9 July 2010

IT'S time to say goodbye to our visitors, and to the month-long madness that was the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

So join in and fly the flag high to the last second of the biggest sporting event in the world.

Mogale City residents are urged to catch football fever at its public viewing areas for the last two games – on Saturday in the third and fourth place play-off, Uruguay will take on Germany at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Port Elizabeth, and in the final on Sunday Spain and the Netherlands will go toe-to-toe at Soccer City in Joburg.

Show your colours

Paint your faces, don your makarapas and team colours and join in the celebrations at Coronation Park in the CBD and Nelson Mandela Hall in Tarlton. "If there was ever a time in this tournament to hoist the flag to the highest point, the occasion of the final match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ is such a moment. South Africans have every reason to feel proud of their achievements as hosts," says government spokesperson, Themba Maseko.

In addition to the football, just before the final the closing ceremony is set to have a distinctly African feel. The event starts at 6.30pm so get to the public viewing areas well ahead of time.

"The closing ceremony will pay tribute to that spirit with a world-class production. It will also be a tribute to the football that's been played in the tournament, to the fans and their experiences," says Derek Carstens, the Organising Committee's chief marketing officer.

"It will also be a reminder of what South Africa has offered the world over the last month and encourage fans to come back to our country in great numbers after the tournament."

The closing ceremony and final match will be broadcast live to 215 countries, reaching more than 500 million viewers. It'll feature some of South Africa and Africa's top musicians and dancers.

Colombian pop singer Shakira will shake her hips, performing her hit song Waka Waka along with local band Freshlyground. This catchy tune has been topping global charts in 15 countries and in June was the most watched video on the internet, with over 70 million hits on You Tube.

Other artists featuring at the closing will include Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Jozi, Stoan Seate, Silkour, Zuluboy, Abigail Kubeka, Theo Kgosinkwe, Nianell, flautist Wouter, Nigeria's 2Face, Ghanaian Samini and Ihashi Elimhlophe.

"Africa's first FIFA World Cup has showcased the unique and colourful spirit and warmth of the African continent and its people," says Carstens.

"While the opening ceremony was more traditional in its approach in order to do justice to Africa's heritage, the closing ceremony will have more contemporary and youthful themes. It takes place at night, which will allow for more dramatic lighting and special effects. We urge those at the stadiums and those tuning in to take their seats early and not to miss what's sure to be a spectacular show."

Related stories:
• Watch the action at the fan park
• Wave the flag high
• Football fanatics
• Top teams on their way to Mogale City
• Mayor proud of Bafana's performance