capacity. Everything is on track," he said, making it clear that the treasury was moving the spending of the funds forward, not spending extra.

In terms of completion of the new stadiums, projections were also "amazing", an upbeat Moleketi said.

The completion date had been set as October 2009, but a number of them would be completed before June of that year.

"That is an indication that work is being done."

Moleketi said there were challenges, including a shortage of cement, which was a reflection that the South African industry had not increased its capacity, despite all the other infrastructure programmes on the go.

Skills were also a challenge, particularly in respect of engineers.

"There wasn't enough work to retain these people and people moved. Now they are coming back. In terms of Gautrain they have gone out and recruited South Africans."

Moleketi said that significantly, the match plan was also already in place. In the first round 48 matches would be played. With the exception of Polokwane and Bombela in Nelspruit, all the other stadiums would host five matches each.

The meeting, which ends today, will also include a briefing by a top police official on crime and strategies to fight it.

kulani

May 15th, 2007, 01:17 PM

Venue for 2010 final confirmed

http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Soccer/0,,2-9-840_2113593,00.html

15/05/2007 12:50 - (SA)

Johannesburg - Organisers have confirmed the venues for the 2010 Soccer World Cup semi-finals and final.

Soccer City in Johannesburg will play host to the final, while the new Green Point stadium in Cape Town and the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban will host the semi-finals.

All 10 stadiums to be used for the 2010 spectacle are expected to be completed by October 2009.

Red85

May 15th, 2007, 05:46 PM

the FOOTBALL World Cup you all mean?

soccer is for the yanks

Kampflamm

May 15th, 2007, 08:06 PM

Blatter says Germany is first choice to take over 2010 World Cup
(DPA)

15 May 2007

ZURICH - The president of football’s controlling body FIFA Joseph Blatter said on Tuesday that Germany was the first choice to take over the hosting of the 2010 World Cup if it could not be held in South Africa.

Blatter, who earlier had already said that FIFA had a contingency plan, however reiterated that there were no plans to take away the World Cup from South Africa. “Only a natural catastrophe would force us to do that,” the 71-year-old said.

Blatter, who is expected to be re-elected as FIFA president in two weeks, said he was optimistic that the World Cup would be well organized in South Africa.

“The idea came to me in 1998. Now we are nearly there and we have confidence in South Africa,” he said.

Blatter did not directly say anything about problems pertaining to the infrastructure, security and around the building of stadiums, but said that Germany could jump in, should a natural catastrophe make it impossible for the World Cup to be hosted in South Africa.

“There are also other countries who could help ouIn Asia and in North America,” he said at a round table press talk.

Nine years after first being elected as FIFA president Blatter said he could not even count out standing for a fourth term of office in 2011.

He has already moved away from his initial promise to only stand twice. “The fact that I am the only candidate this time around is a vote of confidence. It is a sign of the unity of the football family,” he said.

In 1998 and 2002 the Swiss was opposed as president.

Blatter promised to make football and national and international structures more professional during his third period as president. ”Football has to be aware of its social role,” he said.

Blatter, who calls himself the centre forward of football officials, welcomed the election of German icon Franz Beckenbauer into the FIFA executive. “Now we can speak more about football and less about politics.”

He said that he would be spending some time looking at referees and suggested that it was not impossible that there would be some changes, possibly even introducing four assistants.

Blatter said that he would not count out the idea put forward by UEFA president Michel Platini to have more than one referee.

40 million euros were available for the development of refrees, he added.

He also announced that he would continue his fight against racism, which he described as one of “society’s ills.”

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/sports/2007/May/sports_May479.xml&section=sports&col=

Mo Rush

May 15th, 2007, 08:38 PM

There is a 2010 FIFA world cup thread. Please close this one

Mo Rush

May 16th, 2007, 12:19 AM

Will the World Cup stadia lack atmosphere? uhm i dont think so

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/219/496634397_ba6354560c_b.jpg

Mo Rush

May 16th, 2007, 09:50 PM

Final: Soccer City, Johannesburg 94,700

Semi Final 1 : Green Point Stadium, Cape Town 68,000
Semi Final 2: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban 70,000

Quarter Finals:

QF 1 Green Point Stadium, Cape Town 68,000
QF 2 Soccer City, Johannesburg 94,700
QF 3 Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth 52,000
QF 4 Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg 60,000

Third Place Play-off: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 55,000

Preliminary Draw: ICC Durban November 2007
Final/Main Draw: TBA, 2009/2010
Media Centre: Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg

June 11 - July 11 2010

Mo Rush

May 16th, 2007, 10:01 PM

http://www.zoopy.com/photo_image/1178537573.jpg

Mo Rush

May 17th, 2007, 06:23 PM

'2010 is already most profitable Cup'

By Dianne Hawker

South Africa's 2010 campaign is already Fifa's most profitable World Cup, having attracted $3.2 billion in corporate deals three years ahead of the first kick-off.

This was announced by South Africa 2010 chief Danny Jordaan, who says the country has already beaten the 2006 World Cup host Germany's $2.8bn total. Jordaan was speaking during a visit to the site of Cape Town's new stadium in Green Point yesterday.

"There is no basis for any doubt. This event comes around once every four years and has to generate enough income to cover Fifa over those four years. Fifa has already collected $3.2bn from 2010.

"Germany only generated $2.8bn. So from a commercial standpoint, South Africa has outdone them."

Jordaan said South African companies had also outdone those in Korea who supported the 2002 event to the tune of $80 million.

"South African businesses have made a $100m commitment. Companies like Coca Cola and Adidas have invested billions of dollars in 2010. The World Cup is staying in South Africa, it's not going anywhere else," he said

Jordaan was taken on a tour of the building site and given an opportunity to quiz architect Robert Hormes from the German company, GMP.

Hormes said construction was three weeks ahead of schedule and that workers had begun fitting the steel columns that would support the parking area around the stadium.

"We began with the earthworks which we finished sooner than expected. This is because it was easy to remove the top layer of soil. We have gone as deep as we can because of the rock," Hormes said.

Four construction teams were working at different points of the stadium that would all meet in the end, said Hormes.

He was confident the stadium would be completed on time.

When asked if South Africans could expect to benefit from the World Cup, Jordaan said those with any doubt only needed to "ask those working on the (country's) stadiums".

"In Durban, some of the women working there say it has been their first job since 1995."

Jordaan said he was pleased with the progress of construction on the stadium so far.

"We are going to be judged on 2010 and we must succeed," he said.

Published on the web by Cape Argus on May 17, 2007.

www.sercan.de

May 17th, 2007, 06:33 PM

soccer city 94,700?

i thought it will be +100.00

Inertia

May 17th, 2007, 06:38 PM

It's 94700+.. It's just an estimate, will most likely turn out to be 100000+.. Anyway a difference of +-6000 isnt that much

Mo Rush

May 17th, 2007, 11:31 PM

The Game Is Up

May 18th, 2007, 02:18 AM

We'll have to wait on capacities but the capacities are certainly up from the earlier estimates resulting in I think 192,000 more tickets being made available.
The goal is not to ensure that it is a 100,000 plus venue, but to create the best all football world cup venue, with an electric atmosphere.

We're talking the best world cup final venue since who knows when

I could only think of four that fit your bill: Maracanã 1950; Wembley 1966; Azteca 1970; Azteca 1986. Throw in Bernabeu 1982 or Monumental 1978 as an alternate.

Then again, most people here weren't around in those days.

skaP187

May 18th, 2007, 12:24 PM

We'll have to wait on capacities but the capacities are certainly up from the earlier estimates resulting in I think 192,000 more tickets being made available.
The goal is not to ensure that it is a 100,000 plus venue, but to create the best all football world cup venue, with an electric atmosphere.

We're talking the best world cup final venue since who knows when

Doesn´t this stadium has a thread of it´s own?
couldnot find it

Mo Rush

May 18th, 2007, 05:15 PM

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k59/DURBAN2010/MosesMabhidaDurbanNight.jpg

Giorgio

May 18th, 2007, 06:27 PM

Will South Africa be ready?
Im curious.

Mo Rush

May 19th, 2007, 12:27 AM

;13242066']Will South Africa be ready?
Im curious.

Ready by November 2009. Yes
Ready by June 2010. Yes

dysan1

May 19th, 2007, 12:47 PM

the "ready" question is one that will go on until july 2010

Mo Rush

May 19th, 2007, 01:50 PM

;13242066']Will South Africa be ready?
Im curious. You need to define "ready".

Construction status

Johannesburg
Soccer City (R1,5bn upgrade) -construction started in January 2007 will be completed in October 2009. Currently 90% of earth work done, 35% piles complete.

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u115/Puleza_2007/P1030167.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u115/Puleza_2007/P1030159.jpg

Ellis Park (R229m upgrade) -construction starts June this year and will be completed by December 2008. Currently tenders are closed for piling and flood lighting

Durban
Moses Mabhida (R1,8bn new stadium) -construction started in October last year and will be completed in October 2009. Current piling is complete and seven tower cranes have been erected. Currently ahead of schedule.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP6050.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k59/DURBAN2010/MosesMabhidaDurbanNight.jpg

Cape Town
Green-point (R1,93bn new stadium) -construction started in March this year and will be complete by October 2009. Currently 3 weeks ahead of earthworks schedule.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/203/466437628_09d90b4243_o.jpg
http://www.zoopy.com/photo_image/1178537573.jpg

Pretoria
Loftus Versfeld (R97,69m upgrade) -construction starts June this year and will be completed by December 2008. Currently consultants have been appointed for the project, and tenders are being prepared

Rustenburg
Royal Bafokeng (R147,4m upgrade) -construction starts in June this year and will be complete in December 2008. Currently consultants have been appointed for project and tenders are being prepared

Nelson Mandela Bay
Nelson Mandel Bay Multi Purpose Sports Facilities (R895m new stadium) -construction started in October last year and will be complete in May 2009. Currently 95% of earth works has been done, water supply and sewage has been complete and pilling has commenced

Bloemfontein/Mangaung
Vodacom Park (R219m upgrade) -construction starts June this year and will be complete by December 2008. Currently tenders are invited

Polokwane
Peter Mokaba stadium (R696,7m new stadium) -construction started in March this year and will be complete by October 2009. Currently site clearance is at 90%, and blasting rock formation is in progress

Nelspruit/Mbombela
Mataffin Multi Purpose Sports Facility (R855m new stadium) - construction started in January this year and will be complete by October 2009. Currently earth works are almost complete and piling has commenced

Revised completion dates:

December 2008

Ellis Park
Free State Stadium
Loftus Versfeld
Rustenburg Stadium

June 2009
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

July - September 2009
Moses Mabhida Stadium - Durban(possibly earlier)
Soccer City - Johannesburg

October 2009
Cape Town
Nelspruit
Polokwane

Nixoderm

May 19th, 2007, 02:07 PM

I just love cape town, best looking city i have seen in my whole entire life!! I love all the stadiums and the final designs.. South Africa deserves it, Africa deserves it :P

Juanl

May 19th, 2007, 06:23 PM

Anyone watch the Super 14 Final. The arial views were amazing. I can just imagine Moses Mabhida now! (and yes i know it clashed with the fa cup final, and yes, i did miss some of it so that i could see new wembly, and yes, it is awe-inspiring but that's for another thread)

Mo Rush

May 19th, 2007, 07:18 PM

Yeap, awesome aerials..they did that for the currie cup final too..each world cup stadium should get that sorta attention during 2010..hopefullly better quality aerials by that time

Mo Rush

May 19th, 2007, 07:50 PM

We didn’t spend R1,4m – mayor

16 May 2007
Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Impressed: Mbombela Municipality mayor Justice Nsibande

Justice Nsibande, Mbombela municipality executive mayor, is pleased with the work done by Lefika Emergency Equity in building a new soccer stadium in Nelspruit.

Nsibande has denied any knowledge of the alleged irregularities regarding the sod-turning ceremony dinner gala, which cost R1,4 million.

Media reports had earlier suggested that the R1,4 million spent on the gala dinner was from the municipality coffers.

Nsibande said the municipality only spent R32 000.

“It is misleading that the municipality paid more than R1,4 million to host the sod-turning ceremony party. Most of the costs were borne by our social partners,” he said.

“The Mbombela municipality’s share of the expenses were in the tune of R32 000, which was used for community mobilisation and transportation of community development workers as well as ward committee members invited to the event.”

Nelspruit banks and local business people are reported to have contri- buted to the dinner.

Nsibande also said it was untrue that Lefika, a company where Kaizer Chiefs manager Bobby Motaung is a major shareholder, were irregularly paid R43 million in December for work not done.

“The money paid to Lefika consultants was indeed for the work done, including the detailed design of the Mbombela 2010 Stadium.

“Lefika presented the concept design to council and the plan was approved on June 14 2006.

“It is also untrue that the company is under investigation.

“We can only question the motives of those making such ridiculous claims,” said Nsibande, in the presence of municipal manager Jacob Dladla.

Nsibande’s support comes despite a decision taken by the council last week to order a forensic investigation into the funding of the party.

“There is no need for forensic investigations, it will come costly,” he said.

Motaung has maintained that his company has done nothing wrong .

Mo Rush

May 19th, 2007, 07:51 PM

Mbombela World Cup Stadium to be complete by March 2009

Venue takes shape

16 May 2007
Modise on 2010

Solid Foundation: Leon Botha of Goba Consulting Engineers and Projects Managers. Photos: Lucky Nxumalo

Work on Mbombela hassle-free.

The construction of the Mbombela Stadium has taken off hassle-free, with the Mpumalanga government closely monitoring the progress.

Jabu Mahlangu, the MEC of sports and recreation in Mpumalanga, said they were pleased with the developments at the site of the stadium.

The aim of last Friday’s visit to the site was to show South Africa and the rest of the world that Mbombela is well on track to deliver a stadium for the World Cup.

Also present were Mbombela mayor Justice Nsibande, whose communications directorate facilitated the rare visit to the site on our behalf.

On our arrival at the site, we were welcomed by a cooperative Leon Botha, resident engineer.

Botha, of Goba Consulting Engineers and Project Managers, began with the induction process before handing over helmets and safety bibs to all of us.

The process of building the stadium, which is in line with the Fifa requirements, will cost more than R840 million and started on February 2.

“The construction is well under way in terms of our plans, we have completed the earthworks and are now busy with the piling (foundation work),” said Botha.

“We will be putting in a total of 1250 piles.

“The aim is to deliver a state-of-the-art stadium that every South African will be proud off.

“That is why it is important to lay a solid foundation. Right now we have already completed 15 percent of the piling job.

“The completed stadium will accommodate 45 000 people with a VIP lobby.

“There will also be first aid rooms for safety reasons, four dressing rooms, two players’ lounges and two training grounds.

“There will also be two warm-up areas, a security room, players’ entertainment area, gymnasium, store rooms, stadium management offices and shops.

“We will start seeing some super structures on the site sometime in August, we want to assure the people that it is all systems go on the site.

“We are well on target to complete the stadium by the March 15 2009 deadline,” said Botha, adding that for now 200 people were working on the site.

“We started on a smaller scale because we are still working on the foundations, the number of people working here will increase gradually at a later stage.

“Various local companies have been sub-contracted through Nafcoc [the National Federation Chamber of Commerce].”

Nsibande was quick to point out to Botha that it was important for the residents of Mbombela to be given first preference with the job opportunities.

Botha said the constructors have applied to the department of labour to allow them to work on the site even on Sundays.

“We are still awaiting permission on the request.”

Mahlangu said: “We have been monitoring the developments closely, we interact on a regular basis with the municipality and all the other stakeholders on the project.

“What makes us happy is that we started with the earthworks and completed without any problem caused by the rain. The rain would have delayed the process.”

lpioe

May 19th, 2007, 08:28 PM

Mo Rush

May 19th, 2007, 11:39 PM

The stadiums in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban look really awesome.

I wonder how popular football is in SA right now.
What attendence has an average team in the highest league? Are games being televised?

It is popular but attendances are poor, only big matches get decent attendance.
Games are definitely televised.

TEBC

May 20th, 2007, 11:53 PM

any new construction pics?

Mo Rush

May 21st, 2007, 10:33 AM

dont be lazy..see relevant stadium threads.

www.sercan.de

May 23rd, 2007, 12:23 AM

i love this stadiums
http://africa-2010.ru/assets/images/Cities/stadiums/Soccer%20City%20stadium%20in%20Joh.jpg

Mo Rush

May 25th, 2007, 08:24 PM

Construction steams ahead at Port Elizabeth stadium

By: Nelendhre Moodley
Published: 24 May 07 - 9:25

Contractors at the new 45 000-seater Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in Port Elizabeth, which is on schedule for completion by July 2009, expect to start subsurface drainage, raker beam fabrication, columns, and precast seating elements, in the next three to four weeks, metro spokesperson Lourens Schoeman told Engineering News Online on Thursday.

He said that, so far, the bulk water supply and bulk sewer discharge had been completed with the bulk stormwater 95% completedd and earthworks 98% complete.

“Piling is 30% completed and power caps are 12%. Excavation is 98% completed. Contractors are currently setting up a precast yard, and are awaiting the delivery of high-rise cranes,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the challenge of a high-water table as a result of a lake at the north end of the stadium, had been solved by the construction of a channel to take away water seepage and lake overflow.

“We have rerouted the channel and it does not pose a challenge anymore.”

The stadium will cost around R1,15-billion.

Grinaker-LTA has won the government contract to build the stadium, along with Interbeton, part of Royal BAM Group of Holland.
Edited by: Liezel Hill

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/image.article.php?ai_id=31602

MasonsInquiries

May 25th, 2007, 08:44 PM

http://www.zoopy.com/photo_image/1178537573.jpg

^^damn, that station looks good!!!! can't wait until it's finished. go brazil!!!

matherto

May 26th, 2007, 01:34 AM

I see no trains....

kulani

May 26th, 2007, 04:42 PM

I see no trains....

Just a summary of what is currently being done with regard to transport for 2010.

Rail transportation

1. Gautrain (a $4 billion rapid rail transit system being built from OR Tambo airport into Johannesburg and Pretoria)

The rapid rail system will link OR Tambo international (Johannesburg) to the city of Johannesburg and Pretoria.
http://www.gautrain.co.za/web_images/_BVzHsS.jpghttp://www.gautrain.co.za/web_images/_6Xf59l.jpghttp://www.gautrain.co.za/web_images/_vQ2CZh.jpg

Some of the construction sites on the 10 stations linking the main hubs (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Sandton City)
from the OR Tambo international airport (formerly known as Johannesburg International Airport)

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p246/In3rti4/1-Mushroom_Farm_Park_-_2007_-_March.jpghttp://www.gautrain.co.za/gallery/albums/userpics/10029/gt_ps_march_07_(1_of_67)~1-Display.jpg
http://www.sandtoncentral.co.za/images/galleries/gal_2007_1/scsite6.jpg

2. Metro-rail (the commuter rail operator) has earmarked over $1 billion to refurbish its rolling stock and stations

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/22/35029253_076f1ff16c_b.jpg

Airports

First here is the monthly traffic for April 2007 including percentage growth from last year's monthly figures
and traffic for the last 12 month in 4 of our biggest airports

Johannesburg...1 598 571...12.3%.....17 879 114
Cape Town.........696 999...18.0%......7 607 145
Durban..............408 062....24.0%......4 330 672
Port Elizabeth.....129 383....8.1%.......1 444 894

1. ACSA - Airport Company of SA is embarking on a a R5.6 billion ($900 million) project to expand OR Tambo airport
(formerly Johannesburg international airport) to handle up to 25 million people per annum.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/198/496662302_071a2f3633_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/210/501920082_80feff3861_b.jpg

2. ACSA - also embarking on a $200 million upgrade of Cape Town international

http://www.capeinfo.com/CapeGuide/Airports/aerial%20shot%20cia.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/128/355718597_d6abd698a2_b.jpg
http://www.airports.co.za/uploads/images/1158_2010_image_6.jpg

3. ACSA - a new $800 million airport replacing the small Durban International is being developed to be named King Shaka
international airport

http://img320.imageshack.us/img320/9734/masterplan2060large1nm.gif

Bus Rapid Transit

1. BRTs with dedicated lanes are due to be implemented towards the end of this year in all 3 cities (over $1 billion committed)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/188/425290217_9545157a22_b.jpg

An experiment being carried out on dedicated lanes for public transport

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/87/278965932_530b03e85a_b.jpg

Mo Rush

May 26th, 2007, 05:57 PM

thanks kulani I think there is a relevant 2010 transport thread in the rail section of SSC

SkyLerm

May 26th, 2007, 06:21 PM

The soccer city will look amazing! :eek:

Durbsboi

May 28th, 2007, 10:16 AM

Brilliant post Kulani, thanks for the updates.

dysan1

May 28th, 2007, 03:29 PM

good on ya kulani.

dysan1

May 28th, 2007, 04:50 PM

here is a montage of the 2010 stadia i did

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/2010collage.jpg

kulani

May 28th, 2007, 07:02 PM

South Africa: Limpopo Spends R76m On 2010 Airport Upgrades

BuaNews (Tshwane)

28 May 2007
Posted to the web 28 May 2007

Kulani Mavunda
Polokwane

The Limpopo Department of Roads and Transport will spend R76 million upgrading airport facilities ahead of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup.

The money will be used to improve the Giyani and Thohoyandou airports, as well as upgrading the Polokwane international airport.
Africa 2007

"We still have to do some work on improving conditions at the Giyani and Thohoyandou airports since these areas are going to be used to host some of the clubs for soccer practice sessions," said departmental MEC Justice Piitso.

Presenting his department's budget on Thursday, the MEC said a further study was underway to investigate the possibility of turning Thohoyandou airport into an aviation academy.

Further to this, work is in progress to turn the Polokwane international airport into a state-of-the-art facility and logistical hub for both cargo and passenger transport.

In 2006, the department spent R13 million to improve navigational aid and R10 million on the construction of part of the terminal building.

"This year we have set aside R28 million for the completion of the terminal building, R31 million for the construction of infrastructure at the cargo hub and R17 million for the development of the Aero City," added Mr Piitso.

The Aero City will include parking for cars, buses, taxis and rental cars, feeder roads and ring roads around the terminal building.

It will also include water, sewerage and electrical networks for the terminal building area, passenger walkways and a wash bay and offices for car rental companies.

"We have also successfully rationalised the three former airport boards.

"We now have one board for Gateway Airport Limited (GAAL) charged with the responsibility of overseeing the turn-around of our airports and we believe that this will bring about efficient and effective management of these important institutions," Mr Piitso said.

Earlier this month, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique signed agreements to share the tourism spin-offs of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, through "border free" tourism packages.

The Limpopo Tourism Parks Board, Zambia National Tourists Board, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and Mozambique signed the agreement at the Tourism Indaba in Durban.

Together, the parties are called the Limpopo - Zambezi Destination.

The cooperation is premised in the view of the 2010 FIFA World Cup as an opportunity to position the region as a tourist destination of choice for World Cup visitors.

The Limpopo - Zambezi Destination will, following the agreement, undertake tourism research, collect data and statistics to help them gain better understanding of the profile of the present travellers and the needs of future market sectors.

Some of the undertaking that would take place includes the branding for Limpopo - Zambezi Destination, and joint marketing strategies in support of the package tours.

Also high on the agenda, was the easing of border formalities to ensure that the passage of travellers through border posts is swift and trouble free.

The Limpopo - Zambezi Destination will also analyse the current range of tourism products with the aim to refresh and upgrade to meet changes in visitor demand.

Mo Rush

May 28th, 2007, 07:15 PM

76m? what they gonna do? replace the windows?
ct train station is getting a 90m+ makeover..lol

dysan1

May 29th, 2007, 07:40 PM

polokwane's airport is considered international? charter flights and private planes i'd imagine? glad to see they putting money in tho

Mo Rush

May 29th, 2007, 08:20 PM

Top stories

Further authorisation sought as stadium construction moves ahead, 27 May 2007
An application for additional building authorisation will be made for the new multi-purpose Green Point stadium because the construction work is ahead of schedule. The authorisation will ensure that the project continues to be legally compliant. (more>>)

Lively interest - Tender process for stadium operator, 27 May 2007
There has been a very encouraging response from the private sector with 19 interested parties having drawn tender documents to operate the stadium. They have until 10 July 2007 to submit their business plans. (more>>)

Merchandising, 25 May 2007
With an estimated cumulative global television audience of 25 billion for World Cup 2006 played in Germany and an estimated 3 billion US dollars worth of business for World Cup 2010, the biggest sporting event in the world is big business. (more>>)

lpioe

May 29th, 2007, 08:58 PM

here is a montage of the 2010 stadia i did

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/2010collage.jpg

Wow, the overall quality of the stadiums is very good, the only downfall being the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

dysan1

May 30th, 2007, 11:45 AM

Wow, the overall quality of the stadiums is very good, the only downfall being the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

Its actually a brilliant soccer stadium. And those were the words of Sir Alex Ferguson when Man United played their last year. Mo could probably tell you more about what he said, but he was incredibly complementary of the stadium.

Mo Rush

May 30th, 2007, 12:46 PM

Wow, the overall quality of the stadiums is very good, the only downfall being the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

Visit the stadium thread: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=480027

Ferguson:

"The Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg was absolutely fantastic and what really impressed me there was the floodlighting. It was incredible, the best I've ever seen!

"I know they are going to do some renovations there for 2010, but as the stadium is at the moment, there is not a lot wrong with it.

Mo Rush

May 30th, 2007, 02:43 PM

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/251/516816778_b47f2a089a_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/178/381566040_7a69480bd1_b.jpg

kulani

May 30th, 2007, 05:27 PM

Athlone stadium (one of the practice stadiums) hosted the ABSA Cup last weekend.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/227/493363559_1059c8ae1f_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/493367337_a1e5b9bfae_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/189/493367237_96e0d4e02c_o.jpg

Mo Rush

May 30th, 2007, 05:32 PM

kulani u beauty!

Sparks

May 30th, 2007, 10:10 PM

Mo Rush

May 30th, 2007, 10:45 PM

On the whole I think SA will be ready by late 2009, however it wouldn't suprise me if a couple of new stadiums are not finished until early 2010. One stadium really concerns me though and that is the Durban stadium, that appears to be the most ambitious design and also appears to be the stadium that has made the least progress.

What are your thoughts Mo?

To clarify and I am sure Ive mentioned this before.
The four existing stadia will be complete their upgrades by December 2008. Ideally by April 2009 so that the stadia are "fresh" for the confederations cup.

Soccer City, Peter Mokaba and Mbombela by October 2009 for the latest. Initially soccer city was to be used for the June 2009 Confederations Cup but will now probably be ready by October 2009. Again finishing too early is not great either. Mokaba and Mbombela are smaller stadia so time is not really an issue there.

Durban is probably the furthest ahead of all the new stadia being built.
Could be done as early as May 2009, but again depends on the release of funds and whether its worth the cost rushing for May 2009 when September 2009 is just as good.

Cape Town you should be worried and even there we are talking three weeks ahead of the earthworks schedule. Early January for the latest, but the rate at which work is currently taking place October 2009 seems like more than achievable.

Dare I say that South Africa might have timed things perfectly.?

Mo Rush

May 31st, 2007, 01:13 PM

One of the most critical decisions before us in this regard is a request for Council to approve provisional authorisation for further construction work on the Green Point stadium.

Construction of the stadium has so far proceeded under a provisional building plan approval pending consideration of the final plans at the end of June.

But the contractor for the stadium is approximately 5 weeks ahead of schedule.

The excavation work on the stadium site is about 90% complete and casting of the concrete bases has commenced, with 10% already complete.

In order to ensure that we remain within our authorised mandate, and in order to avoid wasting the time we have gained, we therefore need to extend authorisation to the substructure of the stadium.

The City is well advanced with its other preparations for 2010, especially with regard to transport.

Last week the meeting between the City, Province and the National Director General of Transport revealed that we are leading the way in South Africa with the transport strategy we have formulated together with Province.

There has also been a very encouraging response for the post-2010 stadium operator with 19 interested parties having collected tender documents from the City.

Several of the interested parties requested an extension of the original deadline to enable them to submit comprehensive business plans.

Sparks

May 31st, 2007, 07:26 PM

You know after 7 months, Wembley was 6 weeks ahead of schedule.

Just saying that's all.

Mo Rush

May 31st, 2007, 10:31 PM

You know after 7 months, Wembley was 6 weeks ahead of schedule.

Just saying that's all.

Its ok we not using multiplex.

Durbsboi

June 1st, 2007, 09:42 AM

^^LOL, Durban is certainly ahead of schedule, & things wont stay that way. Im sure it will some where down the line reach par on the construction schedule, the only problem besides funds I can see facing us could be lack of materials, but SA are in negotiations with some countrys into importation of steel & cement, so hopefully we will have enough.

Also note to the global audience, it has been noted in SA Forums, but if you guys didnt know, Durbans stadium began rising, about 10-12 columns about 3-4m have been cast, & more are being prepared, also work on the archs footings have been completed.

Mo Rush

June 1st, 2007, 05:21 PM

kulani

June 3rd, 2007, 04:40 AM

You know after 7 months, Wembley was 6 weeks ahead of schedule.

Just saying that's all.

I agree with you, but then again every project can be ahead of schedule or behind schedule at any point during the project's life-cycle. The end results is what really matters and this is difficult to predict. The best way though that has proven to work is ensuring that you complete each phase timely if not ahead of schedule. Wembley and Cape Town are obviously two different beasts all together and its going to be difficult if not impossible to make comparisons.

Mo Rush

June 5th, 2007, 11:12 AM

Loftus Versfeld - World Cup Capacity 50,000

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1223/530720178_9a800f73fe_b.jpg

Ellis Park - World Cup Capacity 60,000

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1343/530720184_2fff1c67b8_b.jpg

Mo Rush

June 5th, 2007, 11:17 AM

On track and on schedule

http://www.zoopy.com/photo_image/1178537573.jpg

Construction of South Africa's 2010 FIFA World Cup™ stadia is on track and progressing well, with the Organising Committee (OC) confident all deadlines will be met.

Ten stadia in nine World Cup host cities will be used for the tournament.

Five stadiums will be used for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup™, namely Johannesburg's Ellis Park Stadium, the Free State Stadium in the Free State, Rustenburg's Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Pretoria's Loftus Versfeld and Port Elizabeth's Port Elizabeth Stadium.

Of the five, four are already in place and currently being used for major international sporting events.

Ellis Park for instance played host to the 1995 IRB Rugby World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand and is regarded as one of the world's top sporting venues.

Pretoria's Loftus stadium tomorrow hosts a rugby international between South Africa and England and is also a highly regarded venue.

Royal Bafokeng is a quaint, modern venue which has also hosted a number of top sporting events, including a rugby international between South Africa's Springboks and the famous All Blacks.

The Free State Stadium has also hosted many major events, including games played by local side the Cheetahs in this season's Super 14 rugby competition, with the province's football fans among the country's most passionate.

All four stadiums require only cosmetic upgrades and the OC is confident it will be more than ready to host a successful FIFA Confederations Cup in June 2009, well ahead of schedule.

Free State's Mangaung Municipality says construction work on the upgrade will start in July and will be completed in August 2008, four months ahead of the FIFA deadline.

The only stadium being built from scratch for the Confederations Cup is the Port Elizabeth stadium, with earthworks and piling well underway and work proceeding according to strict timelines.

Of the other stadiums being built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Cape Town's Greenpoint Stadium promises to be one of the most scenic.

Cape Town promises to be 2010's crown jewel, with the stadium nestled on the slopes of the world-famous flat-top Table Mountain.

Work on the Cape Town stadium commenced in March, with 90% of the earthworks complete and work starting on the casting of the bases and columns on the stadium site.

"The progress has been phenomenal. We are currently five weeks ahead of schedule because the ground conditions are good and have eliminated the need for pilling. We are very confident that we will meet the construction deadline. Cape Town promises the visitors to the 2010 FIFA World Cup a fantastic and spectacular party in one of the world's most beautiful Cities. We are planning to be the '2010 party capital'. All the event infrastructure such as our world class stadium, accommodation, public viewing and iconic tourism infrastructure, such as the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain and Robben Island are centralised within the inner city, setting the scene for a massive street party," said Cape Town Municipality's 2010 co-ordinator Teral Cullen.

Polokwane Municipality's Communications Manager Simon Mokoatedi said there was currently "tremendous progress" on the construction of Limpopo's Peter Mokaba Stadium.

"We believe that in the next three years Polokwane will be thrust onto the global stage as one of the nine cities in the world to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In this time Polokwane has to occupy the stage and take its place side by side with the best-run cities in the world. Polokwane has to hold the flag and showcase the best not only of our province, Limpopo, and our country, South Africa, but of Africa as a whole," said Mokoatedi.

Durban will host the Preliminary Draw for the 2010 FIFA World™ on November 23 and construction of the city's World Cup stadium is on track, with the targeted completion date being October 2009.

Mpumalanga is one of South Africa's most beautiful provinces and is home to the internationally renowned Kruger National Park, where "the big five" wildlife can be viewed in their natural habitat. Mbombela's World Cup stadium is due to be completed in October 2009.

The showpiece venue of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ will be Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium, venue of the opening match and final.

South African football's home will be encased with a distinctive African calabash shell and will be able to accommodate 94 700 fans when its upgrade is completed.

The project is proceeding smoothly, with demolitions, earthworks and piling well underway and the contractor confident of having the stadium ready well before the October 2009 deadline.

Mo Rush

June 5th, 2007, 11:19 AM

World cricket boss' 2010 thumbs up for South Africa

When making its case for hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, the tournament's Organising Committee (OC) has always highlighted South Africa's excellent track record of staging major events.

A man who can attest to South Africa's smooth and successful staging of one of world sport's biggest events is Malcolm Speed, who has been the International Cricket Council's chief executive officer since July 2001.

Speed was in charge of world cricket when the ICC Cricket World Cup was held in South Africa in 2003, without incident and to much acclaim.

"The 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup in South Africa was great. I was impressed by the level of support from the government for the event and the tremendous enthusiasm from South Africans about hosting a major sporting event. The facilities were excellent, at all the venues we played at in South Africa. The major venues in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth were all of a very high standard and all quite different. They set the scene for an excellent event," Speed told the OC's Communications Department in an interview in Cape Town.

Speed's been a regular visitor to South African shores for nearly a decade now and is well-placed to comment on the country's rapid progression in recent times.

"I've been to South Africa three times this year and around 15 times since 1999. It's a fantastic and beautiful country. I am intrigued by your politics and commitment to racial integration. I've been to townships in Johannesburg and museums in South African cities and have
a good understanding of the history of the country. In 2004 I brought my family to Cape Town and eight of us drove from Cape Town to
Port Elizabeth. Travelling on the Garden Route is one of the world's
most beautiful trips," said Speed.

And allayed to the beauty of the country is the warmth and hospitality
of its people.

"The volunteers were a major feature of the 2003 ICC Cricket World
Cup. The event followed closely after the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where
the volunteers were very effective. At the 2003 Cricket World Cup the volunteers
gave visitors the opportunity to interact with South Africans and to
see how friendly, obliging and efficient they were," said Speed.
South Africa's security situation is a subject that often comes up for
discussion, but Speed said he was extremely impressed with the
country's security arrangements in 2003.

"The resources the government and the police force made available for
security was outstanding. In a major event like a World Cup there are
always security crises; bomb threats and other threats, internal and
external. But they were efficiently and professionally handled by the
South African authorities. The level of VIP security for teams,
umpires and administrators was as effective as I've seen at a major
event. Clearly the police and the government were not prepared to take
any risks with security and the country's security officers were all
very well trained, very disciplined and unobtrusive," said Speed.
The interview with the ICC boss takes place on the 19th floor of the
five-star Arabella Sheraton hotel in the Cape Town city centre, with
breathtaking views of the construction site of the city's 2010
Greenpoint World Cup stadium, which is enveloped by the Atlantic Ocean
and the famous Table Mountain.

As he savours the awe-inspiring sight, it's clear Speed's smitten with the Cape.
"Cape Town is my favourite city in South Africa. The Newlands Cricket
ground, sitting at the foot of Table Mountain, is a world cricket icon. I understand a beautiful new stadium will be built in Cape Town
for the 2010 World Cup. I hope it's as fondly regarded in the football
world as Newlands is in the cricket world," said Speed.
He reckons the strong leadership of 2003 Cricket World Cup chief
executive Ali Bacher was a feature of the event's success and is
confident the same will be the case in 2010.

"A major event like the World Cup needs to have an effective leader,
chief executive officer or president who has wide powers to get things
done within a generous budget. Dr Bacher did this with great style,
passion and energy. Dr Ali Bacher and his Organising Committee worked
for years putting everything in place and did a great deal of work on
the venues, which were all renovated and brought up to standard for
the World Cup. I met the 2010 Organising Committee chief executive
officer Danny Jordaan in 2003. I wish him and his team similar success
in 2010. I hope that at the end of 2010 they will look back at the
event as a major part of their lives and careers as sports
administrators. I hope they enjoy their roles and do South Africa
proud," said Speed.

Durbsboi

June 5th, 2007, 11:43 AM

Uh Mo, you got 2 pics of Loftus there

Mo Rush

June 6th, 2007, 12:04 AM

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1317/532074194_e396415006_b.jpg

Additional building needed for Green Point stadium
June 05, 2007, 11:00

An application for additional building at the new multi-purpose Green Point stadium is to be made to the City of Cape Town.

This is because the construction work is five weeks ahead of schedule.

Pieter Cronje, the 2010 spokesperson, says the current construction work is still within the authorisation given earlier this year.

"We are coming to the end of phase one. We now have to go to phase two and therefore we need provisional authorisation from the building plans department to continue with the building," Cronje says.

Weebie

June 6th, 2007, 12:53 PM

Teh build up too thsi world cup is very similar to the disaster that was the ICC Cricket World Cup in the Windies.

Mo Rush

June 6th, 2007, 01:14 PM

West Indies completed their stadia a week if not on the day of matches

All South Africa 2010 stadia will be complete by October 2009 since they are ahead of schedule, yes even CT. No Work on any stadium will take place in June 2010, because thats what you are implying.

I could simply have a knee-jerk reaction and call you an idiot because you have made similar stupid statements in the past but I'll educate you rather than shut you down this time.

Revised completion dates:

December 2008

Ellis Park
Free State Stadium
Loftus Versfeld
Rustenburg Stadium

May 2009 (since it is to be used during the confederations cup in June 2009)
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

July - September 2009
Moses Mabhida Stadium - Durban(possibly earlier)
Soccer City - Johannesburg

October 2009
Cape Town
Nelspruit
Polokwane

Weebie

June 6th, 2007, 01:22 PM

Have you worked out all the zoneing yet?

last tiem i checked you had not.

Mo Rush

June 6th, 2007, 01:27 PM

Have you worked out all the zoneing yet?

last tiem i checked you had not.

zoneing?

Juanl

June 6th, 2007, 09:50 PM

it's not two pics of loftus. if you look closely you'll notice the second picture's seating is red, whereas loftus's is blue

matherto

June 7th, 2007, 12:52 AM

are Ellis Park and Loftus Versfield going to change much in design at all?

Mo Rush

June 7th, 2007, 01:22 AM

it's not two pics of loftus. if you look closely you'll notice the second picture's seating is red, whereas loftus's is blue

I only recently changed it after DB pointed it out.

As for Ellis Park and Loftus
Ellis Park will undergo minor upgrades, doesn't need anything drastic, good capacity, good plans for the surrounding area, as far as I know, an additional tier of seating behind the two goal areas.

As for Loftus, there were proposals for a roof on the east stand but that might have been dropped due to lack of funding. There is no rush though, so Im sure we'll see more detailed plans soon.

dysan1

June 7th, 2007, 11:47 PM

(As posted in Senzangakhona thread, the stadium is now named Moses Mabhida Stadium)

Hope these pics meet all your desires. I took these today showing the development of this stadium on a good sunny winter Durban day.

Hopefully the pictures will show the doubters exactly what is on the go with the Durban stadium. it is well underway and is 8 months into construction already.

The footings for the arch are complete, all piling was complete ages ago, and the columns are visible for every passerby to see...as are the 8 cranes, with 2 more set to rise soon and a total of 12 to be up by year end

Taken from NMR avenue (south looking north)

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP6117.jpg

Taken from Kings Park Aquatic centre (east looking west)

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP6120copy.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP6123.jpg

Taken from Virgin Active Kings Park (north looking south)

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP6135copy.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP6134.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP6133.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP6132copy.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP6131.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP6130.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP6128copy.jpg

Mo Rush

June 8th, 2007, 10:46 PM

'Pessimists will have to eat their words'

By Clare Nullis

The clatter of construction trucks and cranes cuts through the morning chill as an army of hard-hatted workers dismantles a dilapidated sports centre and prepares the ground for a stadium which, in almost exactly three years time, will echo to the chants of nearly 70 000 World Cup soccer fans.

The burst of activity in downtown Cape Town is mirrored the length and breadth of South Africa as the country gears up for the World Cup, building new road and rail links, expanding airports and erecting hotels for more than 350 000 visitors.

South Africa will be ready - and safe - for the world for the first match June 11, 2010 kicking off a month-long international party, government leaders insist on a daily basis, a refrain echoed by FIFA. Organisers point out that the country has hosted rugby and cricket World Cups and major international conferences. But doubts persist.

"Plan A is South Africa, Plan B is South Africa, Plan C is South Africa and Plan D is South Africa," FIFA President Sepp Blatter said at the world soccer body's congress last month in an attempt to quash persistent rumours that he might move the showcase held every four years because of fears that South Africa can't cope.

"I was fighting to bring the World Cup to Africa. Now, I am not fighting, I am confident we are doing it," said Blatter, who will visit South Africa June 18-19 for a look at progress so far.

Deputy Finance Minister Jabu Moleketi, who is overseeing the planning and spending, said, "Pessimists will have to eat their words."

The pessimists have plenty of ammunition. Top of the list of problems is transport. South Africa does not have a slick national railway network like Germany's. Notoriously dangerous minibus taxis, crime infested commuter trains and long distance buses form the backbone of the transport system here - though the wealthy minority use cars and planes.

"Twenty-Ten" is being uttered across the nation. The tournament is seen as a magic bullet, with the government using it as a catalyst for a desperately needed transport overhaul costing more than R40-billion

"For the first time in the history of South Africa we will have massive investments across all transport systems - passenger rail, taxis, buses and road networks that will form an efficient, affordable and reliable integrated public transport network," Transport Minister Jeff Radebe said recently.

The minister predicts an additional 60 trains, 600 luxury inter city buses, and 10 000 minibuses will be needed to transport fans on the busiest days at the World Cup. He says this is manageable.

The country's main airports currently resemble building sites as their terminal and parking facilities are expanded. A new airport is being built near the Indian Ocean coastal city of Durban.

The Gautrain project - a high speed rail link between the capital Pretoria and the economic hub of Johannesburg - is way above budget and behind schedule. But authorities say the segment linking Johannesburg airport with the posh suburb of Sandton - home to many of the hotels -and the city centre will be ready. The government is also upgrading commuter railways in other cities and setting up networks of high speed buses.

It is offering minibus taxi owners cash to scrap old vehicles and buy new ones. But it is up against a brick wall in reforming taxi drivers who routinely ignore traffic laws and intimidate other road users. Dozens of people have died in the past year as rival taxi operators compete for lucrative routes.

Stadium construction and renovations are in full swing - leaving the housing ministry fretting about cement shortages and rising raw material prices for houses for the poor. Two new stadiums to host semifinal matches are being built in the southern coastal city of Cape Town and in Durban, as well as in the northern town of Polokwane, the northeastern city of Nelspruit near Kruger National Park and the southern port city of Port Elizabeth.

Cape Town's planned 68 000-seat arena, which was delayed by political infighting and legal challenges, is slightly ahead of schedule, according to city spokesperson Pieter Cronje.

Upgrading work is proceeding on Johannesburg's 95 000-seat Soccer City, venue of the opening match and final, with contractors maintaining that it will be complete with its shell resembling a calabash ahead of the October 2009 deadline. Renovations are also going ahead at Johannesburg's Ellis Park and elsewhere.

The government has earmarked R8.4-billion for stadiums.

On accommodation, Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk believes South Africa will be able to secure the 55 000 rooms predicted to be needed. A four-star hotel opened in Soweto last year in a development heralded as "opening the floodgates" to new accommodation in the townships.

Van Schalkwyk has also committed the country's stunning national parks to providing accommodation and, if need be, to erecting tents for the visitors. "Imagine the unparalleled luxury of attending a morning soccer match followed by a sunset game drive," the minister said at a recent seminar.

Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula earlier this year went on a European tour to look for advice and try to convince sceptics that South Africa will be safe in 2010, despite the rampant armed robberies, muggings and a murder rate of more than 50 per day. Police numbers will be boosted to 190,000 - up from 152 000 - by the time of the tournament.

High profile murders and armed robberies - including a robbery in April against South African Football Association CEO Raymond Hack - do not help Nqakula's case.

The big unpredictable factor is the weather. The tournament will be held during winter in South Africa. Temperatures are near freezing at night in Johannesburg; gales and torrential rain are buffeting Cape Town and even balmy Durban feels distinctly chilly.

Organisers insist that they will develop the concept of Fan Parks, which were so wildly popular in Germany last year, not least to allow hundreds of South Africans who can't afford tickets to watch the matches. Just don't come expecting tropical African nights! - Sapa-AP

Quickwire

Published on the Web by IOL on 2007-06-08 19:29:47
© 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.

Mo Rush

June 9th, 2007, 01:53 AM

Soccer City, Johannesburg: World Cup Final Venue : 100,000

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/74430758.jpg?v=1&c=NewsMaker&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF1936C93A00DCCA1DB50C430A6620FEDC684
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Sparks

June 11th, 2007, 09:52 PM

3 years to go today.

Mo Rush

June 11th, 2007, 10:40 PM

3 years to go today.

Yep...

Durbsboi

June 12th, 2007, 01:59 PM

official 2010 local government website.

http://www.sa2010.gov.za/

Mo Rush

June 13th, 2007, 02:29 PM

Sundowns vs Barcelona, 20 June, Loftus Versfeld
Tottenham Hotspurs vs Kaizer Chiefs 21 July, Kings Park Stadium, Durban
Tottenham Hostpurs vs Orlando Pirates, 24 July, Newlands , Cape Town

Gherkin

June 13th, 2007, 03:28 PM

^^ When I was in South Africa I remember Spurs playing the Kaiser Chiefs on TV. Is it a yearly thing?

Durbsboi

June 14th, 2007, 10:25 AM

^^Not really, I think now the PSL teams are looking at bringing down European teams to play pre season friendlys purely as a show case to show the world what we have & what we can offer.

Previously we didnt have European teams visiting us now & then during pre season, but now with tournaments such as the Vodacom Cup championship which Spurs are involved with, with the 2 SA teams in it. Last year Manchester Utd took part in this championship.

www.sercan.de

June 14th, 2007, 01:42 PM

looks like the design has changed a little bit?
but the roof doesn't covers all seats?!
my fav stadium

Mo Rush

June 15th, 2007, 01:28 AM

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/74538380.jpg?v=1&c=NewsMaker&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193C4F70F8076A39DEEC517F58CBF5B8E59
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/74538372.jpg?v=1&c=NewsMaker&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193C4F70F8076A39DEEC61847E63BFC8F10
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/74538369.jpg?v=1&c=NewsMaker&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193C4F70F8076A39DEED7CB8AE036741630
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/74538367.jpg?v=1&c=NewsMaker&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193C4F70F8076A39DEE21672DBE422DC2DC

Mo Rush

June 17th, 2007, 03:11 PM

http://i.pbase.com/o6/75/426675/1/80622216.OeviZv1m.P1010358.JPG

Mo Rush

June 18th, 2007, 12:44 AM

http://picksandshovels.blogspot.com/

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1362/561817624_0a0a0fd752_o.jpg

Gherkin

June 18th, 2007, 12:57 AM

Mo thank you for restoring faith in people's views for the WC 2010 :) In a year people have gone from "it'll never be ready", "SA didn't deserve it" to "I can't wait", "bring on 2010 :D" etc.

:carrot:

Mo Rush

June 18th, 2007, 12:59 AM

kulani

June 18th, 2007, 01:33 AM

Getting up close and personal with Durban's 2010 stadium

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1195/561359885_81e281d903_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1224/560864382_987a7b4047_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1409/561380149_9088f3a53d_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1148/560885686_32a1d56713_b.jpg

nearby Absa stadium

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1365/561230793_7e6908c2a1_b.jpg

black and white pictures of Durban's 2010 stadium

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1063/561251271_ab5be9790f_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1329/560840940_ccc69ca4d8_b.jpg

Mo Rush

June 18th, 2007, 05:18 PM

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/74695784.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193B232F6F01705438337973C5DD32F0BCD
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/74695844.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193B232F6F017054383B1AC35523EB8E38F

CarlosBlueDragon

June 18th, 2007, 06:36 PM

Preliminary Draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa
will open on 23rd November 2007!!
which stadium...in DURBAN?? have picture?? pls!! thanks

dysan1

June 18th, 2007, 07:38 PM

The prelim draw will be taking place at ICC Durban Arena. This is Africa's premier convention centre and in the worlds top 10. It wont be taking place at one of the sporting stadia of the 2010 world cup.

For images of the ICC Durban, visit www.icc.co.za

Mo Rush

June 18th, 2007, 07:57 PM

Preliminary Draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa
will open on 23rd November 2007!!
which stadium...in DURBAN?? have picture?? pls!! thanks

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1057/532374919_5f64475ab6.jpg?v=0

dysan1

June 18th, 2007, 08:12 PM

good showing mo. cant believe i have yet to go inside the arena area!!

dysan1

June 18th, 2007, 08:27 PM

Here are 2 other views, first of the arena, and then an overhead view of the entire ICC complex

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/Copyoficcarena.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/ICCAerial.jpg

DennisRodman

June 19th, 2007, 04:06 AM

Do you have pictures of inside in the ICC arena?

Durbsboi

June 19th, 2007, 10:17 AM

Its not the best pic, but you get the idea.

http://i16.tinypic.com/632repz.jpg

http://i15.tinypic.com/4xw2m9f.jpg

http://i16.tinypic.com/680uq77.jpg

http://i16.tinypic.com/6fowf38.jpg

CarlosBlueDragon

June 19th, 2007, 06:55 PM

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1057/532374919_5f64475ab6.jpg?v=0

Oh..that ICC Arena!! thanks...for u help!! :cheers1:

CarlosBlueDragon

June 19th, 2007, 06:59 PM

Mo Rush

June 19th, 2007, 07:35 PM

Cape Town on track and on schedule

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1010/565035647_ace7693b6f_o.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1108/565035659_7df9da7689_o.jpg

Durbsboi

June 20th, 2007, 08:49 AM

Blatter's visit to site

http://i14.tinypic.com/5y869zm.jpg

http://i7.tinypic.com/4pkgidi.jpg

http://i10.tinypic.com/4xlnpfr.jpg

http://i17.tinypic.com/62zq4pz.jpg

Durbsboi

June 20th, 2007, 12:27 PM

Source: www.fifa.com

Blatter: Optimistic and excited(FIFA.com) Monday 18 June 2007

http://i18.tinypic.com/678whte.jpg

The FIFA President, Joseph S. Blatter is currently on a trip to South Africa to see for himself the considerable work that has already been done to prepare the country for hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. Today, as he kicked off the tour, Blatter took the opportunity to address the South African media on the site of the nation's flagship stadium, Soccer City.

On returning to South Africa
It is a great pleasure for me to back in South Africa, in Africa, my continent. It has been an absence of one year for me as FIFA President (since my last visit), and I can guarantee you that it will not be a year before I return.

On the progress being made on South Africa's stadiums
At the end of last year I said I will take a plane, bring my shovel and pick and come here to work if needs be. But today, coming here to the site of Soccer City, I can see that I do not need that. So I am a very happy man to be here.

On possibility of the FIFA World Cup being taken away from South Africa At FIFA, we have had a lot of problems to bring the World Cup to Africa and now we have it here. And you may assured that nothing, nothing can now be against this World Cup in South Africa.

On media criticism of the South Africa LOC
You must understand that if you are good, people will be jealous of you. And to organise the World Cup in South Africa, there is a lot of jealousy because some people are saying that they can do it better. But they cannot, because it will be a wonderful World Cup in South Africa. What I am seeing here, and also what has been presented at the last FIFA Executive Committee meeting in Zurich, on the progress of the work, makes us very confident. And I can definitely tell you that it is why the South African organisation is so good, that is why there is criticism. If there was not criticism, you would not be good.

On the weather for the 2010 FIFA World Cup
I am a very optimistic man, I am a very positive man, and your organising committee is also optimistic. I do hope that we will have the same weather in three years during the World Cup.

On the new FIFA World Cup Organising Committee Chairman
The FIFA World Cup Organising Committee, since the FIFA World Cup has existed, has been chaired by a European, except for twice when a Mexican was the chair. But now in Africa, we will have an African. Your brother, my brother, our brother, Issa Hayatou, is the chairman of the FIFA Organising Committee of the 2010. This is also a realisation along with respect to the African continent. The international year of football has been decreed by the African Union and also the 50th Anniversary of the Confederation de Africaine Football. So therefore, it is simply justice and respect for the leader of African football, who has led the organisation for 17 years.

On Nelson Mandela
We will have a world football all-star match in Cape Town on Mr Mandela's 89th birthday on the 18th of July in Cape Town. We are bringing together a World XI to pay tribute to this exceptional personality. I could not come to South Africa without paying respect to him, to this man who has rewritten history during his lifetime. He has been a model for humanity.

On tickets for the 2010 FIFA World Cup
There will be not more than three million tickets available to a population of 45 million. There are 850 million people in Africa and all the visitors that will come here. There are obviously not enough tickets for everybody but there will be access to public viewing and opportunities to watch the World Cup all around South Africa.

Mo Rush

June 20th, 2007, 02:58 PM

you'll actually be able to see table mountain fro within the stadium since the entire roof is translucent

Mo Rush

June 20th, 2007, 03:08 PM

Cape Town will be ready for 2010 - Blatter

By Anel Powell and Sibusiso Ngalwa

Fifa president Sepp Blatter said there was no doubt that Cape Town would be ready on time for the 2010 World Cup.

"Fifa trusts in you, Fifa has confidence in you and Cape Town will be a wonderful organiser of nine matches."

Blatter, who was in Cape Town on Tuesday for a brief tour of the host city, first met President Thabo Mbeki at Tuynhuys before he joined Mayor Helen Zille and Premier Ebrahim Rasool for closed-door talks at the Metropolitan Golf Club.

'Cape Town had a slow start'
The high-level delegation, which included Local Organising Committee (LOC) chief executive Danny Jordaan, and Issa Hayatou, chair of the 2010 World Cup Organising Committee, was in high spirits as they faced a barrage of questions from local and international media afterwards.

Zille said construction of the R2,85-billion stadium was on schedule despite the many obstacles that had almost derailed the process.

"For many complex reasons, Cape Town had a slow start. No other host city has had to go through as many processes as Cape Town, and no other stadium site in the country is as complex legally, politically, geologically and financially."

Blatter, in Cape Town for the first time since construction of the stadium started, allayed fears that South Africa could lose the World Cup.

"Only God can take the World Cup away from South Africa. South Africa will be ready and will be a wonderful host for an exceptional World Cup, because it is (being held) for the first time in Africa."

He said one of the biggest challenges over the next three years would be getting the transport systems up and running for the massive influx of visitors. Blatter downplayed concerns about crime, saying it was a global phenomenon prevalent in all big cities.

Blatter also announced that Cape Town would host an international match between an Africa XI and a World XI to commemorate former president Nelson Mandela's 89th birthday on July 18.

"I can tell you that Ronaldinho and Ronaldo will be present. I hope that Bafana Bafana will field a good team because for now they are the only team that has qualified for the World Cup 2010."

Rasool said the World Cup had provided the catalyst for infrastructure investment and development that would otherwise have taken longer to get off the ground.

Roads were being widened, the V&A Waterfront was poised for new development and six more hotels were being built in the city ahead of the event.

Meanwhile, the city's public participation process on the development of the urban park was complete and a report would go to council next week. The city is working on its detailed transport plan for 2010.

Still outstanding is the announcement on which city will host the International Broadcast Centre. Pieter Cronje, the city's 2010 spokesperson, said the LOC was still evaluating the bid offers and that a decision would be made within a month.

Arthur Wienburg, of the Cape Town Environmental Protection Association (Cepa), said earlier that representatives would not attend the site visit.

He said he was still waiting for Blatter to respond to a letter, sent on May 8, in which he had asked him to "stop this madness by agreeing to a semifinal at Newlands".

Cepa's application for a review of the city's decision to build the 68 000-seat stadium at Green Point will be heard in the Cape High Court on August 13.

* This article was originally published on page 1 of The Cape Times on June 20, 2007

Cape Times

Published on the Web by IOL on 2007-06-20 02:14:00
© 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.

Mo Rush

June 20th, 2007, 03:13 PM

City unveils 2010 host city logo

http://web.capetown.gov.za/WCMS/images/20620071258511.jpg

CT 2010 Host City logoCape Town is the first South African city to unveil its 2010 FIFA World Cup host city logo.Unveiling the new logo during a press conference with FIFA President Sepp Blatter, Mayor Helen Zille said that “despite somewhat of a slow start”, Cape Town was now on schedule with its preparations, and the launch of the logo was an “important milestone”.

The logo depicts the city’s defining icon, Table Mountain, under the African sun and with the waters of Table Bay beneath.

It will be used in conjunction with the 2010 FIFA World Cup’s official emblem, to form a composite logo. This forms part of a deal between FIFA and the City and will be used in all marketing activities by the City of Cape Town. All host cities are able to enter into such agreements with FIFA.

Blatter congratulated the City on the logo, saying it is “very attractive”. He also reminded the City that its commitment as host city has been cemented by presenting the logo together with the FIFA emblem.

The City of Cape Town said the main aim of the host city composite logo was to create a unique identity that captures the design essence of the official 2010 FIFA World Cup emblem. It had to have a harmonious design relationship with the official logo in order to generate maximum brand impact.

The City endeavours to position itself as a vibrant and dynamic city, “a place of fun, entertainment, warm people and unrivalled beauty”, which will be communicated through all the City’s marketing activities.

The new composite logo, as well as the individual host city logo and 2010 FIFA World Cup official emblem, are protected by national and international laws and conventions on copyright and trademarks. They may not be reproduced without prior written consent and can only be used by authorised parties who have been granted the necessary rights by FIFA or the Local Organising Committee.

For more information on usage of the composite logo, visit the City of Cape Town’s 2010 website.

Mo Rush

June 20th, 2007, 03:14 PM

FIFA has full confidence in Cape Town

FIFA President Sepp Blatter, Cape Town Mayor Helen Zille & WC Premier Ebrahim RasoolFIFA President Sepp Blatter says he has no doubt that Cape Town will be ready to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and has fully endorsed the City’s preparations to host the event.

Blatter was visiting Cape Town and inspected the Green Point stadium construction site. He also met with President Thabo Mbeki at Tuynhuys, before meeting with Mayor Helen Zille and Premier Ebrahim Rasool. They hosted a joint press conference afterwards.

Blatter said he had received a comprehensive progress report from the mayor, and was certain that Green Point Stadium, with its nine scheduled matches, will be ready on time.

“I have no doubt, after listening to the report by the Local Organising Committee, looking at the report presented today, and seeing the interest shown, that Cape Town will play a very important part in the 2010 World Cup.”

Blatter joked about his “ambitious” previous statement that “only God can stop South Africa from hosting the World Cup”, but said he stood by that sentiment.

“I can say South Africa will be ready hosts for an exceptional World Cup, the first time on African soil, and in a multi-cultural country – how better to identify football than by bringing together all the different cultures.”

Blatter admitted there were challenges ahead, but said if there were no challenges, there would be no need for discussion and no build-up to the event. Apart from stadium construction, he highlighted transport and getting the tourism infrastructure into place ahead of 2010 in order to cope with the extra visitors.

He also brought up crime, saying that while he doesn’t like to talk about it, “we have to face realities”. He said there were many “rubbish reports” about the crime situation and that people are finding problems and being negative about South Africa hosting the event. Blatter pointed out that the same problems exist in any big city in the world, and that violence has been around since biblical times. He said he trusted the organisers are dealing with this, and praised the “total involvement of government” as “tremendous”.

He added that the World Cup is more than just about football – it’s about social responsibility and “getting people closer together”. This will be the enduring legacy for the future, Blatter said.

Blatter said he felt the “trust and enthusiasm” and was glad to have met the president, premier and mayor. He told Zille that “FIFA trusts you, and is in full confidence that Cape Town will be a wonderful organiser of nine matches including a semi-final”.

Blatter praised Zille’s “energy, will, determination and tenacity” in overcoming many obstacles to finally get construction of the stadium underway.

Zille said that she was delighted to report that the City is on schedule, “despite somewhat of a slow start”.

She said she hoped Blatter and his team will recognise that the “dedication and effort are proof of the City’s commitment to make a success of 2010, despite complex legal, political, geological and financial obstacles”.

Zille added that many ratepayers are convinced that the rates increases are to pay for the stadium, which is “absolutely not the case”.

“We share a goal with FIFA to make 2010 a success, because it’s about so much more than football,” she said, mentioning building national self-confidence that will show the rest of the world that Africa will succeed.

She also cited the airport, N2, public transport and other infrastructure upgrades and investment that will “continue to put Cape Town in the league of the world’s great cities”.

Premier Ebrahim Rasool thanked Blatter for “the trust and the confidence in our ability to deliver Cape Town for 2010”. He reiterated that Cape Town “will be ready with the stadium for the World Cup” and highlighted other investment such as new hotels at the Waterfront.

He also said that despite differences, the City and province were “co-operating on things that matter – delivering a world-class 2010 and a legacy for the people of Cape Town”.

Mo Rush

June 20th, 2007, 03:21 PM

Website updated: www.capetown.gov.za/fifaworldcup

Durbsboi

June 21st, 2007, 10:17 AM

Mamaloedi Sundowns vs FC Barcelona
Venue: Loftus Versveld, Pretoria
Date: 20 June 2007

Score: Sundowns 1 : Barca 2

Sundowns played well, opening the scoring in the 2nd minute with a superb goal by Surprise Morewi, & held the lead for 77 minutes but then began to slack & let in Barca with 2 goals in the death.

http://i12.tinypic.com/4px2wsp.jpg

http://i13.tinypic.com/6c7f0xx.jpg

http://i14.tinypic.com/6aun634.jpg

http://i13.tinypic.com/6ex4vfq.jpg

http://i8.tinypic.com/5xhb5uf.jpg

http://i17.tinypic.com/6gnl4z6.jpg

Jakes1

June 21st, 2007, 11:20 AM

Our office went to see the game at loftus last night. Eish. I was in a 9:30, thought Id be in trouble. But was one of the early ones. A few came in now, and others are misteriously ill... It was AMAZING though, and an indication that even a more conservative city such as Pretoria can become an all out streetparty paradise (on a Wednesday)!

Eish

Jakes1

June 21st, 2007, 11:57 AM

51 000 spectators decended on Loftus Stadium in Pretoria. What a party!

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/DSC01437.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/DSC01467.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/DSC01445.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/DSC01465.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/DSC01457.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/DSC01450.jpg

DennisRodman

June 21st, 2007, 07:44 PM

cool pics fellas...

kulani

June 21st, 2007, 11:54 PM

Cape Town Mayor, Helen Zille with some of South Africa's most accomplished soccer stars (Lucas Radebe, Mark Fish, Phil Masinga, Kalusha Bwalya)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1172/582902188_6789a9cdaf_b.jpg

Mo Rush

June 22nd, 2007, 04:26 PM

Video: http://web.capetown.gov.za/eDocuments/video_FIFA_Blatter_Zille_2162007155428_.wmv

Blatter in Cape Town, 9 matches including a semi-final

kulani

June 26th, 2007, 04:22 PM

S.Africa sees flagship 2010 stadium finished early
Tue Jun 26, 2007 1:13PM BST
Email This Article |Print This Article | RSSFeed
[-] Text [+]
http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldF...6?pageNumber=1

By Paul Simao

JOHANNESBURG, June 26 (Reuters) - Construction of the main stadium for the 2010 soccer World Cup in South Africa will be finished early, the main spokesman for the country's 2010 organising committee said on Tuesday.

Tim Modise told a briefing that government officials were confident the Soccer City stadium in southern Johannesburg would be ready by April 2009, well ahead of the October 2009 delivery deadline set by soccer's governing body FIFA.

"The flagship stadium, where the opening and final games will be played, will be delivered several months ahead of time," Modise said. "They have been working 24/7 on it."

South Africa is building five new stadiums and refurbishing five others in preparation for the World Cup, which is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the country.

It will be the first soccer World Cup played in Africa.

Work on the stadiums began this year, later than expected, prompting concerns South Africa would not meet key construction deadlines and spurring reports that FIFA might consider moving the World Cup to another country.

FIFA officials have repeatedly denied any plan to strip South Africa of the prestigious tournament. The organisation's President Sepp Blatter said after touring World Cup sites in South Africa last week that "only an act of God" would see the tournament taken away from the country.

The Soccer City stadium, which is located near the giant black township of Soweto, will have 94,000 seats. Designed to resemble a giant calabash shell, the stadium will create the image of a traditional African cooking pot when lit up at night.

While praising officials for picking up the pace on stadium construction, Blatter and others have urged organisers to pay attention to the construction of hotels and other World Cup facilities and ensure the streets are safe for visitors.

South Africa's high level of violent crime -- much of it centred in and around Johannesburg -- has raised fears that fans and athletes could be easy pickings for criminals during World Cup events in the nine host cities.

Samacado

June 27th, 2007, 12:15 AM

Hi.

with the earliest kick-off-times propably around 16:30, will there be any of the games, that will be staged under full sun conditions?

When there are sundowns in SAF in June/July?

Durbsboi

June 27th, 2007, 10:30 AM

You can expect sunny kick off's its not all that dark around those times here in SA. Here in Durbs that sun sets about 6pm, so there should be sun at kick off but by full time, the floods will be on.

Jakes1

June 27th, 2007, 10:40 AM

SAFA house, with a bit of snow
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/DSC03580-edited.jpg

Lets houpe we don't get a silly surprize in Joburg and bloem over the world cup period!
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Picture-1947-edited.jpg

dysan1

June 28th, 2007, 01:02 PM

^^ hehe...some hot ones some cold ones.we'll mix it up a bit

Mo Rush

July 1st, 2007, 12:45 AM

Most in CT want 2010 stadium
28/06/2007 17:46 - (SA)

Cape Town - Independent market research has found that over two-thirds of Capetonians are in favour of the Green Point stadium, City of Cape Town officials said on Thursday.

"These are exciting and gratifying scientific results, and it shows a growing excitement in Cape Town," said the city's director of service delivery integration, Mike Marsden.

The survey found that 69% of Capetonians supported the stadium, while only 17% of those polled were against it, and 13% did not know, a council statement read.

More affluent and older respondents were least keen on it, but even in the least positive category - over 50s - a total of 50% still said they were in favour of constructing the multi-purpose stadium on Green Point Common, venue for a semi-final and eight other matches in the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Asked if they thought South Africa was ready to host the Cup, the majority of Capetonians (52%) responded positively. The national average was 69%.

The researchers ascribed this lag to the initial controversy over the Green Point stadium.

Nationally, 81% of respondents felt the event was important for the national economy, while 76% of Capetonians agreed.

"This shows that over three-quarters of residents realise the importance of the investments, legacy and benefits that hosting the... Cup will bring," Marsden said.

First scientific research

"More than half of the Cape Town respondents believe the country will be ready to host the event. This 'can do' approach should start building from now."

This was the first scientific research done since the construction of the stadium began.

"Overall, this is good news for Cape Town. The survey also found that 82% of poor, unemployed people are in favour of the stadium. This disproves critics' claims that they speak for the poor who would not want it," he said.

The survey was conducted by TNS Research Surveys in late May and early June, and had a margin of error of 2.5%.

The research company emphasised that the questions were framed in such a way as not to guide or influence responses, and the sample size of 2000 was an acceptable research base.

Mo Rush

July 1st, 2007, 12:56 AM

Cape Town

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/DSC02470.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/DSC02473.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/DSC02476.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/DSC02475.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/DSC02477.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/DSC02482.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/DSC02481.jpg

Inertia

July 5th, 2007, 05:34 PM

HD images of the old and the new design that are on almost the same scale.

The Old
http://tfile4.nate.com/dndirect.asp?fi=18628386&sz=68379&of=imgAC%2Ejpg&fp=G%3A%5CStorage%5C200607%5C04%5C49955%5F249392339%5F11%2Ejpg

VS

The New
http://www.stadionwelt.de/stadionwelt_business/images/news/johannesburg_231006_01.jpg

I am amazed at how much larger the overall size is of the new design! It makes the old proposal absolutely bland looking and would have not done us proud.

Soccer City, Soweto, Johannesburg

Mo Rush

July 5th, 2007, 05:59 PM

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/soccercitynight.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/soccercityday2.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/soccercitysideview.jpg

Mo Rush

July 5th, 2007, 06:00 PM

i remember stadionwelt promising me a temporary subscription for providing them with links and images of the world cup stadia...that never happened lol

Mo Rush

July 6th, 2007, 02:30 AM

http://www.cosafa.com/photos/06-10-24/fifa03.jpg

Pronaos

July 31st, 2007, 12:51 AM

I like the new design, but it looks too similar to a lot of other stadiums.

Allianz Arena (Germany), University of Phoenix Stadium (US), etc.
It even shares similarities with the Bird's Nest in Beijing

Mo Rush

August 1st, 2007, 12:42 AM

http://web.capetown.gov.za/WCMS/images/2772007153011.jpg
http://web.capetown.gov.za/WCMS/images/27720071529391.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1032/907182324_d9cb856eb3_b.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1196/907289450_6f06782e8a_b.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1281/907098318_3d6f844752_b.jpg

Durbsboi

August 1st, 2007, 10:08 AM

upate on works in Durban, the bowl is beginning to take shape & work has commeced on the park & underground parkade, with another crane being erected making it a total of 13 cranes on the project so far.

Mo Rush

August 1st, 2007, 04:47 PM

14 cranes in cape town dedicated to the stadium.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1328/926187263_2d8aff08b2_o.jpg

CharlieP

August 17th, 2007, 10:37 AM

Hey Mo, I caught the Cheetahs v Blue Bulls Currie Cup game last week, and nothing seems to be happening yet at Free State Stadium. What's the schedule for redevelopment there?

Mo Rush

August 17th, 2007, 04:41 PM

Hey Mo, I caught the Cheetahs v Blue Bulls Currie Cup game last week, and nothing seems to be happening yet at Free State Stadium. What's the schedule for redevelopment there?

At the moment they are sorting out the final details.
Its a case of not starting too soon and not starting too late so that its not "too old" by the time June 2010 arrives.

According to the City, the stadium will be complete byOctober 2008 when the main grandstand is torn down and replaced.

I think this is the final design of the new roof of the grandstand.

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/image.article.php?ai_id=1731

Stadium construction completion – Aug 2008
Start of overlay work – Feb 2009(Confed Cup) and Feb 2010 (2010 World Cup)
Completion of overlay work – May 2009(Confed Cup) and May 2010(2010 World Cup)

Mo Rush

August 17th, 2007, 04:48 PM

Free State Stadium

The existing Stadium is located within a sports complex, comprising of athletics field,
Hockey and Cricket.
Currently the stadium has a seating capacity, including VIP seats, of 38 000. The
planned upgrade will increase the seating capacity to at least 45 000.
A summary of the scope of work is indicated below.
• Adding 2ND tier on the western pavilion to increase stadium capacity to
40 000 saleable seats, excluding VIP seats and Media facility. The
modification will require removal of existing roof and construction of new
upper tier
• Media seating for written press, radio and telecommunication
• Media center behind the western pavilion, which will be converted to new indoor
multi purpose facility
• Venue operating center for Security and CCTV
• Provision of security perimeters (including 16 cameras for CCTV)
• Floodlights upgrading to increase illuminaire to the required 1500 lux
• Upgrading of public address sound system
• New turnstiles installed for improved controlled flow of spectators
• Changes to existing Hockey Field

The project has been planned, conceptual design completed. It has been included in
the IDP of the budget. However based on cost estimates, budget allocation has not
been finalised as the Municipality would not afford the upgrade cost without financial
assistance from National Government.

cmc

August 17th, 2007, 07:41 PM

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/2648/sa2010pv0.png

so are these the final 10 for the 2010 WC???

Inertia

August 18th, 2007, 12:27 AM

Yep

Mo Rush

September 22nd, 2007, 04:35 PM

Stadium upgrade

In Mangaung, Free State stadium will be utilised as the main venue for the hosting of the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2009 and the 2010 FIFA World CupTM. The Free State stadium will be upgraded from the current seating capacity of 38 000 to 46 000. To achieve this seating capacity only the current grand stand will be upgraded. The upgrade comprises mainly the following elements:

• New crowd control facilities, including access and egress;
• Upgrade of the internal layout of the existing grand stand to accommodate additional VIP and VVIP facilities, FIFA and 2010 OC offices, medical and doping control facilities, upgraded dressing rooms and much improved horizontal and vertical circulation
• A new top tier accommodating the bulk of the additional seating and a cantilever roof structure extending over the written media seats.
• Upgrade of the floodlighting to the minimum 2 000 lux required by FIFA
• Temporary media centre and Outside Broadcasting compound
• Ticketing system
• Accreditation centre

During March 2007, Mangaung advertised nationally to invite suitable service providers to submit proposals for the upgrading of the Free State stadium in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The prices received were found to be much higher than the approved budget. As a result, Mangaung is testing the Market again to ensure that a competitive price is obtained. Despite this unforeseen delay, Mangaung is optimistic that it will commence with the upgrading of the Free State stadium at the end of July 2007. The completion date is the end for August 2008, four months ahead of the FIFA deadline of December 2008.

The construction of the upgrade of the grand stand will be done in several phases, involving several independent construction contracts.
• The first phase will commence at the end of July 2007. The completion date for this phase will be the end of August 2008.
• The stadium will then be utilised until the Confederation Cup scheduled to take place in June 2009. It must be mentioned that as the main work will be carried out on the current grand stand (i.e. western pavilion), attempts would be made to ensure the stadium remains operational during construction, subject to adherence to strict health and safety requirements
• A second contract will commence just before the 2009 Confederations Cup. The purpose of this contract is to complete the “overlay” work necessary for the event, which comprises of the specific requirements for mostly hospitality and the media
• A third contract will commence just before the 2010 FIFA World CupTM. The purpose of this contract is to complete the “overlay” work necessary for the big event, which comprises of the specific requirements for mostly hospitality and the media.
• The fourth contract will commence after the 2010 FIFA World CupTM and will include the removal of the “overlay” facilities and the construction of a few items that will be required to make the legacy stadium fully functional.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1395/1419903724_4630add0b3_b.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/FreeStatestadium2.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/69/202183993_8fff769df4_o.jpg

Mo Rush

September 25th, 2007, 06:35 PM

Watch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnzwvH-mPNA

Mo Rush

October 4th, 2007, 10:24 AM

July 2010

SF 1 (Cape Town)

England vs. France

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/CTstadium11.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/1179659084.jpg

SF 2 (Durban)

Brazil vs Germany

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Durban2.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Durban1.jpg

Mo Rush

October 14th, 2007, 07:53 PM

Let's have a look at the bid proposals for designs of the match venues and the final match venue or design.

Beforehttp://www.worldcupweb.com/WCfootball/2010/images/petermokaba.jpg
Afterhttp://www.africon.com/images/Commercial_57_S.jpg

Beforehttp://www.go2africa.com/football-world-cup-2010/images/stadiums/durban.jpg
Afterhttp://www.afrika-wirtschaft.de/media/06eb7139c86e072/602

Beforehttp://www.worldcupweb.com/WCfootball/2010/images/mbombela.jpg
Afterhttp://www.geocities.com/jairus_george/mbombela.JPG

skaP187

October 15th, 2007, 05:58 PM

What I liked about the original designs was that there were so many without roofs...
Sunshine reggae!

Tombs

October 15th, 2007, 06:20 PM

Looks excellent!

Mo Rush

October 15th, 2007, 10:03 PM

FIFA World Cup Preliminary draw venue - Glamorous start to 2010

Get to know the venue: Video (http://www.durban.gov.za/durban/services/departments/architecture/sections/strategic-architectural-projects/resolveUid/41795f55f105d9b76fed1354f9097272)

http://www.icc.co.za/ImageGallery/Arena%20Images/img-019.jpg
http://www.icc.co.za/ImageGallery/Arena%20Images/img-023%20email%20B.jpg

Quintana

October 16th, 2007, 12:54 PM

What I liked about the original designs was that there were so many without roofs...
Sunshine reggae!

But the World Cup will be held in midwinter so roofs do make sense.

With Van Basten finally out of the way after Euro 2008 and the expected support of the Afrikaners we might actually do well in 2010 (granted we qualify) :cheers:

Kampflamm

October 16th, 2007, 05:39 PM

SF 1
England vs. France

:lol:

Joop20

October 16th, 2007, 06:22 PM

With Van Basten finally out of the way after Euro 2008 and the expected support of the Afrikaners we might actually do well in 2010 (granted we qualify) :cheers:

Yeah, van Basten should piss off! Hopefully the Afrikaners will support their Dutch cousins after South Africa gets kicked out of the world cup in the first round :nuts: Holland finaly beating Germany in the final sounds good too :D

Mo Rush

October 16th, 2007, 06:31 PM

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/2648/sa2010pv0.png

so are these the final 10 for the 2010 WC???

Mbombela final design is different. Loftus will get a roof. Rustenburg also gets additional tiers. Click on the links in my signature.

Arjuch

October 16th, 2007, 06:43 PM

But the World Cup will be held in midwinter so roofs do make sense.

With Van Basten finally out of the way after Euro 2008 and the expected support of the Afrikaners we might actually do well in 2010 (granted we qualify) :cheers:

^^

Indeed, How many Dutch people are there actually ?

Belgium has to qualify too, so we maybe have fans on the cup. There are now 14000 Flemings, i don't have figures about the Walloons sadly enough.

Quintana

October 16th, 2007, 06:46 PM

Dutch people as in inhabitants of The Netherlands? Just over 16 million.

Arjuch

October 16th, 2007, 07:00 PM

^^

Dutch people In South-Africa

Begrijpend lezen ? :p ;)

Mo Rush

October 16th, 2007, 07:55 PM

Updates on the upgrading of the most important 2010FIFAWC venues. The venues that will serve communities and football lovers for generations to come.
Literally changing the face of football in South Africa.

Mo Rush

October 16th, 2007, 08:05 PM

Johannesburg
- Orlando Stadium 40,000
- Rand Stadium
- Dobsonville Stadium
- Rand Stadium
- Rabie Ridge Stadium
- Cecil Payne Stadium
- Ruimsig Stadium

Cape Town
- Athlone Stadium 40,000
- Phillipi Stadium 10,000
- Bellville Stadium
- SwartklipSport Complex

Bloemfontein

- Seisa Marabou
- Botshabelo stadium
- Clive Solomon

Tshwane
- Super Stadium
- H.M. Pitje Stadium
- Giant Stadium
- OdiStadium
- PilditchStadium

Polokwane

- Seshego
- Mankweng

Durban

-SJ Smith Stadium
- Chatsworth Stadium
- Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium
- King Zwelithini Stadium
- Princess Magogo Stadium

Rustenburg

- Olympia Park
To be updated.

Mo Rush

November 3rd, 2007, 02:33 PM

Cost: $40 million

Before:
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/OrlandoStadium3.jpg

After:
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/OrlandoStadium2.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/OrlandoStadium.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1040831.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1293/1040811275_993f22bf1c_b.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1040354.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2366/1819853851_292660de1d_o.jpg

Mo Rush

November 4th, 2007, 12:29 PM

World Cup venue ready June 2008

Ellis park set for June 2008 completion date
-1995 rugby world cup final stadium ready 2 years before kick-off

Cost: R500 million
http://www.gilesridley.com/shop/images/Ref.EllisPark-02.RWC%20Final1995.SA15N%20Z12.jpg

Ellis Park ready to host Mandela Challenge
November 01, 2007, 16:30

Ellis Park stadium will be ready to host the Nelson Mandela Challenge between Bafana Bafana and the US, in about two weeks’ time. That is despite the renovations taking place at the venue. The venue will also host the 46664 AIDS Benefit Concert on December 1.

The stadium is earmarked to host some of the 2010 World Cup matches, but it has to be ready for the Confederations Cup, which takes place a year earlier than the 2010 matches.

Areas like the Presidential Suite are already receiving a facelift. There will also be 5 000 extra seats on the northern side, a hospitality room and new changing rooms.

This is Orlando Pirates' home ground and the team will continue to use Ellis Park despite the work in progress.

With R500 million set aside, the renovations are expected to be completed by June next year.

Video: http://www.sabcnews.com/video_ram/0,1573,48006,00.ram

The idiot in this video says its will host a semi-final, but it will actually host a quarter-final.

Benjuk

November 7th, 2007, 02:13 AM

Hi Mo,

Can you give us an up to date listing of the stadiums and their current status (complete, on schedule, etc.). I'm sick of the negativity on some other forums and want to be able to show them something more than "my South African mate says it's going to be alright".

Cheers

Fitó...!!!

November 7th, 2007, 05:18 AM

TEBC

November 7th, 2007, 05:36 AM

why its taking too long to see some progress? Im getting nervous.

Benjuk

November 7th, 2007, 11:31 AM

The stadiums are quite awesome, i must confess. But as i can see, none of them have any "african" feature on its architectural design, they look just like an "enriched german 2006 stadium". I think german architects were not a good choice as they were not able to put in some local theme on the drawing board.

Isn't one of them themed around an African bowl of some sort?

Other than that - what kind of African architectural features would you expect to see? I may be way off course here, but as I understand it historically speaking the South Africans weren't really into major architectural projects and therefore haven't a large architectural history to draw from - the older large buildings being mainly colonial, the newer ones being the kind of thing that could be transplanted straight into a major European or American city.

Juanl

November 7th, 2007, 12:27 PM

Fito would be wrong. The centrepiece of the games, SOCCER CITY, is based on a calabash. A pot used by the Ndebele tribe in many of their rituals. Granted, the rest of the stadia aren't "theme park Africa" and don't look like something out of the Lion King, but us South Africans don't want that. the biggest South African influence will be felt by the spectators filling the seats blaring the vuvuzelas that are to become an icon of the games. That we have taken the German architects on board is evidence enough of our desire to draft the best in the world and not compomise on our desire to host the best world cup ever!

Fitó...!!!

November 7th, 2007, 02:10 PM

Isn't one of them themed around an African bowl of some sort?

Other than that - what kind of African architectural features would you expect to see?
I think you are missing the rich cultural heritage architects could have consider to take inspiration and design for those stadium.

Fito would be wrong. The centrepiece of the games, SOCCER CITY, is based on a calabash.
Thank you. A good example, 9 left.

Granted, the rest of the stadia aren't "theme park Africa" and don't look like something out of the Lion King, but us South Africans don't want that.
That's not what i ment but i've seen african crafts and arts and architecture books and there ¡s quite to be referenced other than the clichè "lion king".

That we have taken the German architects on board is evidence enough of our desire to draft the best in the world and not compomise on our desire to host the best world cup ever!
I'm sure it will be the best cup ever. But "the best cup ever" is only granted with german architects? Not that i have anything against them, but as i said before, the stadium designed by them look like could be anywhere, and this is the first WC in Africa. I' ve seen many experiences around the world where local architects plan and design and then they get the FIFA advise, or other foreing company.

Anyway, nothing can be done from no on with those designs. They're already in construction, and hope they look good.

Mo Rush

November 7th, 2007, 05:01 PM

Update
Completion dates

Ellis Park - July 2008 - ahead of schedule
Free State Stadium - December 2008 - on schedule
Rustenburg Staadium - December 2008 - a month behind schedule(minor upgrade)
Loftus Versfeld - December 2008 - on schedule

Soccer City - April 2009 - ahead of schedule
Durban, Moses Mabhida Stadium - October 2009 - well ahead of schedule
Mbombela Stadium - April 2009 - on schedule
Peter Mokaba Stadium - May 2009 - on schedule

Green Point Stadium - November 2009 - on schedule

Lydon

November 7th, 2007, 05:51 PM

I think people need to visit here first and see that we aren't all cultural. Yes, we have a rich cultural history, and that is evident in many things, but we don't want it evident in EVERYTHING. There are limits to everything and overdoing it is simple going to make us and eventually everyone else bored too.

Mo Rush

November 7th, 2007, 05:55 PM

I think you are missing the rich cultural heritage architects could have consider to take inspiration and design for those stadium.

Thank you. A good example, 9 left.

That's not what i ment but i've seen african crafts and arts and architecture books and there ¡s quite to be referenced other than the clichè "lion king".

I'm sure it will be the best cup ever. But "the best cup ever" is only granted with german architects? Not that i have anything against them, but as i said before, the stadium designed by them look like could be anywhere, and this is the first WC in Africa. I' ve seen many experiences around the world where local architects plan and design and then they get the FIFA advise, or other foreing company.

Anyway, nothing can be done from no on with those designs. They're already in construction, and hope they look good.

Boogertman and Partners, south african architects designed soccer city.
Stadia in cape town, PE and Durban were designed alongside a large base of local architects

in cape town, louis karol, point architects, and others
PE - NOH architects
Durban - im not sure

the soccer city stadium is unique and many choices from mine dumps to proteas were considered..we end up with a 104,000 seater dedicated football stadium, no athletics track, calabash design for less than 1/10th the cost of wembley stadium, for essentially a new venue..that is the success.

ottooo

November 7th, 2007, 06:26 PM

Mo Rush

November 7th, 2007, 06:40 PM

That's very good news! Many countries can learn from this. :cheers:

its what no use for local and international media moaning about stadia not being completed on time because that was never the case. what they need to make a noise about is the transport plans which is the biggest challenge.

Fitó...!!!

November 7th, 2007, 06:43 PM

we aren't all cultural
:? That's imposible, no matter where you are from.

Boogertman and Partners, south african architects designed soccer city.
Stadia in cape town, PE and Durban were designed alongside a large base of local architects.
:okay: well, we expect to see them rise soon.

Mo Rush

November 7th, 2007, 07:04 PM

:? That's imposible, no matter where you are from.

:okay: well, we expect to see them rise soon.

they have been rising.

Durban
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2356/1840921911_50d62ea6ae_o.jpg
Cape Town
http://web.capetown.gov.za/WCMS/images/311020071022361.jpg
PE
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/DSCN0634small.jpg?t=1193965115
Soccer City
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2367/1845103319_9850a8ef25_b.jpg

Benjuk

November 8th, 2007, 03:25 AM

I think you are missing the rich cultural heritage architects could have consider to take inspiration and design for those stadium.

For example?

Are stadiums in the North East of England made to resemble ships? Are American stadiums made to resemble wagons or tee-pees?

Please explain how national and cultural heritage were taken into account in the design and construction of stadiums in for France 98 and Germany 06.

South Africa is getting a bunch of top class stadiums, what does it matter whether they reflect the local history or not?

Durbsboi

November 8th, 2007, 09:16 AM

As Lydon pointed out, we didnt want all the stadiums to have a distinct african look to it, if we wanted that, all of them will look like mud huts & domes!

Lydon

November 8th, 2007, 05:22 PM

Thank you! I'm glad the last two posters get what I'm trying to say.

lpioe

November 8th, 2007, 05:53 PM

Do you (South African) guys think all games will sell out?

sibyl-vane

November 8th, 2007, 05:59 PM

are the proposed training venues only in the hostcities?

in Germany 2006 host cities were not allowed to be training venues as well.

Mo Rush

November 8th, 2007, 06:10 PM

Mo Rush

November 8th, 2007, 06:12 PM

Do you (South African) guys think all games will sell out?

I think 90% would be a fair estimate. I do expect that getting a ticket would be difficult and that demand will be high enough to reach 90%. There is a large market.

Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg and possible Pretoria will see 100% attendance even if there venues are bigger. But it all depends on the final draw. England might play its group matches at smaller venues. OR the match schedule might be re-organized so that certain groups play in certain regions.

Mo Rush

November 8th, 2007, 06:49 PM

Port Elizabeth

Proposed practice venues for the Nelson Mandela Bay 2010 Fifa World Cup.TM

With the Bays active involvement in sporting activities in South Africa it can offer a choice of top sports venues as attractive sporting establishments for the visiting international teams. It must be made clear that these are, at this stage of planning, only proposed venues and the final decision has yet to be made. As soon as this decision is made we will update this information and give you, the viewer, more relevant information on the chosen venue or venues.

St Georges Park
http://www.mandelametro.gov.za/Assets/2010/st%20georges%20park.jpg
Nelson Mandela Metropololitan University
http://www.mandelametro.gov.za/Assets/2010/nmmu.jpg
Eastern Cape Ruby Union
http://www.mandelametro.gov.za/Assets/2010/epru.jpg

Juanl

November 8th, 2007, 07:40 PM

POLOKWANE- support structures based on a Baobab tree
NELSPRUIT- roof support structures draw on giraffes for design inspiration

sibyl-vane

November 8th, 2007, 08:23 PM

Fitó...!!!

November 8th, 2007, 08:27 PM

POLOKWANE- support structures based on a Baobab tree
NELSPRUIT- roof support structures draw on giraffes for design inspiration
Excelent to know!

For example?

Are stadiums in the North East of England made to resemble ships? Are American stadiums made to resemble wagons or tee-pees?

Please explain how national and cultural heritage were taken into account in the design and construction of stadiums in for France 98 and Germany 06.

South Africa is getting a bunch of top class stadiums, what does it matter whether they reflect the local history or not?

LOL, too extreme your pretension with brithish stadiums looking like ships, :lol:
Anyway, in Korea-Japan for example you could even tell wheter the stadium was Korean or Japanese for its desing and architecture. It was just clear to see the diferent styles.

Hope to see more pics, thanks Mo Rush! :okay:

Mo Rush

November 8th, 2007, 08:54 PM

@ Mo Rush:

what about the planned team bases in neighboring countries such as Namibia (interesting for Germany) or Mocambique (Portugal,Brazil)? do you think it's possible? or did they already abandon this plan?

I think FIFA is looking into it and it should be fine because it was fine during Germany 2006. South Africa does have tons of great locations though along the coast, inland and up north so it will really be the choice of the teams.

KiwiBrit

November 8th, 2007, 10:25 PM

...England might play its group matches at smaller venues. OR the match schedule might be re-organized so that certain groups play in certain regions.

If England qualify for 2010 (big if!), why would they play at smaller venues Mo? England are known for taking the most supporters to any finals (except the hosts of course). In Germany, they had over 100,000 fans make the trip.

I think you would put them at the biggest venue.

Benjuk

November 9th, 2007, 12:02 AM

If England qualify for 2010 (big if!), why would they play at smaller venues Mo? England are known for taking the most supporters to any finals (except the hosts of course). In Germany, they had over 100,000 fans make the trip.

I think you would put them at the biggest venue.

England to Germany is a bit of an easier trip than England to South Africa though. Luckily for me, Australia to South Africa is easier than Australia to Germany!!

sibyl-vane

November 9th, 2007, 01:36 PM

There were no team bases in neighbouring countries during world cup 2006. Only in the preparation phase. Or is that what you are talking about?
I can imagine teams to be settled in Mocambique, because venues such as Nelspruit are quite near. But Namibia with Windhoek or Swakopmund being potential places to have a team base is a somewhat longer travel. I don't know if this really makes sense to be honest, though i like the idea of including more south african countries.

Pule

November 9th, 2007, 01:46 PM

England to Germany is a bit of an easier trip than England to South Africa though. Luckily for me, Australia to South Africa is easier than Australia to Germany!!

As for today 1 GBP = ZAR 13.685944 and the likely hood is that it will stay around that ration until 2010 there making it easier for more English fans to come down here. I still believe that the English fans will outnumber plenty of fans from elsewhere.

Joop20

November 9th, 2007, 02:43 PM

Team bases if I am correct are not allowed to be in host cities, but official match training venues and warm-up match venues are allowed. Some countries do not have the option of spare cities with stadia to act as training venues but I will find out to make sure.

Will there be a team base in Stellenbosch as well? Holland would feel right at home there, with the Cape Dutch architecture, and we could all talk Afrikaans/Dutch to eachother :banana:

Mo Rush

November 9th, 2007, 03:18 PM

Will there be a team base in Stellenbosch as well? Holland would feel right at home there, with the Cape Dutch architecture, and we could all talk Afrikaans/Dutch to eachother :banana:

Teams will decide but Stellenbosch offers world class facilities in one beautiful area.It should certainly be a consideration for teams. Its within an hour of the stadium. It basically has everything a team needs.

The Stellenbosch University Sport Performance Institute facilities include the following:

· Danie Craven Rugby Stadium (17,000 capacity; equipped with floodlights)
· Athletics/Soccer Stadium (14,000 capacity; equipped with floodlights and IAAF-standard athletics track)
· 2 Artificial Turf Hockey Fields (one water-based, one "sand-obscured"; both equipped with floodlights)
· DF Malan Indoor Centre (1,000 capacity for sport events…4,000 capacity for events where floor is also used for seating; capable of hosting disability sport, badminton, volleyball, indoor hockey, indoor soccer and indoor netball)
· Recovery Centre (massage facility and contrast baths)
· 14 Additional Rugby Fields (one of which is equipped with floodlights)
· 9 Additional Hockey Fields (two of which are equipped with floodlights)
· 7 Additional Soccer Fields
· 6 Cricket Fields (two of which are capable of hosting first-class matches)
· 8 Netball Courts (two of which are equipped with floodlights)
· 9 Squash Courts (including main court with glass wall and seating for approximately 140 spectators)
· 36 Tennis Courts (three of which are equipped with floodlights; also 1 indoor court)
· 33m Outdoor Swimming Pool
· 25m Indoor Swimming Pool (heated)
· Indoor Rehabilitation Pool (heated)
· Indoor Halls for Basketball, Handball and Fencing

http://www.suspi.co.za/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=37&g2_serialNumber=2
http://www.suspi.co.za/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=40&g2_serialNumber=2

Juanl

November 9th, 2007, 04:06 PM

Mo Rush

November 9th, 2007, 04:24 PM

No team regardless of ranking will be assured of their match venue except South Africa who will most likely play the opener in JHB, followed by CT and Durban. The remaining teams play according to their draw. So if there is no strategy to host matches of certain groups in certain areas of the country then England or Brazil could play the odd match in bloem or nelspruit or polokwane..or rustenburg

GNU

November 9th, 2007, 04:32 PM

Only 40m for a 40k stadium? Sounds like bargain to me.

dwbakke

November 9th, 2007, 05:11 PM

England play all its games at the big stadia. For example, if it were in an inlnd group it might have to play at Ellis Park, Loftus, Rustenburg and Soccer City. The STADIA aren't as close as in Germany and Japan so it will be interesting to see the LOC's strategy.

In the early plans for match schedules I've seen none of the groups were based anywhere. Just like in Germany, the plan was for each team to play three games in three different cities across the country. I guess the LOC could change its mind, but the way their initial plans look England could easily be drawn anywhere.

Joop20

November 9th, 2007, 06:57 PM

Teams will decide but Stellenbosch offers world class facilities in one beautiful area.It should certainly be a consideration for teams. Its within an hour of the stadium. It basically has everything a team needs.

Yep, Stellenbosch surely is a beautifull city in a beautifull region of the country! Are teams free to select a location, or is there a pre-specified list of locations?

Benjuk

November 10th, 2007, 01:01 AM

As for today 1 GBP = ZAR 13.685944 and the likely hood is that it will stay around that ration until 2010 there making it easier for more English fans to come down here. I still believe that the English fans will outnumber plenty of fans from elsewhere.

I was thinking in terms of travelling time... 90 mins to Germany - you can do it as a day-trip on a budget airline... About 10 hours (?) to South Africa, no discount routes to SA (I think), you have to make it a proper holiday with the associated hotel costs, expenses, loss of earnings, etc.

Bobby3

November 10th, 2007, 04:17 AM

Yep, Stellenbosch surely is a beautifull city in a beautifull region of the country! Are teams free to select a location, or is there a pre-specified list of locations?

In Korea/Japan it was "first come first served", teams were applying very early to get Ajinamoto (Tokyo's newer stadium) as a training venue.

At USA 94 it was different because the country is so huge training venues switched.

It'll probably be a combination of the two, teams select venues on a regional basis.

sibyl-vane

November 10th, 2007, 11:31 AM

In Germany there was something like a smaller bidding campaign of towns offering a suitable hotel plus a training ground, which everywhere was a small stadium in fact. DFB and FIFA then compiled a list of i think one hundred potential training camps. Those were spread throughout the country, but always close to a world cup venue and an airport. Teams in the end were allowed to choose one of those 100 training camps. Argentina - just to give an example - was located in the small frankonian town called Herzogenaurach (near Nuremberg,or however you spell that in english :lol: ) because adidas wanted them to have their training camp there.

Mo Rush

November 10th, 2007, 01:17 PM

That will prob happen here as well. Numerous towns are getting ready. I can think of about 6/8 in the Western Cape that are preparing for that. The official practice and training venues will need the FIFA stamp and that will happen closer to 2010.

Lydon

November 10th, 2007, 01:42 PM

I still think it will work out to cheaper...Plus, everyone likes a good holiday!

Mo Rush

November 10th, 2007, 03:48 PM

Orlando Stadium

Completion: 2008

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/5-17.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/4-18.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/3-20.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/2-19.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/1-20.jpg

Mo Rush

November 15th, 2007, 12:43 PM

Stage is Set for 2010 Preliminary Draw

By Issa Sikiti Da Silva
Cape Town

A 1000 metre stage has been set at the International Convention Centre in Durban where a total of 280 African artists will perform on 25 November 2007 for the 2010 FIFA World Cup preliminary draw, to be conducted in the presence of South African President Thabo Mbeki and FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

The announcement was made yesterday, Wednesday 14 November 2007, by Local Organising Committee (LOC) CEO Danny Jordan, during a media briefing held at SAFA House in Johannesburg.

"This event is our first official entrance to the 2010 FIFA World Cup and it has generated huge media attention worldwide," Jordan told journalists. "This is an event of African excellence and a celebration of African football with beach parties, lot of fun but also plenty of hard work. "So, we need your engagement and support and I am sure the way you will communicate to the public will definitely make it the best event ever."

World Cup record

The ceremony, which will feature the draw to determine the pairings and groups, is expected to be attended by more than 300 journalists, close to 30 000 guests and broadcast live in 170 countries worldwide - a World Cup record.

"I must warn you, there are no more rooms in Durban. If you are not in Durban, then you are not in SA and it means you do not have friends in the LOC or FIFA," Jordan joked.

The draw will be conducted by FIFA secretary-general Jerome Valcke, with the help of soccer legends Abedi Pele (Ghana), Jomo Sono, Kaizer Motaung, Lucas Radebe, George Weah (Liberia), Marcel Desailly (France), Ali Daei (Iran) and Kasey Keller (US).

Artists who will perform at the ceremony include Youssou N'dour (Senegal), Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, The Afrotenors, Mogana Dancers (Botswana), Judith Sephuma and Freshlyground, said Leslie Sedibe, responsible for the event's entertainment.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1057/532374919_73eaeced15_o.jpg
http://www.racism.gov.za/images/about/iccnight.jpg

Durbsboi

November 16th, 2007, 07:52 AM

The ICC shes looking pretty :D

Mo Rush

November 17th, 2007, 01:57 PM

Preliminary draw stage unveiled

http://www.fifa.com/mm/photo/tournament/preldraw/stage%5fdesign%5f27441%5ffull-lnd.jpg
http://www.fifa.com/mm/photo/tournament/preldraw/stage%5fdesign3%5f27438%5ffull-lnd.jpg
http://www.fifa.com/mm/photo/tournament/preldraw/stage%5fdesign2%5f27437%5ffull-lnd.jpg
http://www.fifa.com/mm/photo/tournament/preldraw/stageconstruction%5f27430%5ffull-lnd.jpg

skaP187

November 17th, 2007, 02:41 PM

Does anyone have some pics of the Pretoria loftus versfeld stadium? It´s the only one without a thread of its own.
(atleast I could not find it)

skytrax

November 17th, 2007, 04:14 PM

^^ course not There is an own thread for that stadium...

skaP187

November 17th, 2007, 08:29 PM

Does anyone have some pics of the Pretoria loftus versfeld stadium? It´s the only one without a thread of its own.
(atleast I could not find it)

^^ course not There is an own thread for that stadium...

...

Just gimmy the link...

Mo Rush

November 17th, 2007, 09:10 PM

Some good progress made. At the start of April this site was still a golf course.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2215/2041019152_fa70ab1c5d_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2217/2041025388_dc2e2024ac_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2106/2041020338_81b9b13d92_o.jpg

Mo Rush

November 18th, 2007, 06:42 PM

SOCCER CITY
2010 FIFA World Cup
Opening Match and Finals
Capacity: 104,000
Cost: 150m pounds/$320m/R2bn

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1595_1_1000%20Soccer%20City%20SA%201.jpg
http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1595_2_1000%20Soccer%20City%20SA%202.jpg
http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1595_3_1000%20Soccer%20City%203.jpg
http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1595_4_1000%20Soccer%20City%204.jpg

Boogertman Urban Edge & Partners design the new FIFA world cup 2010 soccer stadium in Johannesburg

The Soccer City corresponds to highest technical standards of modern football stadiums. Also the visual appearance of the Soccer City designed by the South African architects of Boogertman Urban Edge & Partner sets a landmark for the FIFA world cup 2010. For the realisation of the unconventional design the architects rely on European know-how. A football stadium like an “African Pot” that shines in typical African colours: The expertise of two Austrian companies makes this unconventional project possible: Rieder Smart Elements produces 30,000 square meters of fibreC elements forming the façade of the stadium. Valenta Metallbau develops more than 100,000 specially designed steel elements for the sub-construction. The outer skin of the arena spans 43,000 square meters in total. The concrete elements are produced in the Bavarian Kolbermoor in Germany. The new façade will be assembled to the sub-construction on site in South Africa. Therefore Rieder and Valenta are going to erect an own field fabric. Through its excellent eco-profile, the energy consumption of fibreC is significantly lower compared to alternative façade products: The production of fibreC has 40% less global warming potential than fibre cement panels or aluminium sheets. HPL (high pressure laminates) cladding panels even use five times more energy than fibreC. The realization of the entire building covering will be completed within a 12 month period. The Soccer City project currently employs 3.000 people and is therefore the world’s largest stadium construction site. The completion of the overall project is scheduled for January 2009.

Thumbnail images (from left to right): Images 1 & 2 - renderings, Image 3 - phototype of Fibre C covering and Image 4 (from left to right) Wolfgang Reider (CEO of Rieder Smart Elements), Piet Boer & Bob van Bebber (from Boogertman Urban Edge and Partners) and Josep Valenta (CEO of Valenta Metallbau).