2010 SOCCER: MOSES MABHIDA STADIUM: DURBAN

The Stadium is in Durban, adjacent to the ABSA Stadium, in the Kings Park Sporting Precinct, and the Durban street circuit used for the A1GP World Cup of motorsport. The Stadium will have a capacity of 70,000 during the World Cup and 54,000 afterwards. Capacity could also be increased to 80,000 for events like the Olympics. The Stadium will have 150 corporate hospitality suites with 7,500 seats. The Arch over the Stadium, on the Northern-side, 350m long and 105m high will hold up the roof of the Stadium. The nice part of the Arch is that one could travel to the top in a funicular (something similar to a cable car), carrying 25 people at a time, and have a few good drinks whilst enjoying the spectacular view over the City and the sea- 100 people could be accommodated at any given time. Of course the more athletic could climb the 550-steps on the southern-side of the Stadium and also have a few cold drinks (much needed then) and enjoy the views- just hope there will be place up there! A 46,000 square metres, Teflon-coated, glass-fibre membrane forms the roof, which will produce a translucent glow when the Stadium is lit. Seating inside the Stadium is also awesome, as the seats are colour- coded, depicting the sea, sky and vegetation in the province.

Watching any soccer game or other event at this Stadium will definitely be an experience never to be forgotten!! Be sure to have at least one ticket to watch a game at this Stadium next Winter!!!

Games to be played at the Stadium:

• 13 June-20:30 Group D Germany v Australia
• 16 June-16:00 Group H Spain v Switzerland
• 19 June-13:30 Group E Netherlands v Japan
• 22 June-20:30 Group B Nigeria v Korea R
• 25 June-16:00 Group G Portugal v Brazil
• 28 June-16:00 Round of 16
• 07 July-20:30 Semi Final
  

Sources: Google Search: Moses Mabhida Stadium City Press Sport dated 29 November 2009

OFFICIAL 2010 MATCH BALL

Meet Jabulani!! The soccer ball was developed by Adidas, and Jabulani (an IsiZulu word) means 'to celebrate'. A very appropriate name taking that it is Africa's very first time to host the Soccer World Cup. Also very appropriately is the 11 colours used in the design, representing the 11th Adidas World Cup ball, the 11 players in each team, the 11 official South African languages and the 11 South African Communities. South Africa's colourfulness is also neatly captured in the design. The inner carcass is enveloped by eight 3-D spherically formed panels, all new technology of course- giving perfect roundness and energy to the ball. Further technology called 'Grip'n'Groove' gives the ball very stable flight and perfect grip and good control ability by players under all weather conditions. Players like Kaká, Michael Ballack, Petr Cech and Frank Lampard whom have played with the ball already, all had very high remarks about the ball and it's control ability. I am sure that Bafana Bafana will also benefit greatly from Jabulani and make South Africa proud!!

Be sure to book your accommodation timely so that you do not miss-out on all the action!!!!

Greetings until the next Blog.


Sources: FIFA Website Google Search The Star Shoot published 11 December 2009