Soweto is home to some of the most loyal soccer fans in the country and as a result these two words go hand-in-hand. This is not surprising considering that three of South Africa’s biggest and most prolific football clubs call this sprawling ‘mega-township’ home; namely, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Moroka Swallows. These factors made Soweto an obvious choice for FIFA when planning stadium development for the 2010 FIFA Football World Cup. It was declared the soccer capital of South Africa when the FNB Stadium was renovated in anticipation for South Africa’s debut as hosts of the world’s biggest game – thus becoming Soccer City. As the hub of the World Cup, Soweto lit up and came alive on the world stage – doing South Africa proud. Its colour and jubilance gave international football fans the taste of an authentic South African experience and engraved itself in the hearts of many the world over. FNB Stadium: symbol of transformation Aptly known as Soccer City, FNB Stadium is in Nasrec Soweto and is the biggest stadium in Africa boasting a seating capacity of 94,700. It is conveniently located next to the South African Football Association headquarters (SAFA House) which housed the FIFA offices and the Local Organising Committee for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. Built during the turbulence of apartheid in 1986, this memorable stadium is steeped in history. It was the site of Nelson Mandela’s first speech in Johannesburg two days after his release from prison in 1990. It was also the site of Chris Hani’s funeral three years later. One of the most glorious moments was when South Africa hosted and won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996 – where FNB Stadium saw one of the most dramatic finals in the tournament’s history. Riding the wave of the memorable Rugby World Cup victory the year before and having been excluded
Best of Soweto
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