The 2010 FIFA World Cup ™ host country national team did not disappoint the near capacity crowd at the newly built Peter Mokaba Stadium by continuing where they left off after thumbing 34th FIFA ranked Columbia at the Soccer City last week. Bafana Bafana walloped the erratic and lesser known Guatemala national team 5-0 yesterday 31 May 2010. The drubbing Guatemala team received was the highest score the South African National team ever scored against a national team since re-admission to international football.

The City of Polokwane on Monday 31 May 2010 hosted a number of activities as part of celebrating 10 days countdown to kickoff. In the early hours of the morning the Host City hosted Morning Live at the Civic Centre Park which was followed by dance and music, Vhakekola-Vhakekola the octegerian team from Tzaneen who showcased their football wizardry. Well renowned gospel star from Limpopo Province Winnie Mashaba also got people singing along. The activities formed part of the build to the big game later that evening.

The Peter Mokaba Stadium was almost filled to capacity with 36 000 lively spectators in attendance, demonstrating the fact that Limpopo in particular Polokwane can match other host cities in spectator attendance to the football games.

The City of Polokwane, the people of Limpopo Province in particular are elated that history has been made in Africa’s City of Stars where stars shine, retorts Ndavhe Ramakuela, 2010 Director for the Host City of Polokwane.

“This can only bode well for our city and the national team in particular and we wish them all the luck as they move a step closer to kickoff” said Ndavhe Ramakuela. “As Polokwane we are pulling all the systems together in ensuring that our visitors receive a warm welcome”, concluded Ndavhe Ramakuela.

The park ‘n ride facilities at Nirvana were also tested and had few glitches. The challenge of getting people to park their vehicles at the facility proved to be a traffic nightmare as many private vehicle owners disregarded the request to use the park ‘n ride systems instead pushed their way closer to the stadium precinct. That is one of the lessons we must learn from to ensuring that all systems are working well including law enforcement especially with regards to directing the cars to the facilities.

ENDS

For more information:

Ndavhe Ramakuela (2010 Director)
Phone: +27 (0)82 200 5357
Email: ndavher@polokwane.gov.za

Mantlako Sebaka (2010 Manager)
Email: mantlakos@polokwane.gov.za
Phone: 083 380 9252

www.polokwane.gov.za

Call Centre: +72 (0)15 001 2010