February 9, 2006
By Anish Abraham
IT SHOULD come as no surprise that two Joburg's most famous stadiums have been included in the Fifa list of accepted venues to host soccer matches during the 2010 World Cup.
According to BuaNews, Deputy Minister for Sports and Recreation Gert Oosthuizen announced the 10 stadiums that would be used to host matches, at a press briefing in Cape Town. The stadiums are situated around the country.
As was expected, two of the stadiums are Joburg's Ellis Park, in the inner city, and the FNB Stadium – also known as Soccer City – in the Nasrec precinct.
In response to the news, the Gauteng MEC for sports, arts, culture and recreation, Barbara Creecy, said, "Our department will work together with the [respective] cities to ensure that the refurbishments of Soccer City, Ellis Park and Loftus Versveld are completed within the Local Organising Committee's timeframes."
Having anticipated that the two Joburg stadiums would be on the approved list, the City earlier put together several plans to ensure that Ellis Park and the FNB Stadium, as well as surrounding infrastructure, are up to standard.
The capacity at Ellis Park, where the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup in 1995, is to be increased by 20 000 seats, while the general area around the precinct will benefit from a R2-billion upgrade.
The FNB Stadium, which regularly hosts titanic battles between soccer giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, will receive R350-million to have its capacity increased from 80 000 to about 100 000 and an encircling roof added, giving the stadium a brand-new look.
As part of its Nasrec precinct, the City will also upgrade infrastructure surrounding the FNB Stadium. Other attractions in the vicinity include Gold Reef City, the Apartheid Museum and Kliptown, as well as a PGA-rated golf course designed by Gary Player.
Though yet to be announced, it is hoped that Ellis Park will host one semi-final, while the FNB Stadium is expected to host the opening game and the final.
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