SA, Norway clash to reopen stadium
3 February 2008
Rustenburg's new-look Royal Bafokeng Stadium, a venue for the 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup and 2010 Fifa World Cup, will get its first taste of action when Bafana Bafana tackle Norway in the annual Nelson Mandela Challenge match on 28 March.
The venue has undergone some minor upgrades, including the extension of its west stand, ahead of the Confederations Cup, taking place from 14 to 28 June, and next year's World Cup.
Bafana Bafana will have fond memories of their last visit to Rustenburg, where they notched up a 3-2 win over highly ranked Cameroon in last year's Nelson Mandela Challenge.
South Africa have recently climbed to 74th in the Fifa world rankings and 17th in the Africa rankings and will face a Norwegian team ranked 59th in the world.
"The Nelson Mandela Challenge has become a much anticipated football spectacular, both locally and internationally," South African Football Association CEO Raymond Hack said in a statement last week.
"We look forward to witnessing 90 minutes of action-packed football which will yet again showcase our country's passion for the beautiful game."
The 2009 edition of the Nelson Mandela Challenge is the third year that Royal Bafokeng Holdings has sponsored the event. Royal Bafokeng Holdings CEO Niall Carroll believes the match marks an important milestone on the road to 2010.
"The reopening of the stadium marks an important milestone in our preparations for the Fifa Confederations Cup and 2010 Fifa World Cup, both as a community and as a country," Carroll said. "We call on the people of South Africa to join us for a day of family fun and entertainment."
Source: South Africa 2010 Organising Committee
