The winners and the losers

With the kickoff for the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup now only about four months away, it has become clear that Gauteng is the ultimate winner in the race to host teams for the tournament. For others such as Mpumalanga, there is disappointment and what now appears to have been fruitless expenditure on facilities.

According to reports, Gauteng’s geographical position at high altitude and abundance of amenities, including world-class hotels, training facilities and stadiums, has ensured that at least half of the 32 participating teams will be based in the province.

Some of the top countries that have decided to set up camp in Gauteng are Holland, Brazil, Argentina, Italy and Germany.

North West, also located at high altitude, has attracted Spain, England and South Korea.

During the course of this week, the base camps for all participating teams will be announced by the local organising committee.

At least 56 towns and cities lobbied to host teams and their fans in what was seen as a potential financial windfall, reported the "Sunday Times".

"Leadership Intelligence Bulletin" will not be applying for accreditation (Fifa and local rights) with Fifa for the tournament and can reveal the names of some of the hotels where teams will be based.

Among the bases already known, are: Netherlands at the Hilton Sandton, Johannesburg; Uruguay will be based at the Protea Hotel in Kimberley; Esselen Park Campus in Kempton Park will play host to Bafana Bafana; New Zealand will be based at the Serengeti Golf Estate in Gauteng; the USA will stay at the Irene Country Lodge in Centurion to prepare for the world showpiece; France will enjoy the hospitality of the Pezula Resort Hotel in Knysna; defending world champion Italy will stay at the Leriba Lodge in Centurion; the highly fancied Spain will use the Hunters Rest in Rustenburg, or the University of the North West’s PUK Sports Village in Potchefstroom as its base camp; Brazil will enjoy the hospitality of the Fairway Hotel and Spa in Johannesburg or Randpark Ridge Golf Club Hotel; Greece will stay at the Beverley Hills Hotel in Durban; and Japan will use Fancourt in George as base camp. (Source: "Sunday Times")

Ticket sales

Nine of the World Cup matches have been sold out already, including three games in Cape Town.

The sold-out Cape Town games are Italy versus Paraguay, a Round of 16 match, as well as the quarterfinal, reported the "Cape Times".

Other games sold out included the Portugal vs. Brazil game in Durban, Slovenia vs. England in Port Elizabeth, the Durban semifinal and the final in Johannesburg on 11 June.

Tickets can be applied for via www.fifa.com/2010, while South Africans can apply at FNB branches.

The hotline number is 083 123 2010 for local soccer fans.