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South Africa 2010 Soccer World Cup

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South Africa 2010 Soccer World Cup >
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South Africa has won the right to host the 2010 World Cup after holding off the challenge of Morocco. The announcement of the vote by Fifa president Sepp Blatter in Zurich was greeted with delight from the South African bid delegation including former president Nelson Mandela. The favourites, South Africa, beat Morocco 14-10 in the final vote to become the first African country to host the event. The decision will make up for the disappointment suffered by the South Africans after they lost the vote to stage the 2006 tournament by a single vote to Germany.

In making the announcement Blatter said the decision to send the event to Africa was a victory for the entire continent. The South African delegation, including former president Nelson Mandela, erupted in noisy celebrations after finally overcoming the disappointment of losing to Germany by a single vote in the race to host the 2006 World Cup.

Morocco failed in its fourth bid, despite hoping to become both the first African and the first Arab country to host football's showpiece. Libya had earlier been disqualified after insisting on a joint bid with Tunisia who had pulled out of the race the previous day.

South Africa had been seen as the frontrunner to host the event from the outset and their hopes were boosted even further last week when Fifa released its technical report. The Fifa inspection team rated South Africa's facilities as the best of the five competing countries.

South Africa's bid was described as "excellent", while those of north African rivals Egypt and Morocco were "very good". Morocco, who were seen as the main rivals to South Africa, suffered a major blow by having questions raised about the country's lack of infrastructure.
Where will the World Cup Games be held ?
Games will be played in 10 stadiums across South Africa:
Soccer City (Johannesburg); Ellis Park Stadium (Johannesburg); King's Park Stadium (Durban); Newlands (Cape Town); Free State Stadium (Bloemfontein); Kimberley Stadium (Kimberley); Mbombela Stadium (Nelspruit); Oppenheimer Stadium (Orkney); Peter Mokaba Stadium (Polokwane); Port Elizabeth Stadium (Port Elizabeth); Loftus Versfeld (Pretoria); Rainbow Junction (Pretoria); and Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace (Rustenburg). Kimberley Stadium, Rainbow Junction, Mbombela Stadium and Port Elizabeth Stadium have yet to be built.
Jobs and the Gautrain
The premier who likes to be known for keeping his promises, Gauteng’s Mbazima Shilowa, has given his word that the Gautrain will be carrying passengers before 2010 - in 2009. The Gautrain is the rapid rail link between Johannesburg, the airport and Pretoria, a Blue IQ project to boost the economy, create jobs and alleviate poverty.

Mr Shilowa has also said that, during the construction phase, more than 57 000 jobs would be created around the stations. When the train becomes operational more than 2 000 permanent jobs would be created. The construction stage is expected to begin after April 2005.

Because of recommendations arising from the environmental impact assessment, the route has been aligned and this has effected adjustments to the original plan. These, in turn have necessitated adjustments to the initial project timetable. "By November this year, we will appoint the preferred bidder out of the two shortlisted consortiums and conclude financial negotiations by April 2005. Construction will start soon thereafter,” said the Premier. Fours years later the train will be carrying passengers ! Visit Gauteng »
Important Visa Requirements for visiting South Africa :
Newest Immigration requirements for entering South Africa: Incoming guests to South Africa that their passports meet two requirements: 
» That it not be less than 6 months to the date of expiry.
» That you have at least one full page free in your passport for stamping by officials, and this applies to children's passports as well. 
If either or both these requirements are not met, you will not be let out of the airport building, and will be sent back to your country of origin.

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South Africa won the right to host the 2010 FIFA™ World Cup Finals in 2010 | South Africa 2010 Soccer World Cup Host Country

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