Then there is cricket, glorious cricket. How we love to pack a cooler bag and spend our summer afternoons watching the Proteas or our favourite provincial teams battling it out on Wanderers (Johannesburg), Kingsmead (Durban) or Newlands (Cape Town). From October to April the Supersport Series helps to prepare our players for the international field. But the vast amount of live sport events in South Africa doesn’t stop here.

It is impossible not to mention soccer in this country of soccer devotees. Mamelodi Sundowns, Moroka Swallows and Orlando Pirates are just some of the 16 teams of the PSL (Premier Soccer League). Supporters of the PSL literary paint the town different hues of yellow, red and green by wearing their favourite team’s official colours during matches. And let’s not forget the highlight on South Africa’s sport events calendar - the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which will make South Africa the first country in Africa to host this mega event.

Operating at not exactly the same speed as the Tour de France, but still a race of note is the Tour de Kruger – Tuli to Pafuri. In 2009 this mountain biking event will take place in August, taking competitors through South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe and its 3 National Parks.

Remember to pack your sunscreen and enjoy the best that South Africa has to offer in sport entertainment - there are so many options all year round.

http://www.southafrica.net/sat/content/en/us/full-article?oid=10421&sn=Detail&pid=681

Where else can soccer lovers watch whales breach, sample some of the world’s best wines, marvel at the spectacular scenery along the Cape Garden Route & Klein Karoo, jump off the world’s highest bungy, or even visit a traditional healer for a dose of spiritual counselling should their team be out of form? These six themed itineraries are designed to help soccer fans and their travel-loving companions to make the most of the experience on offer in Cape Town and the Western Cape.

http://www.beyondthe90minutes.com/

On 15 May 2004, FIFA president Sepp Blatter announced that South Africa were awarded the rights to host the tournament, paving way for the country to start preparations.

Ten stadiums in 9 host cities were chosen: Soccer City and Ellis Park in Johannesburg; Free State Stadium in Mangaung/Bloemfontein, Green Point Stadium in Cape Town, Durban Stadium in Durban, Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, Loftus Verfeld Stadium in Tshwane/Pretoria and Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.  

Five of these stadiums are undergoing major renovations for 2010: Soccer City and Ellis Park, Loftus Verfeld, the Royal Bafokeng and Free State stadiums. New stadiums are being built in Nelspruit, Durban, Nelson Mandela Bay, Cape Town and Polokwane.

South Africa is also working flat out to make sure the rapid rail link, Gautrain – a high-speed train between Johannesburg and Pretoria, is up and running in time for the World Cup. Bus rapid transit (BRT) projects are also being implemented in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

The benefits of hosting the 2010 Football World Cup will be felt way after the event has come and gone. According to consulting company Grant Thornton, the World Cup will generate around R12.7 billion in direct spending, creating 159 000 new jobs.

The country’s tourism industry will also benefit from the estimated 3 million visitors expected for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

http://www.southafrica.net/sat/content/en/us/fifa-world-cup-2010

The 2010 FIFA World CupTM is an unprecedented opportunity to make South Africa a more widely known and better understood destination that offers exceptional value for money and a quality travel experience, combined with a depth and breadth of activities and attractions that’s hard to beat. 

The ultimate goal of the 2010 FIFA World CupTM is to harness the power of football to create positive social change. An improved public transport system and better-skilled and equipped safety and security, health, emergency services, accommodation and tourism providers are just some of the lasting legacies of 2010. For the first time, small, medium and micro-enterprises will be graded as FIFA approved accommodation providers, and opportunities for business, especially among emerging entrepreneurs in South Africa’s tourism industry will increase.

New urban recreational areas and multi-disciplinary sports facilities will benefit all, whilst many previously disadvantaged communities are currently benefitting from job opportunities in the construction of infrastructure and telecoms networks across the country. Four revamped and six new world-class, multi-purpose stadiums will continue to stimulate regional economies and provide jobs long after the football fanfare is over.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa’sTM official slogan: Ke Nako – Celebrate Africa’s Humanity, means ‘it is time’. Time for South Africa to change the world’s perceptions as we host a football spectacular that is African and first-class in every respect. We are ready. South Africa’s time has come.   

http://www.southafrica.net/sat/content/en/us/full-article?oid=8025&sn=Detail&pid=681

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was born in Malmö (Sweden) of a Bosnian father and a Croatian mother on 3rd October 1981. He joins Barça at the height of his career and is recognized as one of the most lethal strikers in European football. He is one of that rare breed of total footballers: he’s deadly in the air, fast, effective in front of goal and mesmerizing with the ball at his feet. His style of football makes his team-mates play better.

Ibrahimovic started his career with Malmö before moving on to Ajax in 2001, where he joined up with Barça team-mate Maxwell. Here he started to get noticed on a bigger footballing stage and gave indications of becoming a world class star despite his youth. For part of his time at Ajax his manager was former Barça star Ronald Koeman.

After three seasons in Holland, where he won two league titles, the Cup and two Dutch Super Cups, Ibrahimovic signed to Italian giants Juventus, managed by Fabio Capello, staying there for two seasons from 2004 to 2006. Juve finished top of the league in both seasons but were stripped of the title and relegated to the second division as a result of the “Moggigate” scandal, leading to his transfer to Inter Milan.

Three successful seasons with Inter Milan

Ibrahimovic won three league titles and two Italian Super Cups with Inter Milan and was an essential part of the starting line-up under both Mancini and Mourinho.

His presentation as a Barça player on 27th July 2009 attracted 60,000 fans, a record in the history of the Club.

Ibrahimovic is also a key member of the Sweden international team and has been voted his country’s best player on three occasions (2005, 2007and 2008).

PROFILE

Ibrahimovic has always stood out as a skilful player, scoring some amazing goals and displaying tremendous creativity. That’s why he’s known in Italy as ‘Ibracadabra’.

He stands 1.92 metres tall and combines great technique with a powerful physique, making him particularly feared by defenders in the air, as well as making it difficult to take the ball away from him.

In short, the Swedish international is the perfect modern centre forward and goal scorer. Last season he scored 25 goals in the Italian league with Inter Milan. 

Honours

Inter Milan

2008/09 Serie A
2007/08 Serie A
2007/08 Italian Super Cup
2006/07 Serie A
2005/06 Italian Super Cup

Ajax

2003/04 Eredivisie
2002/03 Dutch Super Cup
2001/02 Dutch Cup
2001/02 Eredivisie

Individual honours

2009 Top scorer Italian league
2008 Best player Italian league
2008 Best foreign player Italian league
2008 Best Swedish player
2007 Best Swedish sportsman
2007 Swedish athlete of the year
2006 Best foreign player Italian league
2005 Best Swedish player

http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/futbol/temporada_09-10/plantilla/jugadors/ibrahimovic.html

Immediately on his arrival in Barcelona, Zlatan Ibrahimovic spoke to the club’s official media and explained how thrilled he was to be coming to the club: “it’s hard to describe my feelings – everything seems to be all set, it just needs my signature. I’m really pleased and enjoying everything that’s happening – I really am very, very happy and when this is all settled I’ll be the happiest man in the world”.

“Who wouldn’t want to come to Barca?”

Ibrahimovic reckons: “every player wants to come to Barca, but not everybody can. When I saw Barca were interested in me I told my manager to sort it out and he’s done a great job. Who wouldn’t want to come to Barca? I think any player would want to represent what is the best club in Europe and maybe the world. The best players have to be at Barca and I hope to be one of them”.

“I play like Barca do”

For Ibrahimovic Barca are “making history” with the way they are playing and he’s clear he wants to be a part of that. He believes he can bring plenty to the team, explaining: “ I’m coming here with the qualities everyone knows I have. I play a skillful game , as Barca do and I want to do as well as I have done at Inter. The people who know me as a player know what I can bring”.

The Swede is also clear that he’s coming to the Nou Camp to learn too though: “I want to learn how Barca play. There are champions in every position and I want to learn what I can from all of them”.

“Ready for anything”

Ibrahimovic concluded: “I’m coming here ready for anything and anything that I can bring will be great. I’ll give my best to give everyone something to enjoy”.

View the whole interview here

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Arshavin came off the bench in the second half to net a late double in the final five minutes as the Gunners won 2-1 in the Emirates Cup.

Arshavin arrived in England from Zenit St Petersburg during the January transfer window, but could not play in the Champions League and took some time to settle before coming good over the closing stages of the campaign – which included a brilliant four-goal haul at Anfield.

While Wenger does not want to put too much extra pressure on the 28-year-old, he accepts Arshavin will be key to his squad’s chances.

“The difference is now he knows how English football works,” said the Arsenal manager.

“He knows as well he is part of the team from the start, and the team knows how important and how big an impact he can have on the results.

“Arshavin has what you cannot give to a player – he understands when there is an opportunity in the final third, and is certainly dangerous.”

There was also a welcome home return for Czech winger Tomas Rosicky, who had been out of action for some 18 months with a string of niggling injuries – and his availability for the build-up to the new campaign will be welcome boost following the loss of Samir Nasri to a broken leg.

“I am pleased, but cautious,” Wenger said.

“I am not a dreamer. If he gets through the next two months without set-backs, then we have won the battle, but it is not won yet.”

Teenager Jack Wilshere was introduced at half-time and impressed enough to pick up the man of the match award.

The 17-year-old is set to challenge for a place in Wenger’s first-team squad.

“He has matured, and compared to one year ago he has more power to take people on. That shows there is big potential there and makes him much more dangerous,” said the Arsenal boss.

“At that age, unfortunately patience is not the first quality, but he is at a big club and has a chance to compete at the top level.

“We have to manage that well, the desire and the opportunity to play.”

Wenger could well strengthen his squad ahead of the new season, with former captain Patrick Vieira said to be keen on a return to his old club, while Real Madrid striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar is another said to be on the Gunners boss’ wanted list.

Any deals, though, will be done before Arsenal’s final pre-season game, away to Valencia next Saturday.

“I will be looking at all the options we have during the week, and then we close,” said Wenger, who ruled out Fiorentina target Emmanuel Eboue leaving.

“I believe we have quite a strong squad now. If we can add one or two players, we will do it, but not more.”

Arsenal play Rangers on Sunday, with the Scottish champions having beaten Paris St Germain in the Emirates Cup opening game.

“Our target is to now find a good balance with the offensive players we have, and that is why we could afford to let a striker go,” said Wenger.

“We want to prepare seriously, because we have a strong start to the season – we play Everton, Manchester City and Manchester United away in the first few weeks.

“We are cautious, but determined to do well. We are highly motivated and focused, which is a good basis.”

Madrid coach Abel Resino felt the match served as decent preparation ahead of the Champions League play-off – which could be against the Gunners.

“The most important thing is the team played well with a good attitude,” he said.

“We made a few changes and it has been a very positive test.

“We are uncovering new players in the team, from the youth system, and know more things after this match.

“We had a few chances in the second half, and a draw would have been a fairer result.”

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Owen, 29, has won 89 caps for England and scored 40 goals but has played only once under current boss Fabio Capello.

But Neville, who is also battling to force his way back into England’s squad in time for the World Cup next year, says Owen is at the right club to achieve his World Cup dream.

The United full-back trained with his new clubmate yesterday before visiting Hawthorns Community School in Manchester to present an award on behalf of WellChild – a children’s charity backed by contributiions from the Team England Footballers Charity. And he sees no reason why Owen cannot become an England contender in future if he is a success at Old Trafford.

He said: “It’s difficult for me to suggest whether a player is going to get picked for a tournament next year, that will be up to the manager. But anybody who plays for Manchester United over a season has a great chance of getting into an international team no matter whether it be England or any other country.

“It’s a hard club to play for and if you are playing well and doing well then you have a great chance of getting into your national team.”

Owen’s move to Old Trafford from Newcastle United is one of the talking points of the summer but with England close to qualifying for the World Cup Finals next year Neville knows the move could benefit not just club but also country.

He added: “Look, I don’t think Michael moved to Manchester United for England – he’s moved to improve Manchester United.

“But I’ve always said if you are playing for United then you have a great chance of being in the England squad – and that’s for any player. Michael is in the same position as everybody else who plays for United. The opportunity is there for him.”

Neville believes the same opportunity is also there for himself after he earned a shock call-up for last month’s games against Kazakhstan and Andorra – more than two years after his last appearance for England back in February 2007.

The right-back, who has 85 caps, didn’t get on the pitch in either match but believes he can now put injury problems behind him to challenge in future.

“I have an opportunity,” he insisted. “If you had asked me six months ago I would have said very little chance. But having been picked at the end of the season I’ll probably say I have more of a chance.

“But there’s still a long way to go for anyone who thinks they can be in the squad. There will be players who think they are nailed-on certainties and then an injury will occur – it always happens. And there will be some players who maybe haven’t even thought about it who will come to the fore this season and grasp the opportunity.

“There’s a chance there for everybody and I just have to play well for United and take my chances to get into the team.

“I like playing for England and I want to be there. It’s been a frustration not winning anything with England and not getting to finals but there’s still a chance there for me.”

Neville believes both he and Owen can take inspiration from the way his great friend David Beckham has come back from the international wilderness to be a key part of Capello’s squad.

Beckham was jettisoned by previous manager Steve McClaren after the World Cup Finals in 2006 but eventually forced his way back into contention and is now a regular under Capello.

Neville said: “You just have to keep going. The lads who are brought through at United are taught to keep going and never give up. You are told to do your all and if that’s good enough it will take you places.

“That’s what David has done – he’s done really well getting back in and not giving up when he was out of the team.

“It doesn’t surprise me. But a lot of players are similar – you get ups and downs in your career. Over a 10-15 year career you have periods where you are not flavour of the month or you’re not selected or you get injured but that’s football. You have to fight to come back.”

The only problem for Neville is he now has some serious rivals for his right-back position, including current first choice Glen Johnson who has just earned a big-money move to Liverpool from Portsmouth.

He said: “I think there always have been a few rivals. I think in the last two games, particularly the second one, Glen Johnson did really well. And he’s now got a move to a big football club so that will help him in his development.

“Wes Brown had a difficult season with injury but he’s started pre-season again and will be looking to come back too. There is competition and there should be. I don’t think that’s something to worry about, we all just have to concentrate on our own jobs and what comes will come.

“You can’t afford to think about what’s going on elsewhere. We’re all experienced enough to know that. It’s important to play well for your club and once you’ve done that it’s a bonus if you can get in the England team.”

http://www.thefa.com/England/MensSeniorTeam/NewsAndFeatures/2009/NevilleMOwen.aspx

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Durban is South Africa’s most popular domestic holiday city and it’s easy to see why. It has miles of soft, sandy swimming beaches, great surfing and warm weather all year round. There’s everything from B&Bs to world-class hotels, and you’ll never run out of fun things to do.

Head to the ocean for a fishing charter or chill out on a sunset sundowner cruise. Take in the marine life at Ushaka Marine World and burn up some energy at Water World.

Durban is green all year round, thanks to its subtropical weather. To see the city and coastline at its best, head to La Lucia Ridge, preferably early on a clear morning. Look south to view the beach arcing around Durban’s bay. See a different angle of the same view by looking north from atop the Bluff at the harbour entrance.

Durban is recognised for its well preserved art deco and Victorian architecture, particularly along Victoria Embankment and on the Berea. Many events, cultures and nations have shaped Durban and you’ll find more than a dozen museums that tell its unique story.

You can even pack in some adrenalin activities at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping

Go for an early morning walk along which is close to Durban’s main entertainment drag. It has a powerful wavehouse and an indoor climbing wall, which at 23 metres is the highest in the world. Plus, there are fast go-karts and a Tony Hawke-designed skate park. Stroll along the Umhlanga Rocks paved beachfront walkway and you may see dolphins surfing the waves just offshore. Or take to the air as a microlite passenger for a flip along the coast.

We call it Durbs or Surf City or “Thekweni”, which means “sea” in Zulu, and that suggests what life’s like here – one long holiday.

http://www.southafrica.net/sat/content/en/se/full-article?oid=16688&sn=Detail&pid=129

There was great excitement in South Africa about the event, and although there were some unexpected hiccups in terms of logistics, the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup certainly did the country proud. Bafana Bafana showed the stuff they are made of and went out there and played some riveting football. We have no doubt that our home-boys are a force to be reckoned with at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. 

The hospitality industry showed an incredible ability to rise to the occasion – and hotels and restaurants were filled with happy spectators and guests, who said the words time and time again: ‘South Africa is ready for 2010′.

It was two weeks of incredible football as eight teams played their hearts out at South Africa’s stadiums. It all ended with a fantastic playoff between the United States and Brazil at Ellis Park, with the Brazilians beating the American team 3-2, to the delight of an enthusiastic crowd.

Acting CEO of South African Tourism, Didi Moyle, acknowledged both the Local Organising Committee and the hospitality and tourism industry. ‘Well done South Africa!’, said Moyle. ‘As a country, we have passed the test of hosting the second largest football competition in the world. We have shown the world our country and we have displayed a matchless spirit and enthusiasm. More importantly, we are now able to confidently state that we are ready to host the best World Cup in the history of FIFA!’

There is no doubt that South Africa is ready for the biggest football event in the world, as Moyle says: ‘Bring on 2010!’

http://www.southafrica.net/sat/content/en/us/news-detail?oid=111165&sn=Detail&pid=428