Gauteng is ahead of schedule to host next year’s Confederations Cup and the 2010 World Cup finals, the Gauteng provincial government told the 2010 local organising committee (LOC) on Thursday.
”Gauteng is the hub of both the Confederations Cup and World Cup. I am delighted to announce that our stadiums will be ready in time and even ahead of schedule for both events,” said Gauteng minister of sport Barbara Creecy at a media briefing.
She added that the renovations to the two stadiums being used for the Confederations Cup — Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria and Johannesburg’s Coca-Cola Park, formerly Ellis Park — will be completed ahead of schedule.
The R1,56-billion upgrade to Soccer City will also be completed ahead of time. Both the opening and closing matches of the 2010 showpiece will be staged at the new Soccer City, south of Johannesburg.
Said Creecy: ”Gauteng will host 11 matches in the Confederations Cup, which we are using as a dress rehearsal for the bigger 2010 showpiece.
”The Confederations Cup is vital in terms of making sure we get everything right. We do not anticipate problems, but it gives us the opportunity to iron out any problem areas that might crop up before the 2010 World Cup and ensure that the 2010 World Cup will run smoothly. We are ready to meet any challenges.”
The CEO of the 2010 World Cup LOC, Danny Jordaan, said he was delighted by the commitment of the Gauteng government to both events. The 2010 LOC and the Gauteng government discussed and collaborated on issues such as streamlining transport, security and health.
Said Jordaan: ”The Gauteng province has come to the party in a big way. They have shown they are willing to help us produce two major events and make this the first World Cup on African soil the best in the history of Fifa [the world controlling body for soccer].”
Jordaan said getting the support of the national, provincial and local governments was vital to the running of a successful World Cup. ”We are fortunate that we have the strong backing at all government levels. The commitment shown by Gauteng underlines that support for the World Cup.”
Creecy asked the Gauteng public to be patient as many roads in the province are being upgraded for the 2010 World Cup. ”We are asking for understanding while we upgrade the roads and our transport system. It will benefit the public in the long run.”
Gauteng will host the draw for the Confederations Cup at the Sandton Convention Centre on November 22. The province will also host the international Soccerex from November 23 to 26.
Said Creecy: ”In a nutshell, it is all systems go from our side. We will be ready to do our bit to make sure that we deliver to Fifa the best-ever Confederations Cup and 2010 World Cup.” — Sapa