SOUTH AFRICA WORLD CUP TRAVELLERS GUIDE

WORLD CUP 2010 TRAVEL AND FAN GUIDE

Having looked at the first couple of groups, I am going to take an irreverant look at the ten host cities which will be keeping the World's football fans occupied, what there is to do in downtime between the games, and, of course, the stadia themselves!

BLOEMFONTEIN

We start at the capital of the Free State province, and one of the country's three capitals -the judicial. So tourists, should be advised not to break the law in this particular city! If wildlife is your thing, then this city will be paradise! There is a popular zoo within the realm of the city. But even more exciting than that - there is the Cheetah Experience five minutes from the city, giving tourists the unique opportunity to interact with cheetahs, lions, leopards and tigers in their natural environment. A once in a lifetime opportunity. Carrying on with this theme, there is also the Franklin Game Reserve.

STADIUM - THE FREE STATE STADIUM

Purpose built for the last major sports event to be held in South Africa (the 1995 Rugby World Cup), it is predominantly a rugby stadium, and hosts the rugby union teams the Free State Cheetahs and Central Cheetahs, as well as Bloemfontein Celtic, who play in the Premier Soccer League. The capacity was expanded in 2007/08 in preparation for the World Cup. The stadium will host five group matches, and one second round match - which, for my money, will be Germany vs USA.

KEY GROUP GAME - SOUTH AFRICA VS FRANCE

In a game which could prove crucial to the hopes of the host nation progressing. South Africa will hope they will have accrued a fair amount of points from Mexico and Uruguay, and they will hope France do the same! There will be wild celebrations if South Africa exceed expectations and advance to the second round - the nightlife of Bloemfontein better watch out!


CAPE TOWN
Now on to Cape Town, the second most populous city in South Africa as well as the legislative capital. You are a lucky devil if your country has been drawn in this beautiful city. There are number of well known, picturesque landmarks such as Cape Point and Table Mountain. Not a bad backdrop to watch the beautiful game! If maxing and relaxing is your thing, why not head to the beach to chill out between matches? There is no shortage of options because of the unique geography of the city. Popular tourist activities include wine tasting and whale watching, meaning there is something for everyone!

THE STADIUM - CAPE TOWN STADIUM

Formerly called Green Point Stadium with an 18,000 capacity prior to it being demolished in 2007, it's replacement (Cape Town Stadium) is a magnificent 69,070 all-seated stadium, purpose built for the 2010 World Cup. The stadium is linked to the waterfront by a new road connection, as well as being situated near the Victoria and Albert waterfront (perfect for tourists then, but more than a subtle hint towards South Africa's colonial past!) It will host England's second match vs Algeria, as well as a second round, quarter-final and a semi-final clash.

KEY GROUP GAME - CAMEROON VS NETHERLANDS

With a large Dutch population due to the Dutch East India Company, and with the outcome of Group E potentially riding on this game, this game may be a big draw in Cape Town. The Netherlands will look to have already secured qualification in their opening two games against Denmark and Japan, but if they haven't, they will be sure to get strong backing from said Dutch population. But it is likely Cameroon will have more riding on the game.


DURBAN

The third largest city in South Africa, this is one of the tourist centres of the country - it will be a real bonus if your team gets to travel to this tourist haven! This is partly down to an extraordinarily hot climate and beautiful beaches on the Indian Ocean, but there are also a number of different options to suit every need. There is the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World for the gambler amongst you, which is situated at the end of the Golden Mile - basically, a mile worth of beaches! There is also the Greyville Racecourse, the giant Gateway Theatre of Shopping, and uSkaka Marine World - one of the largest aquariums in the world. With a number of other sports stadiums also situated in Durban, boredom will definitely not be a problem!

STADIUM - MOSES MABHIDA STADIUM

Named after a former General Secretary of the South African Communist Party - perhaps showing the political ideology of the city! - it was built in 2006 and is a world class stadium. With a 70,000 capacity. It has an arch, a roof, and a bowl built around it. Purpose built for the World Cup, and that is plain to see. It will be the host to five group matches, a second round match and a semi-final.

KEY GROUP GAME - BRAZIL VS PORTUGAL

The final group match, both teams will have hoped to clinch qualification for the last 16. However, with Ivory Coast in this group, that is by no means a possibility, and both Portuguese-speaking countries could need points here. Expect a potentially explosive encounter, where Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Fabiano and co should excite the neutrals!


JOHANNESBURG

The largest and most wealthy city in South Africa, it is nonetheless not a traditional tourists paradise. It has been a usefull connecting point in the past. Useless fact time - Jo'burg is the world's largest city not to be situated on a river, lake or coastline! A big attraction with history lovers - it hosts the Apartheid Museum, Hector Pietersen Museum and Nelson Mandela Museum. There is also a large zoo, and the Gold Reef City, a large amusement park. There are also many art galleries, and a great deal of live entertainment. Fun, culture and learning - plenty to keep you entertained! With a thriving nightlife, this is more of a young person's city than any of the other host cities!

STADIUM - SOCCER CITY

By far the biggest of the city's two stadiums being used, it does exactly what it says on the tin. With a capacity of 94,700, this is where the 2010 World Champions will be crowned on July 11th. It was renovated last year in time for the World Cup, upping its capacity from the mere 80,000! It also has important historical resonance, being the site of Nelson Mandela's first speech after his release from prison in 1990.

KEY GROUP MATCH - SOUTH AFRICA VS MEXICO

The oepening match - so for the sake of the World Cup, and the interest of the locals, it is crucial the hosts get off to a flying start. The form and progress of the hosts can make or break a World Cup - ask Japan and South Korea about 2002. In fact, a host nation has never failed to progress past the group phase. Not much pressure then! Expect to hear the noise in London should South Africa open with a win.

STADIUM - ELLIS PARK

Nominally a rugby union stadium (Francois Pienaar lifted the 1995 rugby World Cup there), and no match for the size of Soccer City, it still hosts a respectable 65,000. It has received a moderate upgrade for this World Cup, with only an extra 5,000 seats being added. This perhaps represents the fact it is not the biggest stadium in the city. It will host five group matches, a second round and a quarte-final tie.

KEY GROUP MATCH - ARGENTINA VS NIGERIA

An early chance to see one of the favourites in action, it will be a real treat for the locals to witness Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez et al in the flesh. It could be a crucial game in what looks a tricky group, but write off Nigeria at your peril - with the World Cup on African soil for the first time, the chances are, all teams will get behind their fellow African counteparts, meaning Nigeria should enjoy the majority of the neutral support. They're not half bad either!


NELSPRUIT

To be honest, this is a fairly boring city for tourists. It is better known for its agriculture and manfacturing, the boring stuff. Major crops include: citrus fruits like bananas, mangoes, avocados, macademia nuts grow well. For a small geography lesson, this is due to the subtropical climate and fertile soil. The city's name was changed to Mbombela last year, the same name as the local municipality of which is part. But it will retain the name Nelspruit for the World Cup to avoid confusion.

STADIUM - MBOMBELA STADIUM

A purpose built, 43,000-seater stadium, building only finished last year and its features include a roof. The signature feature are the 18 roof supports that resemble giraffes. Snazzy. The stadium hosts just the four group games, the last being between North Korea and Ivory Coast.

KEY GROUP GAME - AUSTRALIA VS SERBIA

Not a game with a great sentimental resonance, but could be crucial to the outcome of Group D - and deciding the potential opponents of England. Serbia and Australia will both fancy their chances of finishing second in their final group game.


POLOKWANE

Widely known as its former name Pietersburg, the literal translation is 'place of safety.' It is a popular destination for ecotourists, with a bird an reptile park with 280 different species housed. It is considered the premier hunting destination in South Africa. It is not a shoppers paradise, and doesn't have fantastic nightlife - so you've drawn the short straw if your team ends up here.

STADIUM - PETER MOKABA STADIUM

Yet another stadium purpose-built stadium for the World Cup. Only finished this year, it has a capacity of 46,000. It again hosts just the four group matches. There isn't a great deal more to say about the stadium to be honest.

KEY GROUP MATCH - PARAGUAY VS NEW ZEALAND

Not exactly a match to get the pulses racing, but could have a significant bearing on how qualifies for the second round. My money would be on Paraguay - New Zealand have whipping boys written all over them!


PORT ELIZABETH

By the sea, surprisingly! It is, also not surprisingly, one of the major seaports South Africa possesses, and is also nicknamed the windy city. Like Cape Town, there are numerous gorgeous beaches, making it one of the major tourist destinations in South Africa. There are a number of game viewing opportunities, and it is a city of vast culture. It is also known as the watersports capital of South Africa, with Algoa Bay home to scuba diving, game fishing charters, surfing, windsurfing and kiteboarding to name but a few. For the more extravagant amongst you, there are cruising opportunities from the harbour, with the chance to see dolphins and whales. It is clear to see why the fans of Chile, Germany, Ivory Coast, and, of course, England to name but a few, will be delighted their team will pass through this beautiful metropolis.

STADIUM - NELSON MANDELA BAY STADIUM

One of the most used stadiums, with five group matches, a second round, quarter-final tie, and finishing off with the third/fourth place play-off, it is a magnificent construction. And yes, you guessed it - it was purpose built for the 2010 World Cup. A 48,000 all-seated, multi-purpose facility, for fans who get to visit the Nelson Mandela Bay, there will be some wonderful photo opportunities - it overlooks the North End Lake and has a unique roof struture.

KEY GROUP GAME - SLOVENIA VS ENGLAND

With South Africa having a large English speaking population, any England match will be a huge draw. With what appears an easy group, Fabio Capello's men will look to have qualified going into their clash in Port Elizabeth. But the chance to see Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and so on will definitely be an exciting opportunity for the local population! And Slovenia will probably have something riding on the match!


PRETORIA

The last of South Africa's three capital cities (the administrative capital), the city is sometimes named Tshwane, a controversial proposed name change. This shows the upheaval and tribal differences which still exist in present day South Africa. Well known for its beauty and nature - it's home to the National Botanical Gardens, the National Zoological Gardens and a number of nature reserves. But this seems to be a theme running through South Africa as a whole - beauty and animals! Key landmarks include the Union Buildings - the South African equivalent of the Houses of Parliament, as well as the historical landmarks such as Church Square and Voortrekker Monument. And there are a number of shopping centres, including South Africa's largest, Menlyn Park, to keep the women in the travel party happy!

STADIUM - LOFTUS VERSFIELD STADIUM

Rather than continuing the theme of this World Cup and being purpose built, it was merely renovated in 2008 for the big event. It was named after Robert Owen Loftus Versfield, the founder of organised sports in Pretoria. The minimal upgrading has taken the capacity to 51,762. The floodlights, sound system, scoreboards and stadium roof were improved, which enabled Pretoria to be eligible for a second round match as well as five group matches - which, for waht it's worth, my money is on Denmark vs Italy!

KEY GROUP GAME - SOUTH AFRICA VS URUGUAY

Any game involving the hosts is sure to be well supported. The second group match could be crucial, depending on the opener against Mexico. South Africa will be keen to set themselves up for the final match against group favourites France with a good chance of qualifying. If the hosts are in a good position after this match, expect the tournament to really take off!


RUSTENBURG

Situated at the foot of the Magaliesburg mountain range, in a picturesque setting, it bears particular resonance for England as it is the city where the team will be based throughout their stay in the tournament. Which will hopefully be a month long stay! It is a history lover's oasis, with a number of battlegrounds and museums relating to the Boer War and various ethnic wars. Again, there are numerous game reserves and parks for nature lovers, and the multitude of wildlife and viewing opportunities are one of the main things which show South Africa to be intrinsically beautiful! And for the daring among you - relax after watching your team perform with a sky dive at Rustenburg Airfield!

STADIUM - ROYAL BAFOKENG STADIUM

The venue where England open their tournament against USA on June 12, the stadium was built in 1999 and has a capacity of 44,530. For the World Cup, one of the stands has been renovated and a cantilever roof has been installed - not that it will be needed in the expected weather!

KEY GROUP GAME - ENGLAND VS USA

An early chance to assess England's chances, and see just how far the English can go. My bet is a resounding win, followed by expectations to be vastly overestimated only to be let down in the knock-out rounds. But the USA should not be underestimated. Widely tipped to follow England into the last 16, with plenty of Premiership experience from the likes of Tim Howard, Clint Dempsey, Oguchi Onyewu and Carlos Bocanegra to name but a few, Bob Bradley's men will provide a stern forst test for English.


TRAVEL SUMMARY

The general message is there's something for everyone - be it sport, culture, history, beaches, nightlife, widlife and natural beauty, you can find it in South Africa. But what will it really be like to be a fan in South Africa? There are obvious concerns about the inherrent dangers associated with the country. To be fair to South Africa, despite all the doubts and the construction strike last year, the stadiums appear to be ready in time for the big kick-off, and FIFA has rated the readiness of the country at right out of ten. Not bad when there has been so much scepticism! As far back as 2006 and 2007, there were rumours that the host nation would be changed as senior FIFA figures such as Franz Beckenbauer expressed doubts about the ability of South Africa to pull itself together. But the Germans and cynicism are a marriage made in heaven. Bus, road and rail networks have all been updated as the country looks to bring infrastructure up to speed. It would be wise to be careful about where you go, especially in the bigger cities like Jo'Burg, Cape Town, Pretoria and Durban. Tourists will be seen as easy meat in what is one of the most dangerous, and crime ridden countries in the world. Though it would be folly to finish on such a sombre note. Follow tourist advice carefully, and it is likely you will be able to sit back, and enjoy what will surely be a great month of football!