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The 2010 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner with the first match kicking off in less than two years. During the event, all eyes will literally be on South Africa when the immense influx of football fans, tourists, world leaders and news reporters will paint a picture of South Africa's capabilities to the rest of the world.

Major cities such as Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Durban, Cape Town, and Port Elizabeth are already showing the signs that the world's most popular sports tournament is coming. This is without doubt the biggest event to be hosted by South Africa, and the incredible transformations taking place in these cities are a testament as to how important a successful execution of the tournament is for South Africa.

South Africa is rising to the challenge admirably by using construction and formwork for building state-of-the-art sports complexes and stadiums, upgrading major airports, revamping major cities, overhauling the transport system through the creation of the Gautrain and extending freeway sizes along with fixing roads and existing public transport systems. With the incredible formwork and construction happening in South Africa right now, by 2010, the country will be able to host a highly successful World Cup tournament and illustrate to millions of people around the world what a capable and incredible country South Africa is.

Sports Stadiums
Five brand new stadiums are under construction for the FIFA 2010 World Cup including Green Point Stadium (the previous Green Point Stadium was demolished in 2007), the Peter Mokaba Sports Complex, the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga, the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth (which, when complete, will be the fastest constructed sports stadium in the world) and the King Senzangakhona Stadium in Durban.

Other stadiums include the Soccer City Stadium and Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria and the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Rustenburg. These stadiums each require huge construction processes and would not be able to be completed without formwork. With the use of formwork, construction companies are able to create magnificent and world-class stadiums, for example, the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga has been designed to mix modern architecture with trusted formwork and construction techniques.

18 concrete and steel giraffe structures provide supports for the steel roof to the stadium which will have used 50000 cubic meters of poured concrete, 6000 tons of steel, 90000 cubic meters of formwork concrete slabs used to create retaining walls and sheer walls to raise the Mbombela Stadium from the ground.
The Green Point Stadium in Cape Town will have made use of 130000 cubic meters of concrete, 390000 square meters of formwork, 12000 tons of reinforcing steel, six million bricks and a steel cable tensioned glazed roof.

The Gautrain
The Gautrain is an underground railway system under construction in Johannesburg to help ease the pressure on public transport during the tournament and to help traffic flow in the city. The planned route of the train is run between four main stations - Johannesburg, Sandton, Tshwane and OR Tambo Airport and also to additional stations - Rosebank, Marlboro, Midrand, Centurion, Hatfield and Rhodesfield.

Formwork is a major part of the Gautrain construction as the entire railway runs underground and requires underground boring and high strength supporting walls. There are already 783 precast segments manufactured for lining the tunnel. In Midrand there is a precast yard which is capable of pouring 120 cubic meters of concrete per hour. Various bridges along the railway are under construction, requiring the use of M-Beam Formwork which is transported via trucks to the sites where the bridges are under construction.

Roads and Infrastructure
Because of the influx of people expected for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the need for reliable infrastructure and transportation has increased greatly. With so many tourists expected to flock to South Africa during the tournament, the road system in the country is receiving a major upgrade. For example, the eThekwini (Durban) municipality is upgrading the Western Freeway. As it is one of the country's busiest roads and would have been unable to cope with the heavy traffic expected during the World Cup tournament in terms of traffic flow and the road strength.

To ease congestion, both directions of the freeway are being extended to house additional lanes, making the freeway a four or five lane structure. Formwork is especially important when freeway bridges are under construction due to the difficult nature of constructing such heavy structures at a height. Formwork can be pre-cast and driven in or completed by scaffolding formwork.

City and Buildings
Many city centres in South Africa have suffered tremendous neglect as crime levels in the CBDs have kept the areas unpopular and unmaintained. With the forthcoming FIFA World Cup, major overhauls of the cities in South Africa are underway to create an attractive and memorable experience for everyone involved in the World Cup tournament.

In Johannesburg, the NASREC Expo Centre is currently being renovated for use as the media centre during the tournament with the outside areas already becoming more aesthetic with paved pathways. The CBD in Cape Town is seeing many benefits from the renovations happening in the centre - many old buildings are being returned into their former glory with careful renovations whilst the V&A Waterfront has just been extended.

The construction on the Waterfront has included a major emphasis on parking but also on increasing the size of the extremely popular building to include more shops, restaurants and activities for the influx of tourists. All of the major cities in South Africa are experiencing such renovations, increasing the attractiveness of South Africa to the foreigners who will visit the country during the famous tournament.

Formwork has been a major contributor to the construction efforts underway in South Africa. Using formwork, the country is producing first-rate sports stadiums, superior infrastructure, renovated, new and stylish buildings, better transport systems and generally, a modern, world-class destination. Through formwork, South Africa has the potential to prove to the world just how capable the country is of hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup successfully.

The long awaited African inauguration of the biggest show on earth, the FIFA 2010 World Cup, will be contested by the international giants of football at ten venues spread across the "Rainbow Nation".

Nine South African cities will open their hearts and minds to an anticipated armada of footie fans, with the economic capital of the country, Egoli "City of Gold", best known as Johannesburg, hosting both the opening and closing battles for world football supremacy at two different venues. The sheer distance between stadia arguably warrants a dedicated travel itinerary to prevent international and local visitors missing even a second of an event that only happens every four years.

Helicopter transfers transporting guests from the national airports or their luxury accommodation directly to the game, or as near as possible to the stadia, is already becoming a popular transport alternative for fans intent on following their chosen teams around!

JOHANNESBURG

Johannesburg, the economic and transport hub of South Africa, has been selected to host two of the most important encounters at two distinct venues:

Soccer City

Soccer City, also known as the FNB Stadium, has undergone a remarkable face lift with the extension of the upper tier all around the stadium expected to increase seating to 94 700. Brand new changing rooms, floodlights and a state-of the-art roof to keep spectators dry are but a handful of additions to a design based on the traditional calabash or African pot. The stadium is located 8kms from the CBD and is close to Gold Reef City and the NASREC National Exhibition Centre.

Ellis Park

Ellis Park, also close to the city centre, is in the process of a R2billion upgrade that will include new upper tiers behind each goal. The stadium's seating capacity will be increased to 70 000 in anticipation of a semi-final clash.

DURBAN

Moses Mabhida Stadium

The Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban is still under construction but is set to host a thrilling semi-final encounter. The design is dominated completely by a 106m high centre arch that will be linked to the ground by a high-tech cable car, affording visitors sweeping views of the KwaZulu Natal coastline. Dedicated buses, and trains to the new Kings Park Railway station, will ferry guests to and from the Stadium precinct.

CAPE TOWN

Green Point Stadium

The flagship stadium is without doubt the newly constructed Green Point Stadium in Cape Town. Situated on the Green Point common between Table Bay and the icon of Africa, Table Mountain, the stadium is expected to host 9 matches, including a quarter- and semi-final. Defined by a sweeping silhouette, the stadium was designed so as not to detract from Table Mountain but rather to enhance it. Once complete, the stadium will house an estimated 68 000 seats.

Other venues

• Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein
• Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit
• Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane
• Nelson Mandela Stadium in Port Elizabeth
• Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria
• Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg

The FIFA World Cup 2010 Football Tournament (Soccer World Cup to South Africans) is a mere 20 months away and South Africa is truly abuzz with preparations. There is an enormous amount of pressure on South Africa to execute a successful and memorable tournament and work has begun in full force to ensure that the tournament is fault-free.

Construction and Scaffolding is Key
The construction sector is booming and reaping the benefits of these preparations as stadiums are built along with new roads and freeways. Buildings, suburbs and districts are being renovated to create an attractive, first-world image of South Africa to visiting foreigners and television audiences from around the world.

Scaffolding is imperative to the preparatory processes as scaffolding is required for not only various formwork and construction projects, but also to provide safe and easy access for renovations and restorations.

Roads
The influx of people into South Africa for the World Cup, and especially into the main cities of Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, requires that many infrastructure upgrades be made in these cities. The Department of Transport has been given a budget of R92-billion to bring the standard of the roads up to a level where they can cope with the enormous influx of traffic.

In Cape Town, the freeway system has always been relatively small and unable to cope with the volume of everyday traffic in and out of town. Roads are being widened to cope with the increased traffic that 2010 will bring. Many other cities are expanding their road infrastructure and repairing problems such as potholes. Scaffolding is used to build these new roads and complete the necessary formwork for the new infrastructure.

Buildings and Structures
In 2010 host cities, hotels are being built, old buildings are being restored to their former attractiveness and 'bad' areas are being cleaned up. The older buildings that are being restored are a mixture of high-rise blocks and smaller structures and scaffolding is needed to complete all of these adjustments and new structures.

Scaffolding is needed in the restoration process to allow workers access to high and difficult places to reach, whilst maintaining the safety of the workmen and bystanders.

Airports
One of the major construction projects taking place to accommodate the World Cup in 2010 is the expansion of South Africa's main airports. Over R5.2-billion has been invested in developing South Africa's airports to world-class standards. Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg have seen the majority of expansions, especially Johannesburg's OR Tambo Airport which has benefitted from a R1.6-billion investment to develop the central terminal.

The terminal is linked to the Gautrain, a high speed train which will travel from OR Tambo Airport to Johannesburg.

Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg airports have had their existing parking facilities upgraded to large, multi-story parkades to allow sufficient parking for the influx of visitors. R132-million has been budgeted for refurbishments at national airports which will provide temporary facilities during the tournament.

Stadiums
There are five stadiums which are being constructed from new, adding to the stadiums already existing in South Africa. Green Point Stadium in the Western Cape (the previous Green Point Stadium was demolished in 2007), the Peter Mokaba Sports Complex, the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth and the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban are under construction currently to be finished for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The FNB Stadium, Ellis Park in Johannesburg and Loftus Versfeld in Tshwane, along with the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in North West and Vodacom Park in Mangaung (Bloemfontein) are in the process of being upgraded to increase capacity and improve facilities.

These stadiums require enormous engineering feats and advanced use of scaffolding and formwork to ensure that the structures are completed on time and in good quality to achieve the maximum success for South Africa in hosting the tournament.

The FIFA World Cup is the most watched sporting event in the world. All eyes will be on South Africa to perform not only on the field, but also as a host country. With current construction underway, scaffolding is helping engineers and contractors to achieve top results in less time, with less man power but with the maximum safety available.

South Africa is ready to welcome the world with open arms, modern infrastructure, breathtaking venues and efficient security. More than 630,000 tickets have already been picked up by fans form 188 countries and they can't wait to put on their football jerseys and cheer their favorite teams!

With an expected fan base of 430,000 arriving at South Africa next June, the country is abuzz with activity. Ten world class stadia are being readied for the tournament, of which five are spanking new. Port Elizabeth's Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, located in an area of immaculate beaches, has been declared opened. The stunning Moses Mabhida in Durban with its towering arch that resembles Wembley Stadium even has a cable car that takes you right to the beach front!

Polkwane, the land of the upside down baobab tree and the cradle of ancient civilisations, is to be ready with its stadium by October. As will Nelspruit, South Africa's very own Garden of Eden. The fifth stadium, Green Point, in the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town is being prepared for a February opening. Green Point is the only stadium in the world with a roof made of glass!

Soccer City, the showpiece venue on the outskirts of Soweto in Johannesburg, has been upgraded with a design that's takes inspiration from African pottery. With so much of renovation gone into it, it can be called a brand new stadium for all purposes! The 2010 FIFA World Cup opening match is scheduled to be played at this 94,000 capacity stadium. The four other venues of Ellis Park, Free State, Loftus Versfeld and Royal Bafokeng have been upgraded to host the Confederations Cup matches this month.

Jozi, as locals affectionately call Johannesburg, is the financial hub of the African continent. It's got energy, culture, excitement, as well as, peace and tranquility with 2328 parks forming a large and much appreciated greenbelt. Joberg is also the birthplace of South Africa's rich football heritage. Professional football began right here in the offices of the old Rand Daily Mail newspaper back in 1958!
It is home to champions Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Jomo Cosmos. When Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates play each other, it is one of the most fiercely contested matches in the world! Johannesburg has also produced famous players like Jomo Sono and Kaizer Motaung, founders of the above clubs. Sono has even had the honor of playing with legends like Pele and Franz Beckenbauer! Ace or Patrick Ntsoelengoe holds pride of place as one of South Africa's greatest football players ever.

Besides setting the stage for a brilliant 2010 World Cup, great hopes ride on the tournament. With so much spent on infrastructure, roads, airports, security, hotels and soccer merchandise, South Africans want the World Cup to showcase the best their country has to offer in a bid to rebrand it, increase its prestige, benefit its people and act as a catalyst for economic growth. As of now, let the vuvuzelas blow as soccer greats arrive proudly wearing their World Cup soccer jerseys for the Confederation Cup, a precursor to the biggest festival of football in the world!

Blow your own trumpet!

Get ready for some unique fashion statement at the 2010 FIFA World Cup to be held in South Africa for the first time. It won't just be your favorite players in their World Cup soccer jerseys vying for your attention! Soccer World Cup fans are all set to up the temperature with their traditional vuvuzelas - those trumpets that sound like busy bumbling bees every time the ball enters the net!

A hat for every head

You can expect vuvuzelas to mingle with makarabas making for a complete riot of sound and color! Makaraba hats were first worn in South Africa in the 70s as protection against bottles or other flying objects! Later, all kinds of designs and add-ons were fixed onto these hard builder hats making them a must have fashion statement. They've become so popular that no hard core football fan can be seen without one! Makarabas representing the participating teams in the 2010 World Cup are being designed on a war footing. Each hat is painstakingly prepared by hand and cut into a unique shape and design, so it takes anywhere between 8 to 14 hours to make one! These colorful works of art make for great souvenirs of the much awaited World Cup.

Soccer Sells!

Besides this, there are all kinds of merchandise you can pick up to declare your loyalty for your team from custom-made soccer apparel to watches, mugs, scarves, wallets, bedspreads and DVDs. And you can find something to suit your pocket. Replica team jerseys are probably the most common and popular choice with fans. After all, nothing beats wearing your team colors during a match while you're at the stadium in front of the TV! It's a heady experience of loyalty, pride and togetherness.

Sports Collection

Puma made sure it wasn't left behind in this football frenzy! It joined hands with fashion expert Neil Barrett to launch an athletic lifestyle collection that covers everything from hooded sweatshirts to tees, cargoes to blouson jackets. The focus is on functional fibers, distressed washes and embellished applications giving it a fashionable yet comfortable look. Barrett, a giant in the fashion industry with names like Prada and Gucci under his belt, was inspired by the protective armor worn by Roman gladiators! He added his own layered signature to it. And voila!

Beckham Mayhem

Britain's star player David Beckham has made soccer super fashionable! It's no longer just about the game; it's about cash rich sponsorships, global sports brands and celebrity endorsements. LA Galaxy roped in Beckham to wear their new soccer shirt making it the fastest selling shirt ever! More than a quarter million were ordered even before the design was revealed thanks to Becks! The home shirt is similar to Real Madrid's, while the away shirt comes in a three dimensional design in navy blue with hints of yellow. The good thing is this soccer shirt has been designed to be worn outside the stadium as well.

With so much going on in the world of soccer fashion, the choices are plenty and increasing by the day. So, take your pick and make your own style statement!