The final 32 qualifying countries  have been announced, and plans are on track for South Africa to host the event - a first for the African continent since the humble beginnings of the competition in 1930. It  promises to be the planet’s biggest sporting event ever, with over a billion people expected to follow the month long tournament between the world’s top soccer playing nations for the title of World Champions 2010.

32 flags were hoisted along the borders of Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg. These flags represent the teams, the hundreds-and-thousands of fans and the hopes of nations for the World Cup.

After winning the bid on May 15 2004, South Africa has engaged in a flurry of construction activity. “The stadiums that were once just architectural plans, artists impressions and piles of dirt have risen from the ground to now become world class sporting facilities”  The Cape Town stadium has a great location with Robben Island ahead and Table Mountain behind the stadium. Durban has a great design with the motor arch that goes across the stadium. Soccer City in Johannesburg is designed to look like the African Calabash with 94 700 seating and Mbombela in Nelspruit has African giraffes holding up the stadium, with zebra design on the seating.

South Africa is definitely no stranger to hosting world class events, including the Rugby World Cup in 1995, the African Cup of Nations in 1996, the Cricket World Cup in 2003 and most recently the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Soccer teams and international visitors have been assured of their safety during their stay in the country. “The South African Police Force (SAPF) is spending R640 million on the deployment of 41 000 officers specifically for the event. Immigration Liaison Officers will be deployed at key international airports to ensure ease of access in and out of the country. Dedicated 2010 police stations will be erected within close proximity to each of the stadiums, as well as crime investigation teams and special courts to deal with all event-related crimes. A 24-hour multilingual hot-line will assist visitors requiring police or medical services.

Now its over to the players and their coach to do us proud. Lets give them our support - grab our Vuvuzela, put on a Makarapa and Diski-dance!

Bollywood comes to the Overberg! This Saturday evening, November 21st, the Stanford Rotarians will be hosting an evening of Eastern delights at the Birkenhead brewery from 7pm till late. Tickets are available from Stanfordinfo for R150/head.

The evening kicks off with an enchanting eastern cabaret presented by The Dance Variations Company, in conjunction with The Liesel Trollope School of Dance. You will be entertained by dances from Kashmir, the Bollywood Ballet, North India and a finale all the way from the Taj Mahal.

The sumptuous 3 course meal starts off with Gujerati Soup ‘Sarki’ and goes on to include other exotic curries such as Kashmiri Koftas, Marswangan Korma, Tandoori Murghi,  Rogan Josh,  Chettinad Malaidar,  Goan Kath Katha,  Masoor Dal aur Band Gobi served with Masaledar Basmati and Til Ki achaar, Kheere ka raita and Gajar ka Kheere achaar. For those still feeling peckish after this astounding array of dishes, a Coconut layer cake with toasted almond toffee and banana should fill the gap.

There will be prizes for the best dressed, although Indian dress is optional. This promises to be a night of fun, good food and great entertainment and all proceeds go to the local charities supported by the Stanford Rotary Club. Previous projects have already kitted out 3 junior football teams, and Rotary’s very active soup kitchen brings a warm nutritious meal into many hungry tummies every day.

Come and join the party and support the local charities, just in time for the festive season!