Cape Town soccer fans can look forward to some top-level games in the coming weeks, including Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualifier and crucial fixtures for the local Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams.
There is also the chance that Cape Town may host more well-known international clubs in the coming months, as the city continues to grow its reputation as a leading sports destination.
Ajax Cape Town take on Orlando Pirates at the Cape Town Stadium in April 2013, and Chippa United play Kaizer Chiefs at the Athlone Stadium on Wednesday, 6 March 2013.
Bafana Bafana’s 2014 FIFA World Cup™ qualifier against the Central African Republic will be played at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, 23 March 2013. The budget for this event has been approved by the Mayoral Committee and tickets will soon go on sale.
The City of Cape Town is urging residents to come out and support these major soccer games, especially to offer support to the local teams.
“Our teams are battling in the league and we really want to get behind Ajax Cape Town and Chippa United,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Tourism, Events and Marketing, Councillor Grant Pascoe.
“We see the support for international teams, where thousands of people fill the stadiums, and we want to foster the same passion for Cape Town teams.”
He extended the invitation to soccer fans in Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal to come and support Bafana Bafana. “Cape Town offers a range of options for holiday makers and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors from within, and outside of, South Africa’s borders.”
Cape Town Stadium hosted a game between Bafana Bafana and Norway in January, with close to 40 000 fans attending.
Last year more than 50 000 fans attended a clash between Ajax Cape Town and Manchester United at the Cape Town Stadium. The visit by the top English club had a major economic spin-off for the city, with an independent study calculating it had brought R76 million into the local economy.
Cllr Pascoe recently visited the United Kingdom and met representatives of three English Premier League clubs to discuss pre-season tours and training in Cape Town between June and August, which is their off season.
Some of the clubs are believed to have made serious offers to play here. More details will be announced once any decisions have been made.
