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Operation 2010 takes off
31/01/2007 18:40 - (SA)
Johannesburg - Simultaneously a matter of 500 metres apart - but operating separately as though they were worlds apart - Safa launched their sumptuous new headquarters from which Fifa and the Local Organising Committee will mastermind the 2010 World Cup and construction company Grinakers held a luncheon on the FNB Stadium pitch to mark the start of ground's ambitious reconstruction.
The symbolic hand-over function at what will be known as Safa House was attended predominantly by top soccer officials, dignitaries and members of the media, with Safa president Molefi Oliphant officially conducting the operation.
On the field were the top representatives of the work staff who will operate what Safa president Sepp Blatter described as the overdue "picks and shovels" designed to put into place the machinery at the venue of the opening and final match of the 2010 tournament.
Although a matter of three months beyond the date initially set for its opening and still largely barren inside, Safa House with its soccer ball-shaped dome is destined to become a distinctive and impressive landmark on the Johannesburg skyline.
It was built with the aid of an advanced World Cup grant of R70m from Fifa and will remain the permanent headquarters of South African soccer.
The "new" FNB Stadium will seat 93%nbsp;000, with the rebuilding operation expected to cost in the vicinity of R2bn and be completed in approximately three years.
- SAPA
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