The President of the Republic of South Africa Mr Jacob Zuma will grace the 50 days countdown event, the most exciting and enjoyable celebrations ever to be hosted in Kimberley on Wednesday 21 April 2010. The keynote address by the President will take place at the Galeshewe stadium at 09h00.
This occasion marks the last major event before the official kick-off. Some of the most senior echelons of our soccer dignitaries which include Dr Danny Jordaan CEO of South African Local Organising Committee, SAFA President, Mr Kirsten Nematandani and FIFA executives will attend this auspicious occasion.
Seventy media representing national and international houses as well as eleven African football legends will be arriving in Kimberley on a Shosholoza Meyl Premier Classe Train from Johannesburg. The train trip will showcase that the Inter-City commuter rail transport system is in place for the FIFA 2010 World Cup.
To contribute to Africa’s FIFA World Cup history and excitement African Soccer Legends will also join the celebration. These include Jay Jay Okocha, Sunday Oliseh, Patrick Mboma, George Finidi; Francois Omam Biyick; Lucas Radebe and Doctor Khumalo etc. Part of the legacy they will be leaving behind is coaching clinics which they will conduct with four hundred school learners at the Yorkshire Cricket grounds.
As a country, we have lived up to the challenges we have accepted to host the FIFA World Cup, the first on African soil. This event will showcase to the world that we are ready. We have lived up to our commitment to the officials, soccer authorities and to the many soccer enthusiasts.
Together we must ensure long lasting benefits for the country. We can already see the fruits of the tournament. We have magnificent stadium, roads, improved telecommunications infrastructure and new look international airports to name a few.
Dr Sebastian Bauza, the current President of the Uruguay Football Association will deliver a lecture on the history of football in Uruguay and how this history is inextricably linked to the history of the country.
Uruguay, the hosts and winners of the first World Cup will be hosted in the City of Firsts (Kimberley). Dr Rademeye, National Institute of Higher Education (NIHE) academic will contextualise the sports lecture by relating the story of Kimberley’s numerous firsts especially as it applies to sport.
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Northern Cape Provincial Government
20 April 2010
Source: Office of the Premier, Northern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.northern-cape.gov.za/)
