The Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace is a multi-purpose sport stadium located in the Rustenburg suburb of Phokeng.  The Royal Bafokeng Stadium was opened in 1999 and completely funded by the Royal Bafokeng community, after whom the stadium was also named.  The Royal Bafokeng Stadium is already well equipped and required only minor renovations to bring it up to the requirements of FIFA.  These included new floodlights, electronic scoreboards, as well as a new public address system.  The capacity of the stadium was also increased from 38 000 to 42 000 with the construction of two additional rows of seating on the second level.  All these upgrades were completed by March 2009.

Bafana Bafana, the South African national soccer team, first played at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in 2001 in a 2002 Soccer Finals qualifying game against Burkino Faso; the home team won the match 2-1.  The Royal Bafokeng Stadium also hosted its first rugby union match in September 2006, when South Africa’s Springboks defeated the national team of New Zealand, the All Blacks, 21-20.  However, it is a shame that a magnificent stadium such as the Royal Bafokeng Stadium does not have its own Premier Soccer League team, despite hosting some games from time to time.      

During the 2010 Soccer Finals, Royal Bafokeng Stadium will host five first round matches and a second round match.

Games scheduled for Royal Bafokeng Stadium:

12 June 2010

Match: England vs USA

Time: 20:30

15 June 2010

Match: New Zealand vs Slovakia

Time 13:30

19 June 2010

Match: Ghana vs Australia

Time: 13:30

22 June 2010

Match: Mexico vs Uruguay

Time 16:00

24 June 2010

Match: Denmark vs Japan

Time: 20:30

26 June 2010

Match: Winner C vs Runner up D

Time: 20:30

This article forms part of The Ultimate South African Tourist Guide White Paper.  It is an essential guide to any tourist who has the opportunity to explore South Africa, containing all the information you could possibly need to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.  Featuring the best restaurants, accommodation, spots to shop, attractions and much more, all listed according to the specific region in question, this guide will be the ultimate in assisting your travels.  It is available to those members of the public who are interested in purchasing a piece of land in South Africa, and subsequently becoming a shareholder of land in South Africa. Visit http://www.ageofafrica.co.za to find out more about this project.

Loftus Versfeld is truly one of South Africa’s top stadiums with a seating capacity of nearly 50 000.  Loftus Versfeld is situated in the country’s capital of Pretoria.  Home ground of the Premier Soccer League club Mamelodi Sundowns, the Blue Bulls Currie Cup rugby team and the Bulls Super 14 rugby squad, it was also one of the main venues for the 1995 Rugby World Cup.  In addition to being one of South Africa’s premier sporting venues, Loftus Versfeld is also a popular venue for big concerts.

Often simply referred to as Loftus, it has served as a venue for many international soccer matches.  South Africa achieved their first victory over a European opposition at Loftus Versfeld, beating Sweden 1-0 in 1999.

To qualify for selection as a first and second round venue the floodlights, sound system and scoreboard at Loftus Versfeld were upgraded and designated media areas were constructed in the lower level of the west stand.  Very little other upgrades were necessary for the stadium to be ready for the 2010 Soccer Finals.  It was also a venue for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.

History of Loftus Versfeld Stadium

The stadium was named after Robert Owen Loftus Versfeld, the founder of organized sports in Pretoria.  Through the years the stadium has undergone various name changes as sponsors came and went, though locals have always referred to the stadium as Loftus Versfeld.  The site of the stadium was first used for sports in 1906, and the field was simply called the Eastern Sports Ground.   The first concrete structure was erected there by the City Council in 1923. The original structure could only accommodate 2000 spectators, and did not have proper sports facilities.

During the 2010 Soccer Finals, Loftus Versfeld Stadium will host five first round matches and a second round match.

Games scheduled for Loftus Versfeld Stadium:

13 June 2010

Match: Serbia vs Ghana

Time: 16:00

16 June 2010

Match: South Africa vs Uruguay

Time: 20:30

19 June 2010

Match: Cameroon vs Denmark

Time: 20:30

23 June 2010

Match: USA vs Algeria

Time: 16:00

25 June 2010

Match: Chile vs Spain

Time: 20:30

29 June 2010

Match: Winner F vs Runner up E

Time: 16:00

This article forms part of The Ultimate South African Tourist Guide White Paper.  It is an essential guide to any tourist who has the opportunity to explore South Africa, containing all the information you could possibly need to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.  Featuring the best restaurants, accommodation, spots to shop, attractions and much more, all listed according to the specific region in question, this guide will be the ultimate in assisting your travels.  It is available to those members of the public who are interested in purchasing a piece of land in South Africa, and subsequently becoming a shareholder of land in South Africa. Visit http://www.ageofafrica.co.za to find out more about this project.

Durban’s newest stadium, the Moses Mabhida Stadium, is a state-of-the-art, world-class stadium specifically built for the 2010 Soccer Finals.  However, it can also be used as a multi-purpose sports venue after the 2010 Soccer Finals, while it will also be ideal for hosting recreational and cultural events. 

The Moses Mabhida Stadium takes its unique design from the South African flag, with the grand arch representing the unity of this sport-loving nation.  The two legs of the arch on the southern side of the stadium, come together to form a single footing on the northern side symbolizing the new unity of a country once-divided.  The Moses Mabhida Stadium boasts a cable car which ascends to a viewing platform at the top of the 350m arch, 106m above the pitch.  Visitors and spectators are thus able to experience panoramic views of both the city and nearby shoreline. 

Quick Facts surrounding the Moses Mabhida Stadium  

• The Moses Mabhida Stadium is named after Moses Mabhida, a former General Secretary of the SACP (South African Communist Party);
• The Moses Mabhida Stadium will have the capacity to hold 70 000 spectators during the 2010 Soccer Finals and 54 000 in legacy mode thereafter;
• The roof of the Moses Mabhida Stadium, consisting of Teflon coated glass fibre membranes, 46 000 square metres in total, are attached to the arch by 95mm diameter steel cables.  Around the perimeter of the stadium structure is an 880m long steel compression ring that maintains the structure of the roof; and
• A new Kings Park Railway Station is being developed adjacent to the Moses Mabhida Stadium, allowing spectators direct access to the stadium precinct.

During the 2010 Soccer Finals, Moses Mabhida Stadium will host five first round matches, a second round match and a semi-final.

Games scheduled for Moses Mabhida Stadium:

13 June 2010
Match: Team D1 – Team D2
Time: 16:00

16 June 2010
Match: Team H1 – Team H2
Time: 16:00

19 June 2010
Match: Team E1 – Team E3
Time: 16:00

22 June 2010
Match: Team B2 – Team B3
Time: 20:30

25 June 2010
Match: Team G4 – Team G1
Time: 16:00

28 June 2010 – Preliminary Round
Matches: Team 1E – Team 2F
Time: 16:00
Determined by results of group stages

7 July 2010 – Semi Final
Matches: Team B – Team D
Time: 20:30
Determined by results of group stages

This article forms part of The Ultimate South African Tourist Guide White Paper.  It is an essential guide to any tourist who has the opportunity to explore South Africa, containing all the information you could possibly need to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.  Featuring the best restaurants, accommodation, spots to shop, attractions and much more, all listed according to the specific region in question, this guide will be the ultimate in assisting your travels.  It is available to those members of the public who are interested in purchasing a piece of land in South Africa, and subsequently becoming a shareholder of land in South Africa. Visit http://www.ageofafrica.co.za to find out more about this project.

The qualification process for the 2010 Soccer Finals has finally concluded as all 32 participating teams have been determined.  Dreams renewed, hearts broken, tears shed, it is all over.  There are not a lot of surprises as all the favourites such as England, Italy, Spain, Brazil, and Germany will be in action.  Although some of the major nations such as Argentina, France, and Portugal struggled at times, in the end they made it to soccer’s showpiece event.  Something special about the 19th Soccer Finals is the fact that all previous winners of the competition will be in action in South Africa. 

Below are all the teams from the different confederations of world soccer which qualified for the 2010 Soccer Finals:

Europe

Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland

South America

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay

North & Central America, Caribbean

Honduras, Mexico, USA

Africa

Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, South Africa (hosts)

Asia

Australia, Japan, North Korea, South Korea

Oceania

New Zealand

This article forms part of The Ultimate South African Tourist Guide White Paper.  It is an essential guide to any tourist who has the opportunity to explore South Africa, containing all the information you could possibly need to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.  Featuring the best restaurants, accommodation, spots to shop, attractions and much more, all listed according to the specific region in question, this guide will be the ultimate in assisting your travels.  It is available to those members of the public who are interested in purchasing a piece of land in South Africa, and subsequently becoming a shareholder of land in South Africa. Visit http://www.ageofafrica.co.za to find out more about this project.

Soccer City, formerly known as the FNB Stadium, is the flagship venue for the 2010 Soccer Finals, as it will be hosting both the opening match and the final.  Originally built in 1987, Soccer City has played host to some of the most memorable moments in South African soccer history, including Bafana Bafana’s 1996 African Cup of Nation’s triumph.   After South Africa was awarded the hosting rights for soccer’s showcase event, Soccer City was completely rebuilt.  Soccer City’s capacity was enlarged from 80,000 to the current 94,000.  Other renovations done on Soccer City include an encircling roof, new changing rooms, as well as new floodlights.  All these changes mean that Soccer City is now officially the largest and most modern stadium on African soil.

Soccer City’s unique calabash-shaped design is one feature that makes it stand out among the rest of the 2010 Soccer Finals Stadia.  The calabash was picked because it is a uniquely African object and a recognizable symbol of the African continent.  In Africa, the calabash is traditionally used for cooking food over a fire.  Socially, it is synonymous with entertaining friends, spending time with family, and sharing stories.

With state-of-the-art media facilities, team whirlpools, top-class VIP areas for dignitaries, accessibility for disabled fans, as well as a top-notch audio-visual setup to keep the fans informed during the game, Soccer City is truly a world class sporting venue.

During the 2010 Soccer Finals, Soccer City will host the opening match, four more first-round matches, a second round match, a quarter-final, and the final.

Games scheduled for Soccer City:

11 June 2010
Match: South Africa vs Team A2
Time:  16:00

14 June 2010
Match:  Team E1 vs Team E2
Time: 13:30

17 June 2010
Match: Team B1 vs Team B3
Time: 20:30

20 June 2010
Match: Team G1 vs Team G3
Time: 20:30

23 June 2010
Match: Team D4 vs Team D1
Time: 20:30

27 June 2010 – Preliminary Round
Match: Team 1B vs Team 2A
Time: 20:30
Determined by the results of group stages

02 July 2010 – Quarter Final
Match: Team 1 vs Team 3
Time: 20:30
Determined by the results of group stages

11 July 2010 – Final
Match: Winner semi-final 1 vs Winner semi-final 2
Time: 20:30
Determined by the results of group stages

This article forms part of The Ultimate South African Tourist Guide White Paper.  It is an essential guide to any tourist who has the opportunity to explore South Africa, containing all the information you could possibly need to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.  Featuring the best restaurants, accommodation, spots to shop, attractions and much more, all listed according to the specific region in question, this guide will be the ultimate in assisting your travels.  It is available to those members of the public who are interested in purchasing a piece of land in South Africa, and subsequently becoming a shareholder of land in South Africa. Visit http://www.ageofafrica.co.za to find out more about this project.

The newly-built Green Point Stadium is truly one of the most artistic soccer venues in South Africa, hence its nickname “The African Renaissance Stadium”.  The Green Point Stadium was named after the Cape Town suburb of Green Point, the area which it is located in.  The Green Point Stadium is only a stone’s throw away from both the ocean and the beautiful mountains surrounding the city, thus providing the perfect backdrop for matches.  Green Point Stadium is also only a short walk from the transportation hub of the city. 

The Green Point Stadium has a capacity of approximately 70,000.  It is also interesting to note that the exterior of the Green Point Stadium is covered with noise-reducing cladding.  Green Point Stadium is scheduled for completion during December 2009.  At the conclusion of the 2010 Soccer Finals, the Green Point Stadium is likely to be used by the professional soccer teams located in and around Cape Town, which include Santos and Ajax Cape Town.       

During the 2010 Soccer Finals, Green Point Stadium will host five first round matches, a second round match, a quarter-final, and a semi-final. 

Games scheduled for Green Point Stadium:

• Friday 11 June: Group A First Round Match
• Monday 14 June: Group F First Round Match
• Friday 18 June: Group C First Round Match
• Monday 21 June: Group G First Round Match
• Thursday 24 June: Group E First Round Match
• Tuesday 29 June: Round of 16 Match
• Saturday 3 July: Quarter Final
• Tuesday 6 July: Semi-Final

This article forms part of The Ultimate South African Tourist Guide White Paper.  It is an essential guide to any tourist who has the opportunity to explore South Africa, containing all the information you could possibly need to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.  Featuring the best restaurants, accommodation, spots to shop, attractions and much more, all listed according to the specific region in question, this guide will be the ultimate in assisting your travels.  It is available to those members of the public who are interested in purchasing a piece of land in South Africa, and subsequently becoming a shareholder of land in South Africa. Visit http://www.ageofafrica.co.za to find out more about this project.

A trip to Johannesburg, one of Africa’s largest cities, is sure to be a wonderful experience.  The city of Johannesburg is a combination of today’s modern day attractions and a fascinating cultural heritage.  People of all ages with different kinds of interests will find something to entertain them with in Johannesburg, no matter whether you are single or have a big family.  However, it is important to find activities that are appropriate for all family members, including children.  Fortunately, many activities in Johannesburg are designed specifically for children.   You should spend at least a few days in the city to experience some of the main attractions on offer.  You can expect to be quite busy while spending time in Joburg, as the city is also known, or Jozi, as the locals call it.

Tours are an excellent way to see the city of Johannesburg.  Bus tours, both of the city itself and outside of the city, are available year round.  Mining and animal-viewing tours are two of the most popular tours for families visiting Johannesburg and its surrounding area.  Zoos, museums, theme parks, and entertainment venues are just some of the attractions waiting to be discovered by you.

With the 2010 Soccer Finals now just a few months away, a lot of tourists are expected to embark on South Africa while the tournament is taking place.  A visit to Johannesburg is almost inevitable, seeing as most tourists will arrive at OR Tambo International Airport, the local airport located near Johannesburg.  Most of the top attractions within Johannesburg and its surrounding areas are also easily accessible from the airport.         

This article forms part of The Ultimate South African Tourist Guide White Paper.  It is an essential guide to any tourist who has the opportunity to explore South Africa, containing all the information you could possibly need to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.  Featuring the best accommodation, restaurants, things to do, transportation, car rental, places to shop, weather patterns and what to pack, emergency procedures, and stadiums, and much more, all listed according to the specific region in question, this guide will be the ultimate in assisting your travels.  It is available to those members of the public who are interested in purchasing a piece of land in South Africa, and subsequently becoming a shareholder of land in South Africa. Visit http://www.ageofafrica.co.za to find out more about this project.

Coca-Cola Park, previously known as Ellis Park, was first built in 1928 as a rugby union stadium.  It was demolished and rebuilt in 1982, again exclusively for rugby.  It was named after JD Ellis, a Johannesburg city councilor who approved the use of the land for a stadium.  However, in 2008 the stadium was renamed after the Coca-Cola Company obtained the naming rights of the stadium. 

Coca-Cola Park is located in the centre of Johannesburg and has played host to numerous epic sporting events, including the final of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup between Brazil and the United States.  The ground underwent a significant face-lift before the Confederations Cup finals and as a result it can now seat 62 000 spectators, increasing its capacity by almost nine per cent from the previous 57 000.

Coca-Cola Park will forever occupy a special place in the hearts of South African sporting fans after the Springbok rugby team shocked New Zealand to lift the 1995 Rugby World Cup trophy soon after being allowed back onto the world sporting stage.  It was a moment that brought the people of South Africa together in celebration as the iconic scenes of Nelson Mandela holding aloft the Web Ellis Cup at Coca-Cola Park were seen the world over.

With state-of-the-art media facilities, team whirlpools, top-class VIP areas for dignitaries, accessibility for disabled fans, a new pitch and a top-notch audio-visual setup to keep the fans informed during the game, Coca-Cola Park is truly a world class sporting venue. 

Coca-Cola Park is home to top sporting teams based in Gauteng.  The rugby union side, the Golden Lions, as well as the football club Orlando Pirates play their home games here.

During the 2010 Soccer Finals, Coca-Cola Park will host five first round matches, a second round match and a quarter-final.

Games scheduled for Coca-Cola Park:

12 June 2010
Match: Team B1 vs Team B2
Time: 13:30

15 June 2010
Match: Team G1 vs Team G2
Time: 20:30

18 June 2010
Match: Team C4 vs Team C2
Time: 16:00

21 June 2010
Match: Team H1 vs Team H3
Time: 20:30

24 June 2010
Match: Team F4 vs Team F1
Time: 16:00

28 June 2010 – Preliminary Round
Match: Team 1G vs Team 2H
Time: 20:30
Determined by results of group stages

03 July 2010 – Quarter Final
Match: Team 6 vs 8
Time: 20:30
Determined by results of group stages

This article forms part of The Ultimate South African Tourist Guide White Paper.  It is an essential guide to any tourist who has the opportunity to explore South Africa, containing all the information you could possibly need to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.  Featuring the best restaurants, accommodation, spots to shop, attractions and much more, all listed according to the specific region in question, this guide will be the ultimate in assisting your travels.  It is available to those members of the public who are interested in purchasing a piece of land in South Africa, and subsequently becoming a shareholder of land in South Africa. Visit http://www.ageofafrica.co.za to find out more about this project.

2010 Soccer Finals Matches in Johannesburg

Johannesburg will play host to 15 matches during the 2010 Soccer Finals in South Africa.  Soccer City Stadium will host the opening match and the final, as well as four other first round matches, a second round match, and a quarter-final.  The opening and closing ceremonies will also take place at Soccer City.  Ellis Park Stadium will host five first round matches, a second round match and a quarter-final.  Johannesburg will thus be the only host city with two Soccer Finals stadiums.  The Soccer City Stadium has been called the home of South African soccer and will be the flagship stadium of the event.

Below is a comprehensive overview of the soccer fixtures scheduled for Johannesburg: (H2)

Games played at Soccer City Stadium

11 June 2010
Match: South Africa vs Team A2
Time:  16:00

14 June 2010
Match:  Team E1 vs Team E2
Time: 13:30

17 June 2010
Match: Team B1 vs Team B3
Time: 20:30

20 June 2010
Match: Team G1 vs Team G3
Time: 20:30

23 June 2010
Match: Team D4 vs Team D1
Time: 20:30

27 June 2010 – Preliminary Round
Match: Team 1B vs Team 2A
Time: 20:30
Determined by the results of group stages

02 July 2010 – Quarter Final
Match: Team 1 vs Team 3
Time: 20:30
Determined by the results of group stages

11 July 2010 – Final
Match: Winner semi-final 1 vs Winner semi-final 2
Time: 20:30
Determined by the results of group stages

Matches in Ellis Park Stadium

12 June 2010
Match: Team B1 vs Team B2
Time: 13:30

15 June 2010
Match: Team G1 vs Team G2
Time: 20:30

18 June 2010
Match: Team C4 vs Team C2
Time: 16:00

21 June 2010
Match: Team H1 vs Team H3
Time: 20:30

24 June 2010
Match: Team F4 vs Team F1
Time: 16:00

28 June 2010 – Preliminary Round
Match: Team 1G vs Team 2H
Time: 20:30
Determined by results of group stages

03 July 2010 – Quarter Final
Match: Team 6 vs 8
Time: 20:30
Determined by results of group stages

This article forms part of The Ultimate South African Tourist Guide White Paper.  It is an essential guide to any tourist who has the opportunity to explore South Africa, containing all the information you could possibly need to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.  Featuring the best restaurants, accommodation, spots to shop, attractions and much more, all listed according to the specific region in question, this guide will be the ultimate in assisting your travels.  It is available to those members of the public who are interested in purchasing a piece of land in South Africa, and subsequently becoming a shareholder of land in South Africa. Visit http://www.ageofafrica.co.za to find out more about this project.

The Gautrain is a state-of-the-art high-speed train under construction in Gauteng. An 80-kilometre mass rapid transit railway system forms part of the greater Gautrain project. The Gautrain will link Johannesburg, Pretoria, and OR Tambo International Airport. Apart from the above mentioned three stations, the seven other stations that will be linked by the railway include Sandton, Rosebank, Marlboro, Midrand, Centurion, Hatfield, and Kempton Park.

What is the Aim of the Gautrain?

The aim of the Gautrain is to bring relieve to the traffic congestion in the Johannesburg-Pretoria corridor (especially the N1 Ben Schoeman Highway), and subsequently provide an alternative public transport mode to road transport. The NI Highway carries some of the highest traffic volumes in South Africa with more than 157 000 vehicles making use of it each day; it also has a traffic growth rate of seven percent per year. The Johannesburg-Pretoria traffic corridor carries approximately 300 000 cars per week day. The Gautrain is expected to cut the number of vehicles on the NI Ben Schoeman Highway by 20 percent, with 100 000 daily passenger trips. It is thus estimated that one-fifth of Johannesburg-Pretoria commuters will make the switch from traveling by road to traveling by rail.

Who is behind the Gautrain?

A public-private partnership between government and the Bombela Consortium (representing Murray & Roberts and international specialists in tunneling and maintenance of similar train systems) are responsible for the project that is the Gautrain. The Gautrain is the biggest public-private partnership in Africa.

What are some Interesting Facts surrounding the Gautrain?

• The Gautrain project will be completed in two phases. The first phase is the route between Sandton and OR Tambo International Airport, and Sandton and Pretoria. It is estimated to take about four years. Phase two involves the outer links between Johannesburg city centre and Sandton, as well as between Pretoria and Hatfield. Phase two should also take approximately four years

• During construction of the Gautrain, 48 000 jobs will be created;

• A projected 104 000 people will use the Gautrain each day;

• The Gautrain will operate daily from 05:30 to 20:30;

• 65 road intersections will be upgraded during construction of the Gautrain; and

• More than six million cubic meters of soil will have to be moved and disposed of during construction of the Gautrain.