worldcup2010

Tshwane/Pretoria

Loftus Versfeld

Where's the game on?

Loftus Versfeld Stadium is one of the oldest stadiums in South Africa. The stadium has been used for major sporting events since 1903, and the first concrete structure, which could accommodate only 2,000 spectators, was built in 1923.

Since 1948 it has undergone perennial upgrades. It has been used for both rugby and football matches and is home to one of the country's top rugby teams, the Blue Bulls.

Loftus Versfeld is in the heart of the city and currently has a seating capacity of 50,000. It is now used by Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United as their home ground.

And the rest of the city?

Blue Bull country: For the blue-blooded

Tshwane/Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa meaning you'll find most embassies on the tree-lined avenues. If the hectic pace of Johannesburg is a bit much for you, Pretoria provides a toned-down alternative.

A city of 2.2 million people, this is rugby country like nowhere else on the planet. When the locals' blood isn't pumping blue - for the Bulls - it's green when the Boks come to town.

The Ndebele were the first people to settle along the Tshwane River, which was named after a Ndebele chief. This would later become the site for Pretoria. In 1855, it became the first capital of the Zuid-Afrikaanche Republiek (ZAR), a territory claimed by the Afrikaans (Boer) settlers in South Africa.

In winter (June-August) the weather is very dry with temperatures averaging 20 °C during the day, dropping to about 7 °C at night, as with Jo'burg, wrap up even warmer if the wind is blowing - it's like a witch's breath.

While you're there

The Union Buildings

Voortrekker monument commemorates the Pioneer history of Southern Africa and the history of the Afrikaner in particular and is situated in a small nature reserve on the western side of town. Today it is the most visited heritage site of its kind in the Gauteng province.

The sandstone buildings of the Union Buildings (the seat of government) are worth a quick visit. A short drive away from both is Fort Klapperkop, which offers beautiful views over the city.

There are also two nature reserves where visitors can view buffalo, antelope, cheetah, jackal, giraffe and sable plus a lion farm on the eastern outskirts of the city with an accompanying hotel called the Farm Inn.

The N4 motorway heads east from the city, and about four hours down the road you will find the edge of the Kruger National Park. Winter is prime game-viewing time as the animals are cold, thirsty and hungry, and with far less vegetation in the dry winter to hide in. It is also more clement a climate for a human being - in summer it sizzles at a humid 35 degrees, but winter sees it around 25 at day and chilly at night. The scenery on the way there is something else as well (starting about two hours out of Pretoria anyway).

A cold one and some sustenance?

Steaks: A source of local pride

If you're a red meat fan, you're sure to enjoy your stay in Pretoria, where the locals pride themselves in the size and quality of their steaks. For sheer convenience you can't beat Eastwood Tavern which is 100m from the Stadium and offers plenty of beer, steaks and sport on the TV screens. Get there early to get a spot! Trademarx is a nightclub/sports bar INSIDE Loftus Verfeld.

Hatfield square is a favourite student hangout within walking distance of the stadium and has a variety of bars and nightspots; local sportsmen are often seen there after the games.

For the more discerning diner, La Brasserie de Paris is a 'French' restaurant in Waterkloof while the Baobab at the Menlyn shopping mall is great for local specialities (ostrich, game, etc).

You'd have to get there first, mind

Pretoria traffic: Not for the impatient