BUFFALO City Municipality's 2010 World Cup steering committee has confirmed
that they are negotiating with four countries to use East London as their
base during the World Cup.
Local 2010 project manager, Roy Young, yesterday said it
would be premature to name them, but let slip that Sweden and Germany
were two of the countries the committee were currently having discussions
with. - The chances are good that we - ll have a country or two basing
themselves in Buffalo City,- said Young.
The city's strong links with the two European countries in recent years
was an added advantage and one that was being used during negotiations.
-We have good local government ties with these countries and we are going
to work with that, - he said, adding that local soccer fraternity veterans
were also part of the negotiating team.
And while none of the countries have accepted or declined, Young said
the committee was optimistic that things would go their way.
He said the municipality had pulled out all the stops to prepare and upgrade
stadiums in preparation for the tournament, and, refurbishments were scheduled
to be completed by mid-January.
The municipality has embarked on a stadium refurbishing programme with
a R4.6 million budget, to position itself as a training camp for the World
Cup 2010 tournament.
Jan Smuts Sport Grounds, Absa stadium and the Amalinda Grounds are the
three big venues within the municipality's jurisdiction where facelifts
are currently underway.
Absa stadium which is owned by the municipality, has had its media box,
VIP box and change-rooms upgraded at a cost of R500000. Grandstand seating
has also been upgraded as well as the grassy area to meet Fifa requirements.
A new grass area has also been developed at Jan Smuts.
- Upgrading will not just benefit 2010, but it will benefit the entire
sports fraternity, - said Young
Apart from the refurbishments, the city's ideal climate and golden beaches
would also be another attraction for visitors.
- Our climate is one of our trump cards. - And at least one hotel has
agreed to charge 2007 accommodation rates in 2010.
Of concern, however, was the airport's capacity to handle the influx of
people, but this was being attended to by the authorities.
- We have a clear plan on how to handle this and I must admit that thus
far things have been running smoothly, - said Young.
,
19 December 2007
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