Tickets sold out for Bafana’s crunch game

INLSA

Glamorous models Dhaveena Iyer and Jagruti Kapitan of Durban, both 18, show their colours for the national team ahead of Wednesdays crunch group game against Angola. Picture: Shelley Kjonstad

If you haven’t already bought your ticket for Wednesday’s must-win game for Bafana Bafana against Angola, you’ll just have to settle for your TV screen as all 50 000 tickets for the clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium have been snapped up.

An excited mayor James Nxumalo told members of the city’s executive committee on Tuesday that all tickets for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) game, which kicks off at 5pm, had been sold.

”This is good for Bafana Bafana, the tournament and the city,” said Nxumalo. “We’ve always said that we don’t want to see any empty stadiums during this tournament and Durbanites heeded our call.”

While he was optimistic that Gordon Igesund’s “dream team” would collect maximum points in their second game, Nxumalo said it wouldn’t be a walk in the park.

“Hopefully Bafana Bafana won’t disappoint us again,” he said, referring to the team’s goalless draw against Cape Verde last weekend.

Cape Verde will face North African sleeping giants Morocco in the evening fixture at the same venue.

“They (Bafana) need to win this game and maybe draw the next one, then we can hopefully qualify for the next round,” said Nxumalo.

Bafana Bafana will hope their previous wins in Durban will spur them on to clinch Wednesday’s essential game, and performing in front of a roaring crowd could just do the trick.

On Tuesday Afcon project office head, Vusi Mazibuko, urged soccer fanatics to make their way to the stadium early and sit at their allocated seats.

He also encouraged people to get to the stadium by train, which would be free if they produce their tickets.

A total of 26 trains will be available for Wednesday’s game.

Mazibuko said there was also adequate parking, including 1 500 parking bays at the Kings Park stadium.

Motorists have been asked to take note that Masabalala Yengwa (NMR) Avenue will be closed from Sandile Thusi (Argyle) Road up to Smiso Nkwanyana (Goble) Road. Battery Beach Road and Isaiah Ntshangase (Walter Gilbert) Road will also be closed.

“We don’t want to create traffic, so we’ve opted for soft road closures,” said Mazibuko.

The following areas have been reserved for parking for those attending the games:

* The old drive-in site will have free parking for minibus taxis, buses and the public.

* Free parking at Natal Command Site 1 and 2 will be open to the public.

* There is paid parking for the public at Suncoast Casino.

* Free parking at the Kings Park stadium open to the public (access off Smiso Nkwanyana/Jaco Jackson roads).

* Free parking at the Centrum Parking will be open to VIPs and the public.

* Parking for hospitality and commercial affiliates will be available at Mustering Field (access off Sandile Thusi Road only).