SOUTH AFRICA is determined to host the best ever football world cup - and Johannesburg, as a key host city, is set to play its part. With its distinctive African pulse, the continent's premier city is on track to show the world it's unrivalled potential and opportunities. And, as spelled out by the City's executive mayor, Amos Masondo, the 2010 FIFA World Cup gives Johannesburg the impetus to create an infrastructure whose legacy will outlive the actual event. Masondo is keen that the residents of Johannesburg benefit from the biggest event on the planet. "Africa's time has come! South Africa is ready!" And Johannesburg can say the same.
Johannesburg will play a key role in the world cup, hosting the opening ceremony and as the venue for the final. It will also serve as a venue for some of the preliminary rounds and for one of the quarter-final matches. It will also have a number of training venues, and host one of the visiting teams. And as a host city, Johannesburg has to make sure that all government guarantees are put into effect and that all preparations for the biggest event on the planet are completed on time. Vital to preparations is that match venues are upgraded and ready; the transport infrastructure can cope with the volume of people expected in the city; that communications for the international media are state-of-the art; and that the city itself can deal with the influx of visitors. Overseeing all of this is the City's 2010 unit, headed by executive director Sibongile Mazibuko.
* Date: June 11, 2010
* Time: 8PM South Africa time, GMT +2, EST +7
* Stadium site for Concert: Orlando Stadium in Soweto, just outside of Johannesburg
* Location of Opening Ceremony: Soccer City, Johannesburg, South Africa
* First played: First World Cup held in Uruguay, 1930
* Television coverage: Expected performers: Shakira, John Legend, Angelique Kidjo, Alicia Keys and Black Eyed Peas
* Odds: Proceeds: All proceeds from the opening ceremony go to the 20 centres for 2010 charity
1. Amadou & Mariam
2. Alicia Keys
3. Angelique Kidjo
4. Black Eyed Peas
5. BLK JKS
6. John Legend
7. Juanes
8. Shakira
9. The Parlotones
10. Tinariwen
11. Vieux Farka Touré
12. Vusi Mahlasela and ETC.
Watch Live World Cup Opening Ceremony Online