Port Elizabeth hosts it’s first Afcon Cup Trophy on 20 January when Ghana meet the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium – kick off is at 17h00. (PE Match schedules here).
Port Elizabeth is hosting eight matches and, as per normal, much is being made of whether locals will attend the matches in sufficient numbers for the tournament to be declared a success. Tickets are available from these SPAR stores: Daku Superspar, Gelvandale Superspar, New Brighton Superspar, Sunridge Superspar, Zonke Superspar (Motherwell) or online here as well as via a telesales centre contactable on 0879803000.
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Nelson Mandela Bay politicians and other chosen ones celebrated 50 days to the Afcon Cup yesterday – my one way top down communications friend (“I don’t answer your questions Alan, because they are from you!”) had this to say about yesterday’s event:
“Our sense of anticipation and urgency has been heightened by the fact that the pride of African football nations will kick start and descend on us with all its fanfare on 19 January 2013.” These powerful words were uttered by Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Zanoxolo Wayile at the auspicious 50 Days Countdown of the 29th edition of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations.
“Yes, the reality has dawned on us that the greatest African soccer spectacle is exactly 50 days away from arriving on the magnificent shores of the Nelson Mandela Bay.
“Thus, we regard the Orange AFCON 2013, a crucial portal for exposure and an opportunity to raise our public relations bar a notch higher. It is indeed an opportunity for all of us to increase our awareness of the magnitude of what South Africa and the Nelson Mandela Bay in particular have to offer the world, whist at the same time, instilling confidence and building positive images of our magnificent city to the world at large,” he said.
Local Organizing Committee Chairperson, Adv Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana, called on all of those tasked with making sure that Nelson Mandela Bay hosts a successful tournament, to walk the length and breadth of this region inviting all soccer loving people to come out in numbers and fill up the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
“I am hopeful that on January 20, 2013 Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will be packed to capacity as we witness the first Group B matches involving, Ghana vs. the DRC at 17h00, followed by Mali vs. Niger. All roads will lead to the stadium, not because of Bafana Bafana, but because it will be a gathering of the greatest football tournament on African soil – the 29th Edition of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations and every football loving person will want to be there and witness this great occasion,” he added.
The 29th Edition of The Orange Africa Cup of Nations South Africa 2013 will kick off on 19 January till 10 February 2013 and 16 Nations will be drawn against on 24 October to go to battle for the ultimate coveted trophy and to be crowned the African Champions at the end of the Tournament. Six group B matches involving Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali and Niger as well as quarter-final match and the playoff for third and fourth places.
Alan Straton
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