₦airaland Forum

This is what a Man U supporter said on his trip to SA
No fuss. Three cities three matches. Great atmosphere.

By Richard Laverty.

On Friday 16th July this year I flew out with my Dad to South Africa to embark upon the trip of a lifetime. It was going to be a jampacked schedule, I had taken my United shirt with me + a marker pen in the vein hope of getting some autographs. It was a good thing that we had booked with MU Travel because we got priveleges like trips to the United training sessions and the ability to be on the front row and get the best positions for autographs & pictures. We also had great seats for the matches. Our tour group consisted of around 40 people and the continuity of being with the same people day in, day out with all the banter was nice to have.

We arrived on the Friday afternoon and almost straightaway set-off for the first training session in Cape Town. We were amused as we pulled up with the United badge on the front of our coach that suddenly hundreds of South Africans were cheering us and taking pictures. They clearly thought we were the team and were sadly dissapointed when we stepped off the coach. We were on the front row as promised and they let me and the other teenagers to hang over the fence for when the players came off the pitch. Watching the players walk out for training and being literally feet away from them was something else. We watched them train for an hour or so before they began to walk off the field and a crush started. Thankfully, I kept my place and first over was none other than Sir Alex Ferguson, who cheerily signed my shirt, soon to be followed by Chris Eagles, Mikky Silvestre, Paul Scholes & the one & only Wayne Rooney, it was a dream come true.

The match the next day was nothing to shout about, the atmosphere was superb but we did expect a slightly better performance but we were happy when Chris Eagles nodded in the equaliser.

On the Monday morning we flew off to Durban for the next part of our trip, the training session was slighlty later but was again on the day of the flight. The ABSA Stadium seemed more organised and we could simply dangle our shirts over the wall and wait for the players. Paddy Crerand happily came over to sign our shirts and had a chat with us, as did later on David Gill, who also was happy to sign shirts. The training session was a better one than the previous one, marred by the fact we found out Wes Brown's sister had died giving birth that morning. Credit to Wes himself, he still came over to sign autographs, and ended the day having got the autograph's of Brown, Crerard, David Gill, O'Shea, Vidic, Fletcher, Rio, Neville, Tevez, Kuszczak & Foster.

The game was better as it was at night, which gave a better atmosphere than Cape Town. We dominated from start to finish and Lee Martin gave us a much deserved goal.

On Thursday morning we flew off to Johannesburg before making the short coach journey to Pretoria where we would stay. The training session was early Friday morning so there was no late nights that evening. We arose early Friday morning and I was hoping to complete my autograph collection. When we got there we learned the United coach had broke down and would be an hour late, we were still getting mistaken for the squad everywhere we went, which was quite amusing. The fences were up when we got in the stadium and we thought the chances of autographs were slim. But thankfully they put the fences down, only to make the area infront of us the Press area so we were totally blocked off. Thankfully, we were persuaded the security to move the Press to the other side and we were once again all set for the players to arrive.

Paddy Crerand once again came over for a chat, as did Diane Law, daughter of Dennis Law. The training session was the longest one yet lasting nearly two hours. The players came over and I managed to complete my collection with Giggsy, Carrick, Martin, Simpson, Campbell, Cleverley, Possabon, Cathcart, Evans, Gibson & Ben Amos. I also managed to get Fergie, Tevez, Vidic, Silvestre again and got Wazza, Scholesy and Carrick on my England shirt. I was chuffed to bits.

The game was superb, the atmosphere once again electric and four great goals finished off the trip of a lifetime. Seeing the lads lift the trophy right infront of us was great and we flew home the following evening, and found out we had beaten Pompey 2-1 when we arrived back in Heathrow, and that Chris Eagles was joining Burnley.

All in all, the trip was superb

morpheus24:
There's not enough of them who know how to use the internet yet so the ones who do, have no where else exciting to go.

I guess it's that part where you say Nigerians are the most educated people? please brotha stop fooling yourself,reason we are here is we don't like listening to our self,its dangerous.just listen to you and your some of your countrymen.You people hate yourself.You need prayers.

I dont think anyone want to compare Nigeria and South Africa,we are very different people.The only thing common about us is we llive in the same continent.We judge our success and failures differentlly,Nigeria has somethings SA dont have or vice a versa.Why do we have to compete on everything?even when there is nothing to compete against.Now is about whites,again I will remind all the blackist that it is Nigeria that recruited whites from Zimbabwe,so you think 10 years from now I should come here when 70 percent of food in Nigeria are farmed by this white zimbabweans and make claims that whites are feeding nigererians?and that without whites your people will be starving?Came on,give credits where it is due,The issue of blacks and whites in south africa is a same as saying all infrustructures in nigeria where or are buid by Hausas(you see it doesnt make sense) since they are the one controlling Nigeria.I love Nigeria for what it represent and SA for what it also represent, two different worlds.

Folks thanks for all your advises,Lagos is in Africa and Africa is my home,I will feel at home,I have some pictures of people of Soweto

Soccer city the main stadiums roof is going up? ,this guys are fast good luck

I am sorry that by posting this pictures came across as if i was comparing it to Nigeria.I have neva been to Nigeria,this week I am attending a PAMRO conferrence in lagos and cant wait, I will have my camera and take some of your beautiful buildings and sennery.Look as an African who love this countinent it pains me to see our continent and people always shown in the negative way.
It is up to us to show the outside people positives thing about our countries,Americans are good at it,ask any person who have neva been there what their perception regarding America.They will tell you only positive stories and places.
I am sending this pics to show you the positives things in our country whether they where build by whites or not(doesn't make any different,we can't change the past but we can create a better future.
Regarding the attacks,believe me when I say majority of us looked in horror just like everybody around the world,cause if majority supported this attacks hundreds of thousand people would have died since the are over 5 millions non south africans living in the country.
During the christians and muslim killings in your country,I neva wanted to see pictures of stabbed or butchered bodies to make my point.I wanted to know the cause,and propose or debate the solutions.

@morpheus24
thanks for all you're balanced debates

@ tpia

Pretoria

Fishhoek in Cape town

Cape town you beautie!

Cape Town & Environs,God I love my country

South Africa

More South Pics

NELSON MANDELA BAY,PORT ELIZABERTH
Detailed progress: August 2008

STADIUM DETAILS

1. Stadium owner is Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
2. The Host City is Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth).
3. Gross seating capacity for the World Cup is 47 816 seats
4. The legacy seating capacity will be reduced to 44 000 seats.
5. The Project Managers are BKS/BTKM – PMSA Joint Venture.
6. The Contractors are Grinaker – LTA/ Interbeton/ Ibhayi Joint Venture.
7. Location of the stadium, Prince Alfred Park, North End, Port Elizabeth.

Progress

Bulk Services, Waste, Sewerage & SW 100%
Bulk Earthworks 100%
Piling (2395 @ 14m) 100%

- Progress on site meets Programme requirements
- 98% of Selected Sub-Contracts awarded
- Pitch turf being established off site
- Drawings amended based on FIFA “MEDIA” and HOSPITALITY” visits
Production is excellent
- Concrete quality is very high

All concrete elements will be completed within the schedule
- Wet trades and first fix are progressing ahead of schedule
- Roof fabrication was not on program
- Work stations for roof fabrication increased from 11 to 34
- An additional 180 welders have been employed
- First shipment of steel scheduled to leave during 4th week July

MILESTONES

Pre cast concrete elements 31-Aug-2008
Reinforced concrete work 30-Sep-2008
Seat installation 31-Oct-2008
Appointment of stadium operator 31-Oct-2008
Structural steel roof elements 19-Dec-2008
Cladding & membrane installation 18 & 23 Feb-2009
Pitch 31-Dec-2008
Shell Scheme 31-Dec-2008
Test events April & May 09
External works 30-Mar-2009

STADIUM ROOF

The stadium roof consists of three material elements, fabricated steel, flexible membrane and metal cladding. The contract for the roof was awarded to Tayo from Japan who manufactures the flexible membrane. Tayo subcontracted the structural fabricated steel components to ABJ in Kuwait, and the metal cladding to George Roofing / Hulett AI from South Africa. The construction of the roof will follow the following program.


Departure date Kuwait Arrival PE
(1st set) 19 July 2008 - 8 August 2008
(2nd set) 9 Aug 2008 - 28 August 2008
(3rd set) 4 Sept 2008 - 23 September 2008
Date of the 1st Girder erection 25 August 2008 to 1 September 08

Time to erect the other 35 Girders 3 Days/Girder

Date for completion of Girder erection 22 January 2009

Roof Cladding Cladding period 22 September to 17 February 09

Final Cost: R1.8 billion

morpheus24

It is people like you who make one feel proud to be African,all you're saying it's true,it's a challenge south africa need to take.With Zimbabwe sorting its self out we will soon be able to strengthen already tight relationship with our southern Africa brothers,our companies already operates in this market(all south african companies have black shareholders,it is part of the goverment BEE policy).Culturally the southern african people are connected.Maybe soon we will be using single currency.

10 Stadiums
9 Cities
8 Province
Fifa 2010 soccer world cup

S A road

This are Pics of Durban roads

More of Joburg roads

Now back to the future,this is some of the road in Jogurg,Major roads

Mpele ke lebogela dinthla tsotlhe tsa gago.

@adconline South African are the most self criticising nation I know,you might even think that we are not patriotic enough.That is why you know about crime,corruptions and other thing that happen within the country.Our media tells it like it is,and you know what they say "bad stories make good news"WE are free society,honest and not pretentious,we don't like you we show you.And we hate people who like to intimidate.

adconline:
RSA.
Please do you have any connection to any of these so called "white people" who "built" these magnificent structures? I wont mind if they can build my village even if they wine and dine with devil, so long as my village will be beautiful as your country. No jibiti
I think your govt is not doing enough on tourism because we don't see pictures like these on CNN, SABC, BBC. Its time for SA to market itself like Malaysia, Dubai,Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia etc Wonderful pics. Dont engage your energy with some folks who don't know what it means to live in an organized place because they have been shown one.

Ta my bro! Our government is doing great job in making sure that it improve and maintain our infrastructure,South African blacks played big roles in building all this infrastructures just as African American helped build America,there are more development in south Africa now than during apartheid days,we are building more roads,houses,power facilities,hospitals,schools,rails,airports than before.There are lots of countries who had good infrastructures that was left by their colonisers and they failed to maintain it.So should we be ashamed that we maintained ours?

Nigerians relationship with other countries in the continent is no different to south africa it might even be worse than ours.If you dont believe me read this threads.https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-22287.0.html (West African Countries Hate Nigerians?) and https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-17025.0.html (What's Up With Ghana And Nigeria? ).
South Africa has done a lot in Africa,our goverment took a leading role in creating a peaceful and successful Africa.Our companies have invested and therefore created jobs in most countries in Africa,we have over 5 million of our brothers from the continent who work and live in the country and play important roles in our society.What more do you guys want from South Africa?
I think no matter what South Africa do will never be good enough for you,that is why we feel that If you have no effect on our Rand  then who give a bloodydamn what you think.!!South Africa belong to whites" South Africans hate Africans" South Africans will kill me for my nairas" "I will get AIDS in South Africa" .Shut the , up,We cant hear you.

Thor:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7556713.stm

What is this? Iwant a link to this allegations "Since South Africa assumed a seat as a non-Permanent Member of the Security Council for the period 2007-2008, it has used its position on the Council to suppress resolutions condemning acts of violence and human rights violation elsewhere in Africa.

Apparently the supposedly great African nation has no problems with the conflict in Darfur and recent ICC indictment of Sudan’s president, election troubles in Zimbabwe, or the xenophobic violence directed against immigrants on its own soil.

Blinded by self interest as exemplified by Dumisani Kumalo, its UN ambassador, South Africa’s hope to spearhead democratic reforms, justice, peace and security on the continent in the post-apartheid era is becoming an illusion".

Thor:
Since South Africa assumed a seat as a non-Permanent Member of the Security Council for the period 2007-2008, it has used its position on the Council to suppress resolutions condemning acts of violence and human rights violation elsewhere in Africa.

Apparently the supposedly great African nation has no problems with the conflict in Darfur and recent ICC indictment of Sudan’s president, election troubles in Zimbabwe, or the xenophobic violence directed against immigrants on its own soil.

Blinded by self interest as exemplified by Dumisani Kumalo, its UN ambassador, South Africa’s hope to spearhead democratic reforms, justice, peace and security on the continent in the post-apartheid era is becoming an illusion.

Modern South Africa has become a country with no shame.

Thor the UK boy give us the source of your allegations.

oell:
They just don't understand us, They are confused we are so BLESSED yet not yet fully manifested

Blessed with what?If I may ask

Jakumo:
To Mpele or RSA, I've never set foot in South Africa, and hearing the stories about car-jackings and street muggins, I must say I'd be very hesitant to go there in search of a peaceful vacation spot, but I do have a few questions on the subject of race relations.

While Apartheid is thankfully consigned to the history books now, reports I continue to hear suggest that like many areas of the USA, there still exists a subtle but very rigid de-facto segregation of the races in SA, whereby the various races live together in that beautiful land, but generally avoid mingling socially in any meaningful way. How true is this observation from your own experience ? If, for example you are a moderately successful black South-African who happens to enjoy the company of blue-eyed, blonde girl-friends, would you have to be careful and selective about where you socialize with them, so as to avoid having those jealous hate-stares escalate into confrontation ?

Also is it your experience that some of the more affluent residential neighborhoods in South African metropolitan areas are STILL effectively off-limits to black or Asian home-buyers, regardless of their financial status ? In the same vein, can blacks expect to encounter unwarranted police harassment when they venture into largely white-inhabited areas, as is the case in quite a few places I can think of stateside ?

As far as I know,you can date anyone anywhere,I have a friend who is married to a white lady.Yes they still get stares from both whites and blacks but not neccessarly hate stares.And in terms of property or neighbourhood there is no restriction at all.Yes there are places where you feel unwelcome,especially the small towns that are far from everything.Things have change dramatically in this country,apartheid look like something that happened 50 years ago.
Today South Africa is divided into the haves and haves not,both blacks and whites.And no Police will stop you because your black,unless you look suspicious whether your black or white.As for crime i dont know your country but every country have no go areas,As a tourist you will be safe as long as your well informed

More

More Gateway

If your in durban,visit Gateway

City to host IOC congress
Durban Olympic bid gets a boost
August 08, 2008 Edition 2

SIPHO KHUMALO & SUREN NAIDOO

Durban's bid to host the 2020 Summer Olympics was given a major boost yesterday when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that the city would be the venue for the committee's 2011 congress to announce the host of the 2018 Winter Olympics.

The announcement would be made after the 123rd IOC General Assembly's congress.

Those behind Durban's bid for the 2020 Olympics are planning to canvass high-ranking IOC chiefs for the city to host the global spectacle.

The IOC's decision to declare Durban the venue for the 2011 congress - ahead of Hong Kong - has been widely welcomed.

The event will see thousands of influential personalities, accompanied by world media, descending on Durban, giving the city and KwaZulu-Natal exposure to more than one billion TV viewers.

Ethekwini municipal manager Michael Sutcliffe, speaking from Beijing where the announcement was made, described the IOC's decision as "an incredible honour".

"Granting us the opportunity to host you in 2011 would reinforce our place as part of the family of sporting nations in this, the 90th year of our iconic leader, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela," he said. "It will help us pay tribute to the legacy of all great Olympic athletes from Africa, and assist us as we entrench the Olympic spirit among our people."

Hosting the event would mean a lot for Durban and KwaZulu-Natal.

"Not only economically and from a marketing point of view, but it will also be the first time the IOC hosts such a prestigious meeting in Africa," he said.


Ethekwini mayor Obed Mlaba was delighted. "It comes on the eve of our Olympic team's formal reception in Beijing and a day before our athletes attend the opening of the Beijing Olympics, and is great news for Durban, South Africa and Africa," he said.

Arts, culture and tourism MEC Weziwe Thusi said the announcement was exciting news for KZN tourism. The eyes of the world would be focused on Durban and KZN, "providing another rare opportunity for the world to see what our province has to offer international visitors", she said.

Sport and recreation MEC Amichand Rajbansi said the IOC's move was a great step towards Durban getting the 2020 Olympics.

"The fact that Durban has been chosen as the venue for the IOC meeting improves the stature of our city," he said.

South African Tourism chief executive officer Moeketsi Mosola was "absolutely thrilled".

"The announcement reinforced the fact that without doubt South Africa is recognised internationally as a world-class tourism destination worthy and capable of hosting global events of the magnitude and stature of the IOC congress in 2011. It shows the kind of confidence that the IOC has in South Africa and Durban - following our country hosting major events like the 1995 and 2003 rugby and cricket world cups; the African Nations Cup in 1996; the Twenty20 Cricket World Cup last year; and the big 2010 Fifa World Cup."

Durban Tourism acting chief executive Perry Moodley said hosting the IOC congress was a strategic move in light of the city's ambition to host a summer Olympics.

"Getting Olympic decision-makers from around the world in Durban is most important. We want them to see the infrastructure we have and are building. We believe the city has a strong chance of hosting an Olympic Games," he said.

SOURCE:
http://www.themercury.co.za/?fArticleId=4548325 ;
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_i, 0003892C497699

City to host IOC congress
Durban Olympic bid gets a boost
August 08, 2008 Edition 2

SIPHO KHUMALO & SUREN NAIDOO

Durban's bid to host the 2020 Summer Olympics was given a major boost yesterday when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that the city would be the venue for the committee's 2011 congress to announce the host of the 2018 Winter Olympics.

The announcement would be made after the 123rd IOC General Assembly's congress.

Those behind Durban's bid for the 2020 Olympics are planning to canvass high-ranking IOC chiefs for the city to host the global spectacle.

The IOC's decision to declare Durban the venue for the 2011 congress - ahead of Hong Kong - has been widely welcomed.

The event will see thousands of influential personalities, accompanied by world media, descending on Durban, giving the city and KwaZulu-Natal exposure to more than one billion TV viewers.

Ethekwini municipal manager Michael Sutcliffe, speaking from Beijing where the announcement was made, described the IOC's decision as "an incredible honour".

"Granting us the opportunity to host you in 2011 would reinforce our place as part of the family of sporting nations in this, the 90th year of our iconic leader, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela," he said. "It will help us pay tribute to the legacy of all great Olympic athletes from Africa, and assist us as we entrench the Olympic spirit among our people."

Hosting the event would mean a lot for Durban and KwaZulu-Natal.

"Not only economically and from a marketing point of view, but it will also be the first time the IOC hosts such a prestigious meeting in Africa," he said.


Ethekwini mayor Obed Mlaba was delighted. "It comes on the eve of our Olympic team's formal reception in Beijing and a day before our athletes attend the opening of the Beijing Olympics, and is great news for Durban, South Africa and Africa," he said.

Arts, culture and tourism MEC Weziwe Thusi said the announcement was exciting news for KZN tourism. The eyes of the world would be focused on Durban and KZN, "providing another rare opportunity for the world to see what our province has to offer international visitors", she said.

Sport and recreation MEC Amichand Rajbansi said the IOC's move was a great step towards Durban getting the 2020 Olympics.

"The fact that Durban has been chosen as the venue for the IOC meeting improves the stature of our city," he said.

South African Tourism chief executive officer Moeketsi Mosola was "absolutely thrilled".

"The announcement reinforced the fact that without doubt South Africa is recognised internationally as a world-class tourism destination worthy and capable of hosting global events of the magnitude and stature of the IOC congress in 2011. It shows the kind of confidence that the IOC has in South Africa and Durban - following our country hosting major events like the 1995 and 2003 rugby and cricket world cups; the African Nations Cup in 1996; the Twenty20 Cricket World Cup last year; and the big 2010 Fifa World Cup."

Durban Tourism acting chief executive Perry Moodley said hosting the IOC congress was a strategic move in light of the city's ambition to host a summer Olympics.

"Getting Olympic decision-makers from around the world in Durban is most important. We want them to see the infrastructure we have and are building. We believe the city has a strong chance of hosting an Olympic Games," he said.

SOURCE:
http://www.themercury.co.za/?fArticleId=4548325 ;
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_i, 0003892C497699

More on Ellis Park

Ellis Park or Coca cola Park In Joburg,is a confederation and world cup host,the stadium is 98% finnish