The Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, is to be specially built, with a capacity of 30 000. It will host four first-round matches.

Construction of the new Mbombela Stadium on open land just 8km north of Nelspruit will confirm the recently rising fortunes of this far north-eastern corner of South Africa.

Local communities have been denied such a facility for far too long and this stadium will correct the anomaly.

Again, the 2010 Fifa World Cup will have provided the crucial impetus in the creation of a world class facility that will significantly improve the quality of life for millions of South Africans.

The Mbombela Stadium has been designed to ensure it enjoys a prosperous life beyond the tournament as an adaptable, relevant multi-sport, entertainment and exhibition venue.

An elevated site has been chosen for the rounded, rectangular shaped structure, incorporating ideal sight lines from every seat and a substantial administrative area on the western side.

The stadium will be specifically constructed to ensure that it meets all Fifa requirements and presents a compact and attractive venue for both first and second round matches.

Visiting teams and supporters may well be impressed by their safari drives in the nearby Kruger Park but, for explosive noise and thrilling atmosphere, even the Big Five would be stretched to outdo the Fifa World Cup spectacle at Mbombela Stadium.