GEORGE - The grass is green, the texture is like velvet and the surface is as level as can be.
The "new" soccer pitches at the traditional A and B rugby fields at the Outeniqua Park Sport Stadium in George is almost done.
The old turf had to be dug up and everything was replaced to accommodate the Japanese soccer team’s exacting standards. The team will use the stadium for their practice sessions.

Acting municipal manager, André Smith says the Japanese are very happy with the progress and facilities. "We will secure the area and cover up all entry gates to prevent Peeping Toms harassing the team as they practice.
The Japanese management and other dignitaries will make use of the hospitality suites available."
Smith says they are still in negotiations as to where the media centre should be situated. "The Japanese do not want to share a centre with any other media representatives. They would prefer to have a media tent at Outeniqua Park, but we are also looking at premises in York Street."
A Japanese television crew from Nipon TV (NTV) recently paid a flying visit to George during their seven-day visit to South Africa.

Yohei Tateishi, NTV production co-ordi-nator said the team had filmed all the ve-nues to give football fans a preview of the expected conditions of the fields that the team would play on.
"We are also looking at the setup of the stadiums as it changes at every World Cup."
NTV director Takeharu Takahashi said they were returning to Japan with good news. "This is the first time we have come to George to see the base camp. We are very impressed with what we’ve seen and Fancourt is great."
According to Tateshi the crew was also inspecting Outeniqua Park for "peeking" places. "The stadium is going to be completely enclosed from view to the public and media, so we might also be forced to try and get a peek at the team," he said.

As part of the build-up to the World Cup, an inter-municipal soccer competition is being held at the Rosemoor Stadium, also the official 2010 Public Viewing Area, to-morrow. The teams from Knysna, Pletten-berg Bay, George, Eden District Munici-pality and Oudtshoorn will compete for top spot. Kick off is at 09:00 and everyone is welcome.
The big screen where all the big matches of the World Cup will be screened, has also been erected.

Article and photos: Ilse Schoonraad


Kids from George High painting World Cup and George murals on the wall surrounding the Rosemoor Stadium, the official 2010 Fan Park of the Southern Cape.


The 2010 flags are up! A view of York Street from the circle at the crossing with the old airport road.