Let's keep the celebrations going

29 June 2010

IT'S not just about Bafana Bafana; it's about showing the world that South Africans are gracious and friendly hosts.

The nation is being urged to continue celebrating the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, even though our team did not make it into the second round.

It's a place for the whole family

So blow your vuvuzelas, wave your flag high – and leave a lasting impression on our visitors of just what ubuntu in Mogale City is all about.

The City and its citizens should follow the suggestion of the Nelson Mandela Foundation: "We urge all … to continue enjoying the matches and playing welcoming, friendly and fun hosts to the thousands of visitors.

"We have already scored magnificently in the hearts of our friends from other countries. Let us keep up the spirit of ubuntu and enthusiasm for which we are known and admired."

Get over to the local public viewing areas in Coronation Park in Krugersdorp and the Nelson Mandela Hall in Tarlton and keep that football fever burning. The public viewing areas are open every match day and are free of charge. Here deejays provide music and entertainment galore when the focus is not on the football pitches.

The sites cater for families, each with a section cordoned off for younger visitors to play on the jumping castles or be entertained by the clowns. Take a picnic hamper or make use of the food tents.

The Coronation Park public viewing area is situated alongside the lake in the CBD, while the Nelson Mandela Hall is about half a kilometre from the Krugersdorp Game Reserve and caters for the rural communities of Mogale City.

Keep the passion for the beautiful game. Now is the time the matches become more intense as the teams strive to be the one to lift the golden trophy sky-high and proclaim "We are the best!"

"Let us keep building on the excitement of the World Cup as we continue to build on the unity of spirit that has been built up over the past two weeks," says the foundation.

And Mogale City has just the incentive it needs to keep the party going. It is home during the tournament to the Portuguese national team, one of the favourites to win. Tonight they meet Spain in a Round of 16 match. Kick off is at 8.30pm.

The match is being played in Cape Town, making the Mogale City public viewing sites the best places to watch the game from home turf.

Related stories:
• Watch the action at the fan parks
• Mayor proud of Bafana's performance
• Australia fights back
• Portuguese in town
• The World Cup is here
• Safa president supports Mogale City