Wednesday 7th July 2010

The Durban stadium was built in close proximity to the coastline. It is situated in close proximity to the Kings Park stadium, the well known South African rugby stadium. The Durban stadium was named the name Moses Mahbida stadium after a stalwart of the struggle against apartheid. The stadium is simply magnificent. I would join many others in considering it to be the most beautiful of the 2010 soccer stadiums in South Africa.

Durban is blessed with warm weather all year round. So whilst we shiver in Johannesburg and get wet in the Cape winter, Durban’s strongest selling point is the warm weather and its warm sea. Durban has lagged behind in its ability to attract overseas visitors to the city. With this World Cup and the reliance of the City managers to highlight its pleasant warm weather during winter, Durban has undoubtedly restored some of its appeal that was lost over the past two decades.

The beaches are an undoubted attraction for both surfers as well as beach going revellers. Durban has one of the biggest fan fest parks on the beachfront. Durban also has the largest Indian population outside of India. The exclusive commodity associated with this group of the population is the bunny chow. The bunny chow is a quarter loaf of bread holed out in the centre and filled with exquisite curries. They are sold in most restaurants in Durban. It goes without saying that the best “bunnies” are made by the Indian restaurants and enjoyed in the company of people who have no qualms about digging in with their bare hands.

Spain played Germany in the other semi final today. The Germans lost the fluidity that they had displayed in the quarter finals against Argentina. They had no answers for the precision passing of the Spanish. They were completely outplayed. The 1-0 score line flatters their performance today. Germany shall not be raising the World Cup this time round. Their young team however bodes well for their future performance in the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

Just two matches remain in the 2010 World Cup.

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