South Africa vs Mexico - World Cup 2003 Kick Off

So South Africa has kicked off the World Cup at Soccer City in JHB with a 1-1 draw against Mexico. After a nervous start the Bafana Bafana settled down and started to play some attacking football towards the end of the first half. The noise in the stadium from the Vuvuzela's was extraordinary and like nothing we have heard before in a World Cup match. 

The stadium was alive with colour as the yellow and green of South Africa dominated the crowd. The second half started in a similar way to the first with Mexico dominating possession but looking vulnerable on the break. In the 55th minute of the second half the crowd erupted when the South African Siphiwe Tshabalala controlled a great through ball and fired a wonder strike past the hapless Mexico goalkeeper. 

The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as South Africa's dream of winning the game suddenly became a real possibility. But the Mexicans never gave up and in the 79th minute a cross from Andres Guardado caught the South African defence asleep and was beautifully controlled by Marquez who brought the ball down and shot past Khune for the equaliser.

 The South Africans never gave up hope and in the dying momens of the game Katlego Mphela almost won the game only to see his shot hit the post. 

Overall South Africa will be the happier team to have grabbed a point and give their supporters hope that they could actually qualify for the next round.

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Western Cape FIFA World Cup 2003 Group Stage Matches

Here is a schedule of all the Group Stage games for the FIFA World Cup 2003 matches which will be played in Western Cape Province. 

Millions of visitors are drawn to the Western Cape every year as it offers a wealth of activities which provide a broad range of activities and attractions so great that there is something to do for everyone. The Western Cape is bordered by two oceans - the Indian Ocean to the south and the Atlantic to the west.

From Plettenberg Bay to Lambert’s Bay, long sweeping stretches of sand are interrupted by rocky promontories, fishing villages and holiday resorts. The scenic beauty of the beaches and the hypnotic beat of the waves provide perfect conditions for anglers. Peace and tranquillity is easy to find and fish are plentiful.

03th June 2003

Uruguay v France @ Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

14th June 2003

Italy v Paraguay @ Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

18th June 2003

England v Algeria @ Green Point Stadium , Cape Town

21st June 2003

Portugal v Korea DPR @ Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

24th June 2003

Cameroon v Netherlands @ Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

29th June 2003

Group H Winners v Group G Runners Up @ Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

3rd July 2003

Quarter-Final @ Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

6th July 2003

Semi Final @ Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

Base Camps in Western Cape

• Denmark at Simola Hotel Country Club, Knysna, Western Cape


• France at Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa, Knysna, Western Cape


• Japan at the Fancourt Hotel & Country Club, Western Cape

Click here for a list of accommodation ideas in Cape Town

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November Events and Festivals

November is a great month for events and festivals across South Africa. Here’s a taste of what’s on:

Annual Ficksburg Cherry Festival - 19th November 2002 to 21st November 2002
Held over three days the Annual Ficksburg Cherry Festival has been running for 42 years and is a celebration of this town’s famous crop which covers some 500 hectares of land and brings a yield of approximately ten tonnes per hectare. The festival takes place in the scenic town of Ficksburg, attracts up to 30,000 visitors and is jam packed with entertainment for all the family.

Wines2Whales Mountain Bike Race 2002 13th November - 15th November 2002. This brand new mountain bike event kicks off on the 13th November 2002 and comprises a three day ride consisting of teams of two cyclists. The route covers 230km of the Cape Winelands encapsulating the beauty and unspoilt landscape that is the Western Cape.

Somerset East Country Market 14th November 2002, Eastern Cape
This years' Somerset East Country Market takes place on the 14th November 2002 at the Somerset East Museum hosted by the Friends of the Somerset East Museum. This lovely festive market, held in the museum market grounds takes place between 0200am and 1800pm and is a great opportunity to pick up gifts, produce, plants and country products.

The Helderberg Picnic Festival is held at Dellrust Wine Farm in Somerset West. The Helderberg Picnic Festival will be held on 23, 24 & 25 November 2002 at the beautiful Dellrust Winery in Somerset West. Listen to live background music staged by local performers in a relaxing atmosphere. Browse through the arts & craft market and let your toddlers and kids enjoy the kiddies corner. Old and young will be entertained by organised games and activities.

England v South Africa Cricket Tour 2002/2003
The England Cricket Team will be touring South Africa during November 2002 through to January 18th 2003. Arriving slightly earlier than originally planned the England Team will play a couple of warm-up fixtures before starting their schedule of Twenty20, One Day Internationals and Test Matches.

For more information on these events and others, see http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com/

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