With the launch of the FIFA Fan Fest, Cape Town, South Africa was the center of attention across the world on 4th December 2009 for the 2010 Soccer World Cup Draw. This took place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre – Stop 3. Arriving in Cape Town you could feel the energy and anticipation in the city.

I made my way to Long Street for the launch of the International FIFA Fan Fest and the biggest street party Cape Town has ever seen. I was greeted by vibrant colours, big screens situated all along the streets, television broadcasters, radio stations broadcasting live from the event, friendly people all kitted out in their Bafana Bafana (South African National Soccer Team’s Nickname) shirts, South African flags and football themed shops as all the bars, clubs and shops joined in soccer fever. I started to realize and got an overwhelming sense that all that we as a country were talking about and working towards was starting to become a reality. Soccer fever in Cape Town was fever pitch and local Capetonians, international fans and tourists were out in full force to show their support.

The Show kicked off with performances by local South African drummers, dancers and singers spreading the African flavour, flair and rhythm. Performances included local Cape Town bands like Permanent with the (12 year old drummer) that got the crowd rocking, Freshly Ground who had fans rocking, jumping and singing along to their famous tunes, Kouda who sang their famous song, “ Blow your vuvuzela” had fans blowing their vuvuzelas (SA soccer’s trademark trumpet) simultaneously. As the Show went on, more and more fans kept pouring in to experience the vibe of Long Street and awaiting the 2010 World Cup Draw to take place that evening. I met many fans from different countries representing their countries.  Fans from Brazil, South Korea, Italy and Chile and our African brothers, Nigeria, Cameroon and Algeria were in attendance. The crowd was diverse interacting with each other, which was amazing to see. The World Cup has truly started for Cape Town.

The arrival of FIFA President Sepp Blatter and Member of  Local Organising Committee Danny Jordaan had the crowd chanting “Danny, Danny, Danny”. To kick off officially the FIFA Fan Fest in South Africa along with the Mayor of Cape Town Dan Plato and the Mayors from other cities across the world where FIFA Fan Fests will also take place next year. That moment I felt so proud to be a Capetonian and a South African. We were ready! Soon after some inspiring words from the President of FIFA and Danny Jordaan they made their way to the Cape Town International Convention Centre for the draw. The crowd was then introduced to the beautiful 2009 Miss World contestants, here to show their support to the 2010 Soccer World Cup. A few jaws dropped and some shouts of “marry me” came from the crowd as the contestants graced the stage, with some sporting their country’s  soccer jerseys.

As the excitement of the draw, which was being broadcasted to 200 countries and with the likes of our very own Charlize Theron, David Beckham and other stars in attendance for the draw grew closer, we were further entertained at Long Street by artist on stage like Alistair Izzobell, K’naan who wrote the theme song for Coca-Cola, Flat Stanley & TKZEE who had the crowd going mad and dancing. When Draw time approached their was a hush over 51 000 to 100 000 fans in attendance to see who will be in Bafana Bafana’s Group and who they will play in the Opening Match of the World Cup.

South Africa were drawn with Mexico who qualified for the World Cup 14 times, the most by any CONCACAF Zone country and will be the opening match of the 2010 World Cup at Soccer City, Johannesburg.  Along with them in Group A are two-time winners of the World Cup and the last country to qualify for the 2010 Soccer World Cup Uruguay, appearing for the 11th time at the Soccer World Cup and the 1998 Hosts and Winners, France who qualified in the most controversial way for the 2010 Soccer World Cup and some critics feel, should not even be here. A Group that pose some tough challenges for our Bafana Bafana, but with the whole country’s support and 90 000 vuvuzelas reigning down on Mexico on the opening match, they are sure to make us proud.

Countries and their fans making their way to Cape Town will be Uruguay, France, defending champs Italy, Paraguay, England, Algeria, Portugal, Korea DPR, Cameroon & Netherlands. Here are the following games to be played at Cape Town Stadium:
Uruguay vs France on 11 June 2010, kick-off 20h30
Italy vs Paraguay on 14 June 2010, kick-off 20h30
England vs Algeria on 18 June 2010, kick-off 20h30
Portugal vs Korea DPR on  21 June 2010, kick-off 13h30
Cameroon vs Netherlands on 24 June 2010, kick-off 20h30
2nd Round (Last 16) match on the 29 June 2010, kick-off 20h30
Quarter-final match on 3 July 2010, kick-off 16h00
Semi-final match on 6 July 2010, kick-off 20h30

Let’s welcome these countries and their fans with open arms and my recommendation would be the best way to see Cape Town would be on the City Sightseeing Cape Town bus with a spectacular view from the top. The draw left fans excited for mouth watering clashes for next year’s Soccer World Cup. The night ended with performances from PJ Powers who came to sing her song Jabulani which is the new soccer ball’s name that will be used at the Soccer World Cup, local band Cassette performed next with Freshly Ground thereafter and ended off with the jazzy sounds of Jimmy DluDlu and a Fireworks display.

A successful event with 51 000 to 100 000 fans in attendance which is a record crowd for a Cape Town Street party and was easily managed and crowd control by local organizers. This surely proved that Cape Town is ready, South Africa is ready. So let’s get behind all the countries participating and make the 2010 Soccer World Cup the best ever. We have waited long for this and it’s finally here, Soccer World Cup on African soil. Let’s show the world what Africa can do. Until next time, this was your hard hat report on the 2010 Soccer World Cup Draw.

My name is Ryan Abrahams also known as the Hard Hat Reporter
I am a 27 year old male and your official reporter to events leading up to the 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa. Expect to get up to date reports on progress in Cape Town and other cities in and around South Africa and profiles on the countries who will be competing in the biggest tournament in the world. This is your Hard Hat Reporter, exclusive to City Sightseeing Cape Town: the best way to see Cape Town

Experience Cape Town and Cape Town International Convention Centre. City Sightseeing Cape Town’s blog tells you the stories behind the best attractions and events in Cape Town, South Africa.
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