The calabash, the container used for many purposes in African settings, including making and serving traditional beer, inspired the architecture of the magnificent Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.
This is the stadium where the first African World Cup match kicked off and where the final will be held. Though celebrated throughout Africa, the calabash - or phafana in Setswana - will soon be rendered irrelevant in Kgatleng as Kgosi Kgafela outlaws home brews. Back to Johannesburg! Now, this Soccer City Stadium is a masterpiece. Formerly, known as the FNB Stadium, it was the venue of Nelson Mandela's first massive ANC rally after his release from prison in 1990 and also the site of Chris Hani's funeral. The stadium used to be the customary host venue of the Soweto derby, that acrimonious clash of two of the biggest in South African football, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. Subsequent to winning the right to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the stadium was upgraded to the tune of over R1.5billion and selected as the venue for the opening and final matches. The upgrade turned the stadium into the largest in Africa with a maximum capacity of 94,700.
