It was not only the Stadium that needed a lot of planning but the area itself, which needed a lot of improvements to it’s infrastructure such as water supply, sanitation and parking as well as many more. The World Cup has given the area a chance to look to the future bringing a chance for change and to live up to Polokwane’s motto of “naturally progressive”. The stadium can boast that it can accommodate 5,000 VIP’s where they can watch the football in supreme luxury whilst the rest of the football mad locals can watch from any of the two tiers of this superb ground.
Polokwane is the capital of Limpopo Province and is an industrial and agricultural town that is situated in between miles and miles of grass plains. If there is little to see from the outside that does not mean there is nothing to do as Klaserie, Thornybush and Timbavati are all game reserves that would defiantly be worth a visit as all have luxury accommodation. The city has 500,000 inhabitants and its name Polkowane translates as “place of safety” and is generally thought to be the safest place in the country, news which will please those who have heard the horror stories of Johannesburg. The bars and restaurants are located centrally and outside of this choices are limited although those who cannot get tickets on match day will be well catered for in the FIFA Fan Park at the Polokwane Cricket Club north west of the city center. The transportation links are good with park and ride facilities for the stadium and excellent links to the airport.
The stadium will host four group games staring with Algeria v Slovenia on Sunday 13th June which will be of particular interest to English fans as they also are in Group C. France will be next to arrive to take on Mexico in what could prove to be an exciting prospect. Being in group A this could have a direct impact on the host nation’s qualification and will no doubt draw huge crowds following which ever team can help South Africa’s chances. Greece will then take on Argentina on June the 22nd in a game that should also see a packed stadium full of fans trying to catch a glimpse of arguably the world’s best player being managed by possibly the greatest ever. The final game will see Paraguay hoping to finalise qualification against a New Zealand side who many have already written off, this can be dangerous though, as many teams in the past have surprised us. Polkowane may not be the favourite venue for this World Cup but it does promise to host some superb football matches and it can boast a top class stadium with a football adoring public.
