They are looking for passionate fans of each of the 32 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying countries to participate in the ultimate football getaway!

If you are selected to represent your country, you will be flown to Cape Town, South Africa, for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. Luxurious accommodations, thrilling excursions, and the opportunity to have the kind of access few fans ever have.

The 32 fans will have the chance to share their passion for their home team with each other and the world, as an award-winning production company films the excitement of the games and the overall FIFA World Cup™ experience.

If you think YOU should represent your country in the Bud House, go to budhouse.com to apply. You must be over the age of 25, have or be able to get a valid passport and speak English. They welcome applications from both men AND women!

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED IN FULL NO LATER THAN FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2010

The Cape Town stadium hosted a local derby between South African clubs Santos and Ajax Cape Town whilst the Peter Mokaba arena held a four team all day tournament.

18,000 spectators were eager to gain a view of the Peter Mokaba stadium as it is one of five grounds built from scratch for the tournament in June. It is due to hold four group stage matches in the World Cup meaning that the three matches staged at the weekend were good preparation for main event in several months.

Roger de Sá, former South African goalkeeper stated that the Mokaba stadium handled the day professionally. He added: ”All round it’s a very good stadium. The training grounds are close by and the stadium itself has a good pitch and tight atmosphere with modern touches.”

20,000 supporters walked through the gates at the Cape Town stadium to watch the South African derby. The day will be remembered as more of a festival than a sporting event as the stadium received a blessing and there was also live music.

Danny Jordaan, CEO of the Organising Committee, said he hopes Cape Town would come together as a community for the eight matches that will play out there. He said: ”We want this stadium to have a significant number of supporters from Cape Town, so that they can enjoy the stadium; so that they can embrace the fans coming and get into the spirit of being good hosts.”

The 70,000 capacity Cape Town stadium and the 45,000 capacity Peter Mokaba stadium in Polakwane will each have a football match played in them in a couple of days to test out the new facilities. The Cape Town venue will see Ajax Cape Town take on Santos whilst the Mokaba arena will host a four team one day tournament that includes three South Africa sides and Danish club Brondby.

Both stadiums will not be at full capacity on Saturday as they wish to test facilities first. Cape Town has already sold out 20,000 tickets whilst the Mokaba ground is selling 30,000 seats for the tournament.

As a result, only two stadiums are left to be completed before the tournament begins in June. These are the Soccer City ground, where the opening match and final will be played, and the Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit. Soccer City is actually planning to open their doors next month if everything goes to plan. Nelspruit’s new arena has been forced to relay it’s pitch after drainage problems postponed the previous December opening.

The 2010 Camp Project aims to use the FIFA Soccer World Cup to grow tourism businesses in the local communities.

The 2010 Camp Initiative

This one-week safari product is designed for soccer fans visiting South Africa before, during and after Fifa World Cup 2010. These soccer fans are defined primarily as people in their twenties and thirties on a tight budget.

2010 Camp will offer accommodation of four types (total 160 beds) :

• Luxury rooms (double/twin)
• Standard rooms(double/twin)
• Cabins (4-6 bed)
• Tents (2 double/twin)

Included in the package will be breakfast and dinner as well as the following activities: Safari: game drives and bush walks, as well as cultural experiences.

Each guest will have three games drives, one bush walk and one cultural activity during their week stay. The cultural experiences will include visiting villages as well as playing soccer against local teams at the camp.

The business model is one of maximal joint ventures so as create as many empowerment opportunities as possible. We would like to leave a legacy of a functioning, sought after product in the market. This legacy will include skills transfer and work experience, from trained waiters to catering staff.

Furthermore, local entrepreneurs will be given the opportunity to ply their trade, the idea being that after the World Cup is over and done with, that Manyeleti would be able to continue providing the services and functions that we define in this initial product offering, without the help of outsiders. That is, building a sustainable product for an untapped niche market: Community owned and operated big 5 safaris in the Greater Kruger Park offering young travellers access to a first-class location at great value.

For more information see: http://www.2010camp.com

Danny Jordaan, head of the committee, claimed that the terrorist attack on the Togo national team in Angola should not prompt concerns about the upcoming tournament in South Africa.

He said: “Why are people suddenly applying double standards? When there are terrorist attacks in Europe, do we hear about the 2012 Olympics being under threat? No. Angola and South Africa are two separate geographical areas, two separate countries. Besides, the African Nations Cup is not the World Cup.”

Jordaan condemned what he called the “cowardly action”. However, he insisted that South Africa could not be held responsible for the African Nations Cup security arrangements.

He added: “Angola was locked in civil war for many years but, on the terrorism index, South Africa hardly features. All cowardly action must be condemned and not seen as an opportunist platform for attack. I’ll be fully briefed about what happened but no country can take responsibility for the security of another. We cannot be called to account for the security arrangements of Angola, which is far removed from South Africa.”

Asked whether organisers were right to allow the African Nations Cup to continue, Jordaan said: “It’s always difficult. In 1972 in the Munich Olympics virtually the entire Israeli team was mowed down and then there was a big debate as to whether or not the Olympics should continue. This is always a debate which is very difficult because nothing is more important than life but the event organisers decided that the tournament should continue and so proceed with the opening match and we hope that the tournament goes off well.”

The reassurances were made after security at airports and on airlines were stepped up following the foiled Christmas Day bomb attack on the USA. Although South Africa is not a major terrorism target, the visit of 450,000 supporters from all the participating country will ensure the location is at a bigger risk than usual.

Vish Naidoo, National Police spokesman in South Africa, said: “In view of the 31 other countries participating in the games there is the potential for the threat of a terror attack. To counter this we have launched proactive and reactive plans which include the intervention and the assistance of Interpol in the creation of databases of dangerous and disruptive persons. These databases will include all persons involved in all forms of organised crime, ranging from terrorism to gun smuggling and hooliganism. No one whose name is on the database will be allowed into the country.”

Naidoo also said that many terrorist simulation exercises had been conducted such as chemical, biological and radioactive tests. He has also revealed that more than 50,000 security personnel will be deployed during the tournament to reduce the risk of an attack.

Danny Jordaan, CEO of the World Cup organizers, has spent the past year offering reassurances over security and safety for players, officials and football fans at the first ever African World Cup.

Spain

Switzerland

Honduras

Chile

All eyes will be on Spain when the 2010 World Cup kicks off in South Africa at the beginning of June. The 2008 European Champions have never won the World Cup and are amongst the favourites to triumph in the summer. With a team containing stars all over the pitch, few would bet against Spain going all the way. A world class goalkeeper in Iker Casillas is well protected by the experienced Carlos Puyol and Carlos Marchena whislt Xavi and Andres Iniesta marshell the midfield. Fernando Torres and David Villa lead the line in what is arguably the most fearsome international strike partnership on the planet. All in all, Spain don’t seem to have a noticable weakness and have quality in reserve in case of injuries. They will have no problem in emerging from a particularly straightforward group. However, it will be interesting to see whether or not the Spaniards can handle the pressure in the latter stages or if they will buckle like they have done in previous tournaments.

As with several of these World Cup groups, second place is up for grabs between three teams. Switzerland qualified from a relatively weak group to make it to South Africa 2010. Even a 2-1 defeat to Luxembourg didn’t stop them topping the group by a point over Greece. Experience manager Ottmar Hitzfeld will look to lead them to Round Two although key players such as Alexander Frei will have to perform to achieve this goal. From watching the Swiss in previous tournaments, they tend to be well organised but lack the creative spark to win matches. Hitzfeld is a talented manager and may be the secret ingrediant needed to get through to the knock out stages. However, I’m tipping them for an early exit as the majority of their players are those who also previously flattered to deceive at Euro 2008.

That leaves Chile and Honduras in the battle for second place. Both sides are relatively unknown to the casual football fan but neither are going to be a walkover either. Honduras have qualified for their first World Cup since 1982. They are currently going through a golden generation of players by their standards with Tottenham midfielder Wilson Palacios, highly rated Wigan full back Maynor Figueroa and former Inter Milan striker David Suazo leading the way. As they are not a leading light in world football, many will have them down for an early exit but they may just surprise a few. Ironically, they beat Chile 2-0 in a friendly during January 2009. As for Chile, they qualified in impressive style with former Argentina manager Marcelo Bielsa at the helm. Their squad contains a vast number of players performing in the top european leagues and for some of the best South American clubs. What they really lack is a star performer who will be able to pull a result out of nothing if the team is having an off day. However, Bielsa has them well organised and they are capable of playing some attractive football. Therefore, I believe Chile will follow their performance from the 1998 World Cup with a last 16 appearance.

TEAM – Spain

MANAGER – Vicente Del Bosque

QUALIFIED – 1st in Europe

STAR PLAYER - David Villa

VERDICT – Qualified

TEAM - Switzerland

MANAGER – Ottmar Hitzfeld

QUALIFIED - 1st in Europe

STAR PLAYER – Alexander Frei

VERDICT – Group Stage exit

TEAM – Honduras

MANAGER – Reinaldo Rueda

QUALIFIED – 3rd in CONCACAF

STAR PLAYER – Wilson Palacios

VERDICT – Group Stage exit

TEAM – Chile

MANAGER – Marcelo Bielsa

QUALIFIED – 2nd in South America

STAR PLAYER – Matias Fernandez

VERDICT – Qualified

Brazil

Ivory Coast

Portugal

North Korea

Out of all the groups drawn in Cape Town, South Africa, Group G was possibly the most fascinating with three teams tipped to go a long way in the tournament. Five times World Cup winners Brazil were placed with a Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Portugal and arguably the strongest African opposition in the Ivory Coast. North Korea were the unfortunate minnows to be placed with the three giants. Even a point for the Asian side would be seen as a successful campaign considering they have only one player that plays their domestic football in Europe.

Bookies second favourites Brazil will be looking to win the biggest football tournament around for the 6th time. However, they will have to navigate their way out of a group that will test their credentials early on. Even so, a team containing the likes of Kaka, Luis Fabiano and Robinho should fear nobody. The recent 2009 Confederations Cup gave a large indication of the Brazilian credentials as they romped to victory playing some breathtaking football at times. Portugal, on the other hand, are thankful to be at South Africa 2010 after a near disastrous qualification campaign that saw them sneak into second place right at the climax. New manager Carlos Queiros struggled to get the best from his players early on and only a late rally saved them. Still, Cristiano Ronaldo will be keen to impress on the big stage whilst Portugal have plenty of other capable players such as Pepe and Simao among others. The Ivory Coast have been called the dark horses of the tournament ever since their comfortable qualification from the African section. For the second tournament in succession, the team has been drawn in the group of death. With the experience of 2006 behind them, a nation that includes feared striker Didier Drogba, alongside numerous high profile players competing in the best leagues in Europe, will be one to look out for.

So, how to pick between these three teams? It’s hard to look beyond Brazil for qualification. The team has a wealth of experience and knowledge of how to perform on the big stage. Their opening game should be three points against North Korea which immediately puts the pressure on the other two big guns in the group. Realistically, you’re looking at a straight fight between Portugal and Ivory Coast for that second spot. The victor of their opening match will be favourite to advance whilst the loser will have to beat Brazil to give themselves a chance. Both sides are known for playing quick, attacking football although defensively is where both teams may come unstuck. With Ivory Coast competing on their home continent and the added bonus of playing tournament football when the Africa Nations arrives in January, I’m going to give them the slight edge in qualification which will see Portugal going home early.

TEAM – Brazil

MANAGER – Dunga

QUALIFIED – 1st in South America

STAR PLAYER – Kaka

VERDICT – Qualified

TEAM – Ivory Coast

MANAGER - Vahid Halilodzic

QUALIFIED – 1st in Africa

STAR PLAYER – Didier Drogba

VERDICT – Qualified

TEAM - Portugal

MANAGER – Carlos Queiros

QUALIFIED – 2nd in Europe

STAR PLAYER – Cristiano Ronaldo

VERDICT – Group Stage Exit

TEAM - North Korea

MANAGER – Kim Jong Hun

QUALIFIED – 2nd in Asia

STAR PLAYER – Hong Yong Jo

VERDICT – Group Stage Exit

Italy

Paraguay

New Zealand

Slovakia

Defending your title in any sport is never an easy task. However, 2006 World Cup winners Italy could not have asked for a much kinder group to begin the defence of their crown. The Azzurri should have no problems navigating out of a group containing minnows New Zealand and Slovakia. Only Paraguay are likely to provide any real challenge towards Italy’s quest to top the group. Ever since their World Cup triumph, Italy have been criticised for constantly fielding ageing players. The disastrous reign of Roberto Donadoni was largely to blame as Italy underperformed during the qualification for Euro 2008 and at the tournament itself. Nevertheless, the reappointment of 2006 World Cup winning coach of Marcello Lippi seems to have brought back a fresh optimism amongst the national team. Several players in their early to mid twenties were given debuts in the qualification campaign and the team is starting to move in the right direction. It remains to be seen if this World Cup has arrived too soon for Italy. However, with Lippi at the helm, anything is possible.

With Italy likely to top the group, the race is on for that precious final qualification spot to the knock out stages. New Zealand are the rank outsiders of the whole tournament, let alone the group. With very few players playing in the premier European leagues, one victory would be an achievement in itself for New Zealand. It looks to be a straight fight between Paraguay and the unfancied Slovakia for second place. The Slovakians have qualified for their first ever World Cup since split from Czechoslovakia in 1993. They were fortunate to be drawn in a relatively weak qualifying group but still performed above expectations to top it. Their success has been built upon a strong squad discipline due to a lack of star names at their disposal. Paraguay also had a very impressive qualification campaign after finishing 3rd in the ten team group. The team’s success was built around a strong defence as star striker Roque Santa Cruz was injured for the majority of the matches. The country has qualified for the last three tournaments and made the last 16 in 1998 and 2002. It is likely that second place will come down to the Paraguay vs Slovakia match. Both sides are likely to keep it tight but the presence of Roque Santa Cruz, if fit, may just tip the balance in the South American’s favour. 

TEAM - Italy

MANAGER – Marcello Lippi

QUALIFIED – 1st in Europe

STAR PLAYER – Gianluigi Buffon

VERDICT – Qualified

TEAM – Paraguay

MANAGER – Gerardo Martino

QUALIFIED – 3rd in South America

STAR PLAYER – Roque Santa Cruz

VERDICT – Qualified

TEAM – New Zealand

MANAGER – Ricki Herbert

QUALIFIED – 1st in Oceania

STAR PLAYER - Ryan Nelson

VERDICT - Group Stage

TEAM – Slovakia

MANAGER – Vladimir Weiss

QUALIFIED – 1st in Europe

STAR PLAYER – Martin Skrtel

VERDICT – Group Stage

Netherlands

Denmark

Japan

Cameroon

With a large hoard of creative players at their disposal, very few would write the Netherlands off from going all the way at South Africa 2010. However, the Dutch have never actually won the biggest tournament in World football despite possessing some of the best players of all time throughout their history. A major reason for this is that the expansive football, that looks so easy on the eye, is often their downfall when they meet the more resolute teams in the latter stages. The Netherlands quite often peak early at tournaments so there seems to be no danger in them exiting the World Cup in the group stages. Whether they can go all the way though is another matter!

The second qualification spot is up for grabs in this group. Japan are the outsiders as they have never won a World Cup match outside of Asia. This stat looks unlikely to change as their squad is far weaker from previous tournaments. It therefore seems as if it will be a straight fight between Cameroon and Denmark for that second spot. Denmark have made the knock out stages in all three of their previous appearances at the tournament whilst Cameroon have a history of promising so much but failing to deliver on the big stage. The Lions are fortunate to be playing on their home continent after a poor qualification campaign saw them scrape past Gabon. The Danes impressed during the build up to the tournament as they finished top of a group containing Portugal and Sweden. Despite a whole host of players at top european clubs, Cameroon tend to flatter to deceive at the big events so I fancy the gritty Danes to make another appearance in the second round.

TEAM – Netherlands

MANAGER – Bert Van Marwijk

QUALIFIED – 1st in Europe

STAR PLAYER - Robin Van Persie

VERDICT – Qualified

TEAM – Denmark

MANAGER – Morten Olsen

QUALIFIED – 1st in Europe

STAR PLAYER – Nicklas Bendtner

VERDICT – Qualified

TEAM – Japan

MANAGER – Takeshi Okada

QUALIFIED – 2nd in Asia

STAR PLAYER – Shunsuke Nakamura

VERDICT – Group Stage

TEAM – Cameroon

MANAGER – Paul Le Guen

QUALIFIED – 1st in Africa

STAR PLAYER – Samuel Eto’o

VERDICT - Group Stage