Diamond city abuzz with soccer fever

By Ofentse Mokae
21 April 2010

Although the diamond hub of the country, has not been allocated with any match for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, its oldest township is abuzz with soccer fever today.

Thousands of soccer fans have gathered at the Galeshewe stadium near Kimberley, to mark 50 days ahead of the kick-off to the soccer spectacle.

President Jacob Zuma together with FIFA Local Organising Committee CEO Danny Jordaan is expected to address the crowds.

BuaNews reports that colourful South African flags and vuvuzelas can be seen all over the local stadium which is packed with scores of people who have converged to celebrate the event.

Local residents are being entertained with music by members of the South African police band and the defence force.

The province has no games for the World Cup and many have questioned the organising committee’s decision to hold today’s celebrations in the province.

However Jordaan said the Northern Cape was one of the provinces where people have shown a huge interest in the world cup despite the province not hosting any games.

Uruguay has also chosen Kimberley as its base camp while many visitors will be staying in the town during the month-long tournament.

Zuma and Jordaan both agreed that South Africa is “more than ready” to host the international event for the first time on African soil.