The Minister of Sport and Recreation, Rev. Makhenkesi Stofile, recently toured Soccer City, the flagship of the 2010 World Cup, and was impressed with what he saw.
The occasion was the handover the stadium to the city of Johannesburg, with Johannesburg city signing a 99-year lease with landlords Public Works.
Touring the facilities with Public Works Minister Geoff Doidge and the Mayor of Johannesburg, Councillor Amos Masondo, Stofile spoke to stadium construction officials who gave an update on progress being made towards the completion of the facility.
The stadium itself is due for completion in early October 2009, at which point only the surrounding parking areas will still need to be finished.
"You'll see green grass on the field," said project director Mike Moody. "The stadium will be ready for its first match."
The Minister praised the stadium construction team and said he was pleased with the fact that they managed to stick to delivery deadlines.
Following the stadium tour, a press conference was held where the Ministers, Mayor as well as CEO of the 2010 LOC Danny Jordaan and South African Football Association (SAFA) President Molefi Oliphant was present.
Many speakers alluded to the history of the stadium, which was constructed in 1987 by the soccer authorities of the day. Everyone who spoke emphasized that Soccer City would remain a public facility accessible to all South Africans. "The stadium belongs to the children of Africa," the Minister said.
Issued by: Sports and recreation South Africa
7 August 2009
Source: Sports and recreation South Africa (http://www.srsa.gov.za/)
