Updates

Going to the stadium?  

Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg will open its gates at 14h30 South African time (GMT+2). The closing ceremony starts at 18h30 and spectators are urged to be seated by 18h00. Kick-off for the final is 20h30. 

One last celebration… 

The Closing Ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup will start at 18h30 South African time (GMT+2) and is set to be a colourful, celebratory tribute to the tournament. The 30-minute spectacular is expected to be packed with performances by Shakira, who will sing Waka Waka with South Africa’s Freshlyground, multiple Grammy Award winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Jozi, Stoan Seate, Slikour, Zuluboy, Abigail Kubeka, Theo Kgosinkwe, Afrikaans artists Nianell and flutist Wouter, Nigeria’s 2Face, Ghana’s Samini and popular local traditional group Ihashi Elimhlophe.

“Africa’s first FIFA World Cup has showcased the unique and colourful spirit and warmth of the African continent and its people. 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. 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,” Derek Carstens, the Organizing Committee’s Chief Marketing Officer said in a statement released by FIFA. “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,” Carstens added. 

Will Nelson Mandela be there?

AFP reports that there is still no final word on if iconic statesman Nelson Mandela will be present at the final. "No, we have no new information whether he will attend or not," said Sello Hatang, a spokesperson for the Nelson Mandela Foundation told AFP.

Mandela turns 92 next weekend and his family said that they will have to consider his health before making a decision on whether to attend the finals. 
 

What is Paul the psychic octopus’ prediction?

Fresh from another correct prediction that Germany will win the third place - Paul now indicated that Spain will win it. It has been reported from London that British bookmakers have changed their best to go with Paul’s prediction.

"The 'Paul Effect' has turned the betting on its head," said a spokesperson for bookmakers Paddy Power told AFP. 

More bets

Local bookies told Eyewitness News on Saturday that most people were betting on Spain winning the World Cup. Top Bet SA’s Michael O’Connor said: “There is a lot of support for both teams but the money is on the Spanish.” Bookmaker Lance Michael agreed:“If you going to take the Spaniards on their performance against the Germans it is very easy to see why everyone wants to back them but the unpredictability of the World Cup is definitely a concern,” said Michael. 

South Africans to be thanked

President Jacob Zuma announced this morning that his government will start a program in the coming weeks to thank South Africans for helping the country to host a highly successful Fifa World Cup tournament. 

This is how Sapa this morning summarized the ways in which the rainbow nation managed to prove its critics wrong: 

Empty Stadiums

Critics said nobody would come but attendance at the finals topped the 3 million mark during the second semi-final match in Durban – a figure reached only twice before: in the US in 1994 and Germany in 2006. 

Security

Visitors feared South Africa’s reputation as country where violent crime was out of control. With an increased the police force, and 46,000 police and 300 surveillance cameras the tournament was almost crime-free and no big World Cup-related incidents were reported. 

Terrorism Attacks

Before the tournament there was much speculation that the tournament was to be the target of terrorists. All fears were proven to be unfounded. 

Infrastructural Problems

Critics said that the country’s aging infrastructure would not cope with a massive influx of visitors and that public transport will collapse under the strain. The only big problem reported however was the airport chaos at Durban’s King Shaka International airport before the semi-final between Spain and Germany. 

Bafana Bafana too weak

Even though everybody had their doubts about South Africa’ national team and they did become the first host nation to be knocked out of the tournament, their brave performances have made them popular and loved by their home crowd. 

The glory

FIFA’s Technical Study Group yesterday announced the shortlist for the Hyundai Best Young Player Award consisting of the three best young players in this year’s World Cup tournament.The winner will receive the coveted Hyundai Best Young Player Award trophy and a new Hyundai Tucson ix 35. They are:

• Thomas Mueller (Germany)
• Giovani Dos Santos (Mexico)
• Andre Ayew (Ghana)

• Nominees for the coveted Golden Ball award are

• Asamoah Gyan (Ghana)
• Diego Forlan (Uruguay)
• Andres Iniesta (Spain)
• Lionel Messi (Argentina)
• Mesut Oezil (Germany)
• Arjen Robben (Netherlands)
• Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany)
• Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands)
• David Villa (Spain)
• Xavi (Spain)

The “Golden Boot” award for the tournament’s top goal scorer will also be awarded after the finals.  

Security

Meanwhile Eye Witness News has given a round-up of final security measures for the final that will be attended by several heads of state, celebrities and dignataries. National Police Commissioner General Bheki Cele flew in by helicopter to address a parade of about 1000 police officers.

In Rosebank, Johannesburg where the Dutch team is staying, security is tight with crowds expected there on Sunday afternoon to wish the team good luck. The team bus and hotels were surrounded by police vehicles.

At about midday hundreds of Dutch fans gathered in Pretoria in a parade.

Similar security arrangements were in place at Spain’s hotel. 

Airport

As heavy air traffic is expected into Johannesburg, the Aiports Company SA (Acsa) said they will do everything in their power to prevent a repeat of the chaos caused by parking problems at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport. 

"In order to avoid any last-minute surprises … each arriving and departing aircraft will be managed strictly in line with the approved slot timetable," Acsa operations director Bongani Maseko told News24 said. 

Aircraft operators that have not applied for a slot at any of the two airports will not be allowed to land, unless in an emergency.