The hosting of the FIFA World Cup has effectively rebranded South Africa, transforming perceptions of the country's capacity and instilling immense national pride, says President Jacob Zuma.
A late goal by Andres Inestia ensured the first ever World Cup victory for Spain as the La Roja battled it out with the Netherlands in the final of South Africa’s first ever FIFA World Cup on Sunday night.
South Africa’s looming bid to host the Olympic Games in 2020 got a major boost on Thursday after FIFA President Sepp Blatter publicly said he will fully back the country’s endeavor to host the world’s second largest sporting event.
At least 15 African Heads of State are expected to grace Sunday’s World Cup final between the Netherlands and Spain and the closing ceremony of the biggest ever football spectacle.
A combination of fireworks and the latest light effects technology will mark the closing ceremony of the FIFA World Cup on Sunday night, organisers said.
Thirty-two soccer teams from across the world are battling it out in South Africa, but this time, the young boys and girls competing are not just in it for the trophy.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter has commended the people of South Africa for the hospitality shown towards visitors who descended on the country for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
President Jacob Zuma says after many years of planning and hard work, South Africa should now celebrate the long journey it has traveled in preparation for the first FIFA World Cup on African soil.
A visibly emotional FIFA President Sepp Blatter said he could not express his feelings after South Africa awarded him with the Order of the Companion of OR Tambo.
As excitement mounts with only four days to go till Bafana Bafana’s clash with Mexico on Friday at Soccer City, former President Nelson Mandela’s presence, if he is able to attend, will be a bonus.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter on Friday paid tribute to the people of South Africa and the country’s government for the interest they have shown in hosting the first ever soccer World Cup to be played on African soil.
