Capetonians Prepare for Spectacular CHAN Opening

The Orange African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2014 is set to kick off with a spectacular opening ceremony at 16:00 on Saturday, 11 January 2014, at the iconic Cape Town Stadium. The Mother City is a hive of activity, putting the finishing touches on preparations as the city gears up to host its first international football tournament since the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
 

The opening ceremony, themed "Celebrating Africa’s Home Champions", will showcase the diversity and beauty of the 16 participating African nations with mass formations and routines on the field.
 

In addition, the crowd can enjoy performances from revered Cape Town-based Jazz musician Jimmy Dludlu, a capella foursome The Soil, beloved Eastern Cape poet and praise singer Zolani Mkhiva, singer Jessica Mpangeni, and house act, Mi Casa.

 

These class acts will entertain fans before the first whistle blows for the kick-off match between Bafana Bafana and Mozambique at 18:00.

 

To add to the excitement, 22 local children have been chosen as player escorts for the opening and closing matches. These children will be given a once in a lifetime opportunity to walk alongside the players as they make their way onto the pitch at the opening and closing matches.

 

For the next month, Cape Town will serve as tournament headquarters and Bafana Bafana’s home base. In addition the city will host all Group A and B matches as well as the quarter-final and semi-final matches. Orange CHAN 2014 will draw to a close with the final match and closing ceremony taking place at the Cape Town Stadium on 1 February 2014.

 

Soccer is a unifying sport across communities and we urge fans to come out in their numbers to support their teams. Put on your favourite soccer shirts, dust off your vuvuzelas, and bring the “gees” with you to the various matches.
 

Tickets are on sale from Shoprite/Checkers stores and Computicket outlets countrywide and online and range from R40 to R200.

 

Free transport will be provided from various pick-up points in Cape Town.