Statistically, the most popular sports in South Africa are cricket, rugby, and soccer, South Africa is among a few countries that have participated in world cups of all three major sports – cricket, football, and rugby.
South Africa has also hosted a number of international sports meetings such as the 1996 African Cup of Nations, 2003 Cricket World Cup, the 2007 World Twenty20 Championship, and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
South Africa was the first African country to ever host the FIFA World Cup in 2010.
- South Africa is set to host the 2023 Netball World Cup, following success in winning the bid.
- South Africa’s national sporting colours are green, gold, and white.
- The protea is the national emblem worn by South Africans representing their country in sport.
- Swimmer Penny Heyns was the only woman in the history of the 1996 Olympics to do the 100m, and 200m double in the breaststroke.
- The late “Baby” Jake Matlala, a South African boxer, was the shortest ever world boxing champion at 4 foot 10 from South Africa.
Sports infrastructure in S.A.
The Durban stadium – fondly known as Moses Mabhida – located in the coastal province of Kwazulu Natal – was built near the beachfront in 2010 and has since transformed the city’s skyline. It was designed as a multipurpose venue, with attractions such as restaurants, shops, an art gallery, a cable car, and a bungee jump from the top of the arch providing panoramic views of the city and the ocean.
FNB Stadium – also commonly known as Soccer City – was designed as the primary association football stadium for the 2010 World Cup. Situated in Gauteng at the border of South Africa’s biggest township SOWETO it has become the middle ground where all South Africans can come together – with the Global Citizen concert being proof.
Cape Town Stadium – formerly known as Greenpoint Stadium – was explicitly created for the 2010 World Cup and swiftly became an association football and rugby stadium. Located in Greenpoint, close to the Cape Town center, it has become the home stadium of the local team’s Cape Town Spurs and the Cape Town City.
To create more opportunity, we must look outward to the world that wants to invest in greatness and invest in the opportunity that lies within South Africa.
Think South Africa, Think Opportunity.
