Polokwane, World Cup 2010, South Africa

The World Cup in South Africa 2010

Polokwane

Polokwane is the capital of Limpopo, the most northern province of South Africa. Previously known as Pietersburg, it changed its name in February 2002. Founded in the gold rush days of the 1880s, it was originally named Pietersburg after General Petrus Jacobus Joubert, a leader of the Voortrekkers (first Dutch settlers in South Africa).

Amongst other attractions local to Polokwane, the Kruger National Park and the Waterberg are probably the most frequently visited.

The World Cup In Polokwane

The existing Peter Mokaba Stadium has been upgraded for the 2010 tournament.

The previous earth embankments that went around the pitch have been replaced with "FIFA-approved bucket seating". When combined with a new roof over the western stand, the refurbished stadium will leave a lasting legacy of the beautiful game to the local community.

Situated 2 km to the south of the city, the new upgraded stadium holds up to 40,000 people and will be host to 4 first-round matches.

Polokwane is just a little further North East of Pretoria, however fans would be able to get down to games in Joburg & Pretoria with a little forward planning.

Polokwane Match Schedule

Date	Stadium	Type	Team 1		Team 2
13 June, 13:30	Peter Mokaba	Group C	Algeria	vs	Slovenia
17 June, 20:30	Peter Mokaba	Group A	France	vs	Mexico
22 June, 20:30	Peter Mokaba	Group B	Greece	vs	Argentina
24 June, 16:00	Peter Mokaba	Group F	Paraguay	vs	New Zealand

Visiting Polokwane During The World Cup

Polokwane is not on the regular tourist route in South Africa, so hotel space will be more limited here than in most other host cities, although as there are only 4 games here we would anticipate only fans of the seeded team based in Polokwane will stay in the area with other fans travelling up from Johannesburg / Pretoria area.

Any Chance Of A Safari?

Anyone based in Polokwane during the World Cup will be within easy reach of all the safari lodges in the malaria free Waterberg area as well as the world-famous lodges of the Kruger National Park. Pilannesburg is also withing fairly easy reach, however Madikwe is a bit of a trek.

The Waterberg

Rhino Calf And Mother The lodges of the Waterberg are an ideal safari destination for fans based in Polokwane, Pretoria, or Jo'burg who who want to enjoy the African wildlife without the worry of taking anti-malarial precautions.

Several of the lodges can be taken on an exclusive basis, which is ideal for families or groups of friends travelling together, and who want to enjoy complete personal service and total flexibility. Other lodges offer horse-back safaris - definately one of the most exhilarating and intimate ways of viewing game in their natural habitat.

The Greater Kruger Park

The world-famous private game reserves and safari lodges of the Greater Kruger Park offer possibly the best Big 5 game viewing opportunities to be found anywhere, with lion and leopard tracking a particular speciality.

These lodges are either located within one of a handful of concessions in Kruger itself, or in one of the neighbouring private game reserves on the western side of the Park. Most of the lodges offer a fully inclusive safari including accommodation, all meals, 2 game drives per day in 4x4 vehicles, and an optional guided bush walk each day, and some will also include all your drinks as well.