Loftus Versfeld Stadium, situated in Tshwane/ Pretoria, is one of the oldest stadiums in South Africa. The stadium has been used for major sporting events since 1903, and the first concrete structure, which could accommodate only 2,000 spectators, was built by the City Council of Pretoria in 1923.
Since 1948 it has undergone perennial upgrades. It has been used for both rugby and football matches and is home to one of the country's top rugby teams, the Blue Bulls. Loftus Versfeld is in the heart of Tshwane/Pretoria and currently has a seating capacity of 50,000. It has hosted many significant matches including during the 1995 Rugby World Cup and 1996 CAF African Cup of Nations. It is now used by Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United as their home ground.
South Africa's national team, Bafana Bafana, achieved its first ever victory over a European side at this venue when they beat Sweden 1-0 in 1999.
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Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Royal Bafokeng Stadium
The Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace is one of the stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The stadium is named after the Bafokeng people who live in the area.
In 1999, the Bafokeng won a legal battle, which entitled them to 20% on the platinum which is mined on their historical land. Hence, they have shares in platinum mining in the area. Upon completion, the stadium will seat 42,000.
The South African national team played a FIFA World Cup qualifying game against Bakino Faso in 2001, and won 2-1. It has been host to many Premier Soccer League games despite Rustenburg not having its own team.
The stadium is only a 25 minute drive to Sun City and 30 minutes to the Pilansberg. It is 12 kilometers from the Rustenburg city centre.
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Peter Mokaba Stadium
Named after one of the renowned sons of the struggle and emancipation of South Africa against the apartheid regime, the Peter Mokaba Stadium holds much historical significance in South Africa. Peter Mokaba was born and bred in Polokwane and was renowned for his fighting spirit and for his inpirational leadership.
The design of the largely concrete structure is inspired by the locally iconic Baobab tree, with the steel structure supporting the roof plane gathered together at each corner of the stadium and supported by giant ‘trunk' structures which accommodate vertical circulation ramps and service cores.
The stadium was built next to the old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane in the Limpopo Province. The newly-built Peter Mokaba stadium is situated approximately 5km from the city centre, with a total seating capacity of 45,000.
Former African player of the Year, Didier Drogba made his international debut for Côte d'Ivoire in a memorable and decisive CAF African Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium, with the home side prevailing 2-1.
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Mbombela Stadium
The Mbombela Stadium is one of the newly-built stadia for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ and it takes its name from the local municipality which incorporates the city of Nelspruit. Mbombela is siSwati (one of the 11 official languages in South Africa) and literally means 'many people together in a small space.'
The stadium, with a capacity of 46,000, is located in the city of Nelspruit in Mpumalanga Province. It is situated approximately seven kilometers from the city centre and 12 kilometers from the nearby Kruger-Mpumalanga Airport. The ground also enjoys a close proximity to various game parks, giving spectators the opportunity to see the wildlife during rest days.
The Mbombela comes as a welcome addition to football life in Nelspruit, and will leave a legacy of the beautiful game for all the people of Mpumalanga. Before the Stadium's construction, Nelspruit had no top football venue to host international matches.
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Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, set on the shores of the North End Lake is the first football dedicated stadium in the city or surrounding areas. The stadium, one of the newly-built stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, was completed a year prior to the commencement of the world's greatest show on earth - a major milestone for the city.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will host the match for third place , and a quarter-final amid a total of eight matches during the FIFA World Cup. The stadium has an eye-catching, unique roof-structure and a spectacular view, overlooking the North End Lake.
Before the construction of this multi-purpose venue, all international football matches were played at the Eastern Province rugby stadium, the EPRU Stadium. The playing field is going to be of natural grass with the outer /surrounding area to be artificial turf. One of its first major test events was the coveted Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs - a game that attracts capacity crowds in South Africa.
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Free State Stadium
Home to some of the country's most fanatical group of supporters, the Free State Stadium is likely to be the centre of attention during the FIFA World Cup™. The stadium was given a plush new look for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup . It hosted the memorable semi-final match between Spain and USA where the latter secured one of the biggest surprises of the tournament by sending the European champions packing in front of a capacity crowd.
The Free State Stadium was upgraded from a capacity of 38,000 to 45,000 during the refurbishments. The stadium has hosted numerous major football and rugby union matches, and Bloemfontein's natives are renowned for their passion for sport. While the former played second fiddle to the latter for decades, football's popularity explosion - aided by the emergence of Bloemfontein Celtic - is changing this. The Celtic fans are known as Siwelele, a Sotho term.
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Durban Stadium
The newly-built Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban will host one of the semi-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The ground epitomises the architectural innovation on display in South Africa and takes its design inspiration from the South African flag, with its grand arch representing the unity of this sport-loving nation. The two legs of the arch on the southern side of the stadium come together to form a single footing on the northern side, symbolising the new unity of a once-divided country.
The 70,000-seater has been specifically designed as a multi-purpose venue and an amphitheatre complete with a cable car which ascends to a viewing platform at the top of the expansive 350m arch, a staggering 106m above the pitch. From this vantage point, visitors can experience spectacular panoramic views of the nearby shoreline and the city. The roof is attached to the arch by 95mm-diameter steel cables. Each seat of the stadium is spacious and comfortable, providing a clear line of sight to the pitch.
It is a world-class and multifunctional arena located in the heart of the Kings Park Sporting Precinct. Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium will be the jewel in the crown of the Kings Park Sporting precinct. The entire area will feature additional sporting arenas and facilities as well as restaurants, shops, play areas for children and a pedestrian walkway linking the stadium complex to the beach.
The stadium was built on the site of the old Kings Park Stadium. Moses Mabhida, the ground's namesake, was born in Thornville near Pietermaritzburg on 14 October 1923 into a poor family who were later forced off their land. In 1963, Mabhida was asked by Oliver Tambo while working in Prague rallying support from the World Federation of Trade Unions, to come back to Africa to develop the ANC's armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK). He underwent military training and became the chief political instructor of new military recruits. He later served as the commander of MK.
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Green Point Stadium
One of the most artistic football venues in South Africa, the newly-built Green Point Stadium is situated in one of the much sought-after areas in the city of Cape Town. Green Point Stadium is one of the two semi-final venues for the FIFA World Cup™.
This multi-purpose venue is also going to be used to stage major events and concerts. Fans will be a stone's throw from the ocean and the mountains of Cape Town will also provide the backdrop for matches. The location is ideal as it is a short walk from the transportation hub of the city. The new stadium has been partly built on land that was previously used as a golf course.
The stadium, which has an exterior that is covered with noise-reducing cladding has a capacity of 70,000 and is scheduled for completion in December 2009. The Green Point Common, on which the new 2010 stadium is being built, was originally much larger than what now remains, and included most of the land between the sea and Signal Hill, stretching from the city centre towards Sea Point.
Cape Town has another world-standard stadium, Newlands, but this is primarily used as a rugby union venue. Post FIFA World Cup, the Green Point Stadium is likely to be used by some of the Cape Town-based professional football outfits that include Ajax Cape Town and Santos.
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Ellis Park Stadium
Ellis Park Stadium is located in the centre of Johannesburg and has hosted many epic sporting events including the final of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup between Brazil and the United States. The ground was given a significant face-lift before the Confederations Cup finals and now seats 62,000 fans, increasing its capacity by almost nine per cent from the previous 57,000.
Ellis Park was first built in 1928 as a rugby union stadium. It was demolished and rebuilt in 1982, again exclusively for rugby. It was named after JD Ellis, a Johannesburg city councilor who approved the use of the land for a stadium, setting aside a full 13 acres.
The ground will always occupy a special place in the hearts of the country's sporting fans after the South African rugby team shocked New Zealand to lift the 1995 Rugby World Cup trophy soon after being allowed back onto the world sporting stage. It was a moment that brought the people of South Africa together in celebration as the iconic scenes of Nelson Mandela holding aloft the trophy at Ellis Park were beamed around the world.
The largest piece of construction has been the new tier on the north stand which has increased the seating capacity to 62,000. With state-of-the-art media facilities, team whirlpools, top-class VIP areas for dignitaries, accessibility for disabled fans, a new pitch and a top-notch audio-visual setup to keep the fans informed during the game, no one will be left disappointed.
Ellis Park is home to one of the country's most popular clubs, Orlando Pirates FC.
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Johannesburg
Johannesburg or the City of Gold, as the city is known in South Africa, is the business hub of South Africa, contributing a substantial part of the country's GDP approximately 12%. The City is home to two of the country's most popular football teams and historical arch-rivals, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. Johannesburg is also known as the economic engine of Southern Africa and the trendsetter of South Africa. It is a melting pot laced with all the flavours of African cultures and beyond
Despite the hustle and bustle of the big city, Jo'burg is unexpectedly green and orientated towards outdoor living. It has a wealth of trees creating an 'urban forest', and many of the trees are located in the 2328 parks.
Cultural wealth is also in abundance, with a host of interesting museums including the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill and the living memory of the South Western Townships, which include the world acclaimed Soweto. The Mai Mai Market is the oldest market in Johannesburg and is a great place to discover traditional remedies. But more than that, Johannesburg has become a truly African city, melding disparate people from across the continent with the descendents of the original Tswana and Ndebele inhabitants and the European, Indian and Chinese settlers.
Today descendents of immigrants from around the world call themselves Joburgers and they are added to daily by a continual stream of migrants, keen to have some of the city's shine rub off on them.
History
The Tswana name for Johannesburg is eGoli, a place of gold. The San and Stone Age people were the first inhabitants of the area. The face of the area changed when an Australian gold prospector generated interest in the mineral wealth beneath the surface. Johannesburg became a city in 1886, during the beginning of the Witwatersrand Gold Rush.
The city also became a political hotspot during the apartheid years. Soweto was an important instrument in the liberation of South Africa. In 1955, many anti-apartheid movements met in Kliptown, Soweto to sign the Freedom Charter. The Charter enshrined the belief in equality for all. It also became the working document for the current Constitution of South Africa.
Football
A heartland of South African football, Johannesburg is the backbone of the professional game. The majority of professional clubs come from the city and its surrounds. The professional football outfits from the city are: Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Jomo Cosmos, BidVest Wits and one of the oldest clubs in the country, Moroka Swallows.
The city centre has been at the core of football development in South Africa. Professional football was formed in the offices of the old Rand Daily Mail newspaper in 1958. In later years, football unity talks took place at the old Rand International Hotel. Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Jomo Cosmos and the now defunct Highlands Park, Rangers and Lusitano have all been championship-winning clubs.
A match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, which is dubbed as the ‘Soweto Derby' in South Africa, is the biggest drawcard in the country. Everytime the two meet, they attract a capacity crowd and their rivarly has been well documented throughout the decades.
Jo'burg is home to some of the country's most prized talent that include, Jomo Sono,Kaizer Motaung, Ace Ntsoelengoe, Doctor Khumalo, Lucas Radebe and many others. Sono played with Pele and Franz Beckenbauer at New York Cosmos.
Ntsoelengoe is revered as one of the greatest football players ever to be produced in South African football. He enjoyed immense success in the NASL.
The Premier League-based Wits University (now called BidVest Wit) are a team based at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. Due to their location, the team is affectionately known as the 'Clever Boys' or the ‘Students'..
Johanesburg has hosted major games before including the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, which was won by South Africa beating Tunisia 2-0 at Soccer City. The Ellis Park Stadium, situated in the heart of Johannesburg, hosted the historic 1995 Rugby World Cup where South Africa were crowned as the rugby world champions.
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Summary of the FIFA Cup 2010 Venue
The grand opening of Africa to the greatest show on earth, FIFA World Cup 2010 will be approved by the giants of international football at the ten stations of propagation through the "rainbow nation".
Nine cities in South Africa opened their hearts and heads in the Navy plans to football fans, the economic capital of Egoli "City of Gold", better known as Johannesburg, accommodation, including the opening and closing of the struggle for supremacy in the world of football fields.
Large gap between the stadiums certainly earned the tour against international and local visitors are still missing the second event, which only once in four years.
Transmission of the helicopter transport of persons or national airports, luxurious accommodation directly in the game, or in the vicinity of the stadium, has become a popular alternative for the transport of fans after the intention of the group, all around!
JOHANNESBURG
Johannesburg, the economic center and transportation in South Africa, was selected to serve on the two most important meetings in different places:
Soccer city
Soccer City, also known as the FNB Stadium is a person with a dramatic expansion of universities around the stadium with an increase to 94 700 seats. New costumes, lighting and state of art to keep a dry roof of the audience only a few additions to the development based on traditional pumpkin pot, or in Africa. The stadium is located 8kms from the CBD and is close to Gold Reef City and the National Exhibition Center Nasrec.
Ellis Park
Ellis Park, not far from downtown, is in the process of being updated with new higher R2billion for each goal. The stadium is the capacity to 70 000 in anticipation of semi-final clash.
DURBAN
Moses Mabhida stadium
In Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban, is still under construction but will be an exciting game semifinal. The design completely dominated by high-106m ARC land a high-tech cable car, offers the visitor a breathtaking view of the coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Dedicated bus and train station in Kings Park, transported, and guests from the stadium site.
CAPE TOWN
Green Point Stadium
The flagship of the stadium is, without doubt, the newly constructed Green Point Stadium in Cape Town. The hotel is situated in the green points in common between the computer and the icon Gulf Africa, Table Mountain, the stadium is expected to host-9-games, including quarter-and semifinals. As a result, radical silhouette, the stadium was not to undermine Table Mountain, but also strengthened. After completion of the stadium will be an estimated 68 000 people.
Other Places
* Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein
* Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit
* Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane
* Nelson Mandela Stadium in Port Elizabeth
* Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria
* Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg
Discover the breathtaking wonders of the Cape Peninsula with all current NAC Makana Aviation helicopter from Cape Town and enjoy the freedom, for the benefit of our helicopters - to spoil yourself and discover the magic and beauty of the Cape.
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FIFA World Cup 2010 - City Guide Part 2
In continuation of Part 1 of the 2010 World Cup South Africa City Guide can be found on the next installment of the holiday destinations in the world of football.
Port Elizabeth ...
Port Elizabeth, known as "City" and is located on Highway N2. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa in connection with its coastal location. It is well known for its beautiful beaches along the Indian Ocean and Algoa Bay is a Mecca for surfers.
Founded in 1820 in a British colony, has a lot to see and do. You are not far away from the Addo Elephant Park, and many reserves. In a city with a population of over 1 million people. It is also in the automotive industry in South Africa. Along the highway N2, you can use the Garden Route, a popular along the southern coast of South Africa. You can use many kinds of water sports on the field of Algoa Bay, and lake cruises.
Playing in the FIFA 2010 World Cup will be played at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
Bloemfontein ...
Bloemfontein was founded in 1846 and home to nearly half a million people. This city is known as "Spring Flowers", and in the province of Free State. Prior to 1994, he is the sole judicial capital of Bloemfontein South Africa. This is an important administrative center of South Africa, with a large number of educational institutions.
If you are in racing cars, there is so much to do in this city. You can Go Card or visit Motorcross club under the direction of Bloemfontein Off Road Club.
The city is home Boyden Observatory, astronomy and scientific research center and is well worth a visit. There are many museums in the city, including the Boer War Museum, is perhaps the most famous, and told the story of Boer people in the struggle for independence.
In connection with the World Cup games will be played in the Free State Stadium.
Nelspruit ...
Nelspruit is situated in north-eastern part of South Africa, as well as with a population exceeding 200,000. It is an important center of manufacturing and agriculture in the north. Founded in 1905, remained true to its roots with the agricultural environment, gardens and food production. There is also a popular tourist destination and, in particular, the Kruger National Park.
There is a new stadium under construction in the 2010 World Cup. This is called the Mbombela stadium.
Polokwane ...
Polokwane is situated in the province of Limpopo. Founded in 1886, as Pietersberg but got its present name in 2003. There are many attractions the city, including reserves in Pietersberg Games Center. This is one of the most popular hunting areas in South Africa. You may have to visit Eersteling monument, the venue of the first gold crushing plant in South Africa.
Games for 2010 World Cup will take place in Peter Mokaba.
Rustenburg ...
The hotel is located in the north-west of South Africa, in the lowlands in the Magaliesberg mountain range. The city was founded in 1851, and grew because of its location in the fertile fields of agriculture, with lots of fruits, plants, hold it. Mining is another popular area.
Games for World Cup 2010 will play at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
Most people who rent a car South Africa. This is the easiest way now to move.
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FIFA World Cup 2010 - City Guide PART 1
If you're a football fan, and even short-interest in the game, you should know that 19 - FIFA World Cup held in South Africa in 2010. In the tournament 2010 World Cup, soccer festival for fans of games ranging from 11 32 June with the team in the competition and the finals will be held on July 11. This is the first time an African country has long been famous for the tournament since its inception in 1930.
Places in the World Cup 2010
In 2005, FIFA (International Agency for football), it was decided that the 13 seats in South Africa, the games in 2010 World Cup. Nevertheless, in March 2006, the initial selection was limited to 10 seats (9 cities), the two stadiums in Johannesburg, for the games. Im Folgenden wird ein kurzer Leitfaden zu Johannesburg, Durban, Kapstadt und Pretoria, was zu tun und zu sehen, in jeder Stadt und zu genießen, wie das Turnier!
You can learn about other cities, and 5 places in the world championship in 2010 - Part 2 Guide the city.
Johannesburg ...
Johannesburg is the largest town in South Africa, and in the provincial capital of Gauteng. Also known as la''Ciudad Gold''is major economic centers of South Africa. The main industry in Johannesburg is the trade in diamonds and gold, as well as extraction of natural resources. The largest population of Johannesburg is about 8 million people. This was the scene of the famous gold rush in the late 19 th century, as well as the tensions leading to war between the Boer settlers and the native Britons. Weather wise, the city has a warm and sunny climate, because their position on the Highveld in the eastern part of South Africa.
Games for World Cup 2010 held in the renovated stadium, Soccer City and Ellis Park Stadium.
Durban ...
Durban is the 3 rd largest city in South Africa with a population of over 3 million people. The hotel is located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal and is a famous port city. Modern Durban was a British colony in 1824, because of the enormous importance to maritime trade. Its significance as an important port city and today is one of the most important tourist destinations in South Africa.
Together with the maritime trade, the city is a major financial and industrial center. There are many museums, shows growth in the city of its maritime trade and marine aquariums, which are located in the city.
Games at the World Cup will be held at the Moses Mabhida stadium. The main tourist area of Durban called Golden Mile, a beach with views of the Indian Ocean.
In the golden sand and warm water to make it a paradise for lovers of sun and surf slave!
Cape Town ...
La''Ciudad known as''Mother, this is the 2 nd most populous city in South Africa. Its origins can be linked to the development of the port to meet the needs of the Dutch East Indies. The hotel is located in the Western Cape in South Africa, the major manufacturing industries and construction. Moreover, the city is booming because of its status as one of the cities of the World Cup in 2010.
One of the major tourist attraction in Cape Town is Table Mountain, and its national parks. Cape Town is also a selection of beautiful beaches. You can take a boat to Robben Iceland, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for nearly 30 years. The original Cape Dutch architecture is worth seeing in the city and the city is a gateway to the rest of South Africa, as well as in connection with all major cities. World Cup Matches will be played in the 2010 Green Point Stadium.
What can we do in Cape Town by car?
Pretoria ...
The hotel is located in the northern province of Gauteng, Pretoria, as the executive capital of South Africa. Founded in 1855 in the Boer settlers, the city is located 50 kilometers north of Johannesburg, and is surrounded by the Magaliesberg mountain range.
There so much to see and do in this city and a house in the beautiful National Zoological Gardens of South Africa. Pretoria National Botanical Garden is also worth a visit, along with Austin Roberts bird sanctuary. There is also a great choice of museums to enjoy, including the Kruger Museum and the Transvaal. Protected areas are also worth seeing. Manufacturing and engineering are the two main industries here, as well as the largest university in South Africa.
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Durban in the landmark stadium full arch
The illumination ceremony took place at the weekend in Durban, with 80 000 seats, Moses Mabhida stadium, the stadium for the World Cup in 2010, the completion of its landmark arch.
Speaking at the ceremony, KwaZulu-Natal SBU Premier Ndebele said that the completion of the arch symbolizes not only the architecture, engineering and construction milestone.
"This event, where teams work together to not only the masterpieces of architecture and engineering, physics, but an icon that symbolizes and covers the years of history, years of hopes and years of work for all South Africans pulse consent," he said.
African World Cup
Ndebele said that South Africa as host country for the next World Cup rather than a separate country, but as a representative of Africa as well as to ensure that the tournament was an event in Africa - helping to restore confidence and prosperity across the continent.
"We remain committed to ensuring that the heritage of Africa, South Africa, as well as human settlements, where the World Cup will be played," he said.
Sports
As a basis for the Kings Park Stadium is a multi-functional, easy to maintain income for the city municipality.
Through the organization of major sporting and other events, the goal of the city for investment and employment in respect of its "2010 and beyond" economic development.
"This success has greatly increased, the historical consciousness of our new facility and the stadium will be located not only as a symbol for Durban, and also to confirm the world that we, indeed, of Africa and the sports capital," said Ndebele.
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The Stadiums
* Green Point Stadium
* Durban
* Ellis Park Stadium
* Soccer City Stadium
* Free State Stadium
* Port Elizabeth Stadium
* Mbombela Stadium
* Peter Mokaba Stadium
* Royal Bafokeng Stadium
* Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Green Point
The new Green Point Stadium in the City of Cape Town will have picturesque mountains and ocean as scenery.
Durban Stadium
The new Durban Stadium's design is characterized by two large archways which arc 100 meters above the stadium roof.
Ellis Park
Ellis Park, at the centre of bustling Johannesburg, was built in 1982 and has had a long and distinguished history with sport.
Soccer City
For a long time Soccer City was the only South African stadium dedicated to the beautiful game and is a fitting finals venue.
Free State
Free State Stadium in the golden Province of the Free State, will have a seating capacity of 48 000.
Port Elizabeth
The Port Elizabeth Stadium, set on the shores of the North End Lake will be the first dedicated football stadium in the city.
Mbombela
In the Mpumalanga Province, the stadium is a welcome addition to the area and will have a seating capacity of 46,000.
Peter Mokaba
The Peter Mokaba stadium is named in honour of the anti-aparthied activist Peter Mokaba who was renowned for his fighting spirit.
Royal Bafokeng Stadium
The Royal Bafokeng Stadium is named after the Bafokeng People who own shares in the platinum mines in the area.
Loftus Versfeld
Loftus Versfeld is the most established stadium, built in 1906 and is a homeground for Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
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