CHAN Soccer Fever Hits Cape Town | Western Cape Government

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CHAN Soccer Fever Hits Cape Town

6 November 2013

Soccer fans can brace themselves for an exciting international soccer tournament early next year. This was the message of City of Cape Town Mayor Ms Patricia De Lille at a flag raising ceremony for the 2014 Orange African Nations (CHAN) Championship on Tuesday, 5 November 2013.

The countdown to Africa’s biennual showpiece has begun.

Cape Town is set to host 16 of the 32 matches of Africa’s biannual football showpiece between 11 January and 1 February 2014, including the opening and closing ceremonies. The other matches will take place in Polokwane and Mangaung.

De Lille said it is an honour for the city to stand alongside the Confederation of African Football (CAF), SAFA (SA Football Association) Cape Town and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) as a co-host of CHAN 2014. "The Cape Town Stadium is home to Bafana Bafana and our supporters will again be backing our boys for top honours. We will make sure that players and supports from other participating countries feel welcome in the Mother City," she said.

De Lille added that 2014 will be a historic year for our country as it celebrates 20 years of democracy. In addition, Cape Town is 2014 World Design Capital.

CAF Local Organising Committee representative Mr Andrew Dipela is confident that the event will bring together thousands of people for the love of Msanzi’s favourite sport. “Many supporters still have fond memories of the 2010 experience. We are definitely ready to host another epic tournament.”

Supporters are encouraged to wear the colours of their teams and blow their vuvuzelas on Fridays during the build-up to the tournament. It’s soccer time, so gear up and be a proud supporter.

Media Enquiries: 

Annerie Pruis-Le Roux
Acting Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9730
E-mail: annerie.pruis@westerncape.gov.za