Johannesburg - Hundreds of excited soccer fans have started streaming in to the public viewing area in Joubert Park to watch the official opening of the FIFA Confederations Cup live on the big screen.
Joubert Park is one of nine parks around Johannesburg which have been turned into a vibrant public viewing site for the FIFA Confederations Cup.
Thulale Simelale, 31, from Soweto, who has just arrived at the Joubert Park viewing area, told BuaNews that he had been waiting a long time for this day.
"I can't wait to see my favourite soccer stars live on the pitch defending the country against Iraq," he said.
He said initially he wanted to go to the stadium to watch the match but he could not afford the tickets so he decided to come to public viewing area where he could enjoy the excitement among jubilant soccer fans.
"My friends and I have planned this day for a long time. We decided to organise transport to come to town where we can sit and watch the soccer match together with other soccer fans so as to feel apart of the excitement," he said.
The Johannesburg and Tshwane Metro Police are out in full force and emergency personnel are on standby should any emergency occur.
According to the police officers, there have been no incidences of violence reported and both motorists and soccer fans are behaving well.
As soccer fans wait for the much anticipated soccer match between Bafana Bafana and Iraq, crowds are being entertained by local South Africa musicians. The venue is expected to be filled to capacity by 4pm when the match kicks-off.
Sizwe Ngomane, 32, from Kathlehong said today was an important day for him and he would not have missed the opportunity to come to watch the officially opening of the Confederations Cup at the public viewing area.
He said he rather watch the match with other soccer fans here than sit at home. "The excitement is here. The fans and entertainment are here," he said.
Meanwhile, the gates at Ellis Park have been opened with thousands of people currently making their way inside. The opening ceremony is expected to start in an hour's time.
The Confederations Cup, which is seen as the dress rehearsal for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, will be held from 14 to 28 June 2009 in four host cities, namely Pretoria, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein and Rustenburg.
