As the countdown to the 2010 FIFA World cup fast approaches the 6 month mark, Cape Town is abuzz with the city’s preparations for the World Cup Final Draw on December 4, to decide the fate of the world’s top 32 teams.
The draw will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, and an estimated 8000 people are expected to attend, including FIFA representatives, celebrities, international media and representatives of each of the 32 qualifying teams.
To help celebrate this momentous occasion, guests will be entertained by the likes of internationally acclaimed Johnny Clegg and the Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir. Among the celebrities expected are English soccer icon David Beckham and South African-born actress Charlize Theron.
The world will be turning its attention to South Africa, and particularly the Mother City, like never before as the 90-minute event is set to be broadcast in 200 countries, reaching an estimated 700-million viewers.
It’s taken 3600 hours of manpower to set up the sprawling Draw Hall and 950 square metres of timber to construct the stunning African-inspired Draw stage, which stands 40m wide, 30 m deep and 8m tall. A total of 3 254 people have been involved in the project, including 1 587 security officials - police and private, 400 host city staff, 80 entertainers and 380 volunteers.
The draw forms part of a week-long celebration in Cape Town that saw the illumination of the festive lights in Adderley Street on November 29 and will include the opening of the Football for Hope Centre in Khayelitsha on December 5.
