2010 FIFA World Cup: Mangaung/Bloemfontein

Mangaung/Bloemfontein is the judicial capital of South Africa and the provincial capital of the Free State Province.

The Appeal Court, which is the highest court in South Africa, is also found in the city. Mangaung literally means "Place of the Cheetahs" in SeSotho, which is one of South Africa's 11 official languages. On the other hand, Bloemfontein literally means 'fountain of flowers' in Dutch

The regal stinkwood panelled courtroom was completed in 1929. The city hall is a magnificent sandstone building built by Sir Gordon Leith and the city has an inner game reserve. The Free State is bordered by four of South Africa's nine provinces and the country of Lesotho. The city has a wealth of culture and history, reflected by its rich architectural heritage, numerous museums and monuments.

The Golden Gate National Park in the eastern Free State has sandstone cliffs, which illuminate in gold hues when the sun strikes the exposed cliffs. The Vredefort Dome is the oldest impact crater in the world, dating back 2,023 million years and the expansive Gariep Dam is a local favourite among the landlocked people of the Free State and Gauteng.

History

Chief Yoruka and the Barolong tribe settled in the area around Thaba Nchu in the early 1830s. In the late 1800s the Free State became home to Chief Moshoeshoe and the Basotho tribe. The area became a safe haven for tribes fleeing King of the Zulu's, Shaka Zulu.

The Mangaung Local Municipality was formed at the end of 2000 by amalgamating the transitional local councils of Bloemfontein, Botshabelo, Thaba Nchu with two rural councils. It is the sixth largest city in South Africa. Although amalgamated under one city authority in 2000, Bloemfontein was initially founded by Dutch and English settlers in mid-1800s. Bloemfontein is rumoured to have been named after an abundance of roses which grew around a fountain on a farm owned by a Dutch settler (Voortrekker), Johannes Nicolaas Brit.

Football

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In South Africa, Bloemfontein is known as a nest to some of the country's most decorated and colourful football supporters known for their sheer enthusiasm and vociferous singing during games. Perfect for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Local outfit, Bloemfontein Celtic are the most popular football side from the city with their famous clan of supporters, known as Siwelele. The team's playing kit is very similar to that of Scottish side, Celtic, with green and white horizontal stripes.

Free State Stars is another professional outfit from Free State. Football in Bloemfontein, was first played in 1891, when the territory was an independent Boer republic, known as the 'Oranje Free Staat'. Famous clubs like Aberdeen, Dundee United (both Scotland), Newcastle United (England), Ajax Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany) played tour matches in the territory. Bloemfontein City played briefly as the first professional club of the city.

2010 FIFA World Cup: Durban

The City of Durban, or Ethekwini, is a place of fusion. It is the largest city in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. The city has an intense gusto for life and has a diverse range of cultures. 

Durban is the venue for one of the two semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup and, with its humid weather, it is bound to be a tourist hot spot during the tournament.

Durban, which is also a port city, is the busiest port in Africa.

You can take a ride on a rickshaw, a distinctive Durban experience, with the drivers decorated in ornate headdresses. At the very heart of Durban is the 'golden mile', a four kilometer stretch of beaches, promenades, swimming pools and restaurants.

The water is warmed by the Aghulas current and even during winter, the water temperature averages at 15°C making it ideal for year-round swimming.

UShaka Marine World is Africa's largest Marine-themed park. Within the park is one of the five largest aquariums in the world.

Durban hosted the Preliminary Draw on 25 November 2007. Durban is also a gateway to the Zulu Kingdom, where tourists can experience the intensity of Zulu culture. The city is also a good base from which to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park has various landforms such as coral reefs, coastal dunes, lake systems, swamps, and reed and papyrus wetlands. The Ukahlamba/Drakensberg National Park has dramatic blue mountains and the largest concentration of rock paintings south of the Sahara.

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Football

Durban is home to two Premier Soccer League clubs, Golden Arrows and Maritzburg United.

The city is said to have hosted South Africa's first football league in 1882, which comprised four clubs: Pietermaritzburg County, Natal Wasps, Durban Alpha and Umgeni Stars.

Durban has produced numerous South African championship-winning sides but in recent years its teams have struggled to preserve their top flight statuses. Zulu Royals were the first winners of the National Professional Soccer League in 1971.

After the major leagues unified, Durban Bush Bucks and Manning Rangers both won the championship. Durban City and Durban United, which are now both defunct, were frequent league and cup winners in the National Football League.

Durban is the birthplace of the former Zimbabwe international goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar, who, while at Liverpool, added his name to a rare list of Africans who have played for teams which won the European Cup. The city has also produced talented football players such as Sibusiso Zuma, Siyabonga Nomvete and Delron Buckley.

Durban hosted group, quarter-final and semi-final games in the 1996 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. The city also hosted South Africa's game against England in 2003, which helped launch the country's bid for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. England won the encounter 2-1.

2010 FIFA World Cup: Cape Town

Cape Town can stretch from sunset to sunrise with surprising ease, and the compact and colourful city is sure to be the stage for many wild nights out during football's biggest celebration. 2010 FIFA World Cup takes a look at the Mother City's nightlife.

The beachfront is where you want to be when the sun goes down in Cape Town.

The Camps Bay strip is a lively blend of cafes, restaurants and bars that stretch from end to end. Get a table on the sidewalk, put on your sunglasses and prepare for sunset. The Grand, Sandbar and Caprice are always packed, while on the other end of the strip, Baraza draws the crowds.

Restaurants in Cape Town range from the cool and comfortable to the lavish and sophisticated. Whether you chose to grab a gourmet burger at Royale, sushi at Wakame or something extra-special at Jardine, these unique places all have one thing in common: they are quintessentially Cape Town. To make the most of your Cape Town dining experience, grab a local magazine guide.

Traditionally, Long Street is the heart of the city's nightlife. Simply start at the top of this legendary road and stroll down, popping into any place that arouses your curiosity. On Long Street, The Waiting Room, Fiction and Zula are all-time favourites for many; further down the street, Neighbourhood has established itself as a lively lounge bar. For fans of the psychedelic, the Rhino Room on Green Street may be your home away from home.

Whether it’s hip-hop, electro or the latest indie craze, Cape Town has always had a progressive music culture. On Harrington Street in District Six, you will find The Assembly. The club is constantly showcasing local and international bands and djs and is always packed. Just around the corner, Mercury Live has always been a loud and rowdy live music venue, with a strong student presence. Meanwhile, Hectic on Hope is the last late-night stop for Cape Town’s Friday night hipsters.

Whatever your scene, the Mother City is sure to keep you out and about long after the last 2010 FIFA World Cup game of the day. Watch 2010 FIFA World Cup Live Online!

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