Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium can be extremely proud of its steady progress to the successful completion of construction.

The stadium is on track to be the first opened before the 2010 event. LOC CEO, Danny Jordaan viewed the 21 erected girders already up (with 15 to go) during his visit to the stadium in February. The grass pitch and 40 000 of its 48 000 stadium seats have also been installed and Jordaan believes its success is attributed to an excellent team effort and professionalism.

“I am very delighted with the progress made and it is very exciting to see the stadium taking shape. It will be a magnificent stadium – one of the best in the world. I am really looking forward to the opening. It will be the first stadium opened before the World Cup tournament takes place,” he said.

The target for completion is set for May, with the final touches for the floodlights, area lighting, external roads and fencing to also be completed in that month.

In his hometown of Port Elizabeth, Jordaan commended the metro and provincial government for a first-rate job being carried out on the stadium, according to him everything went smoothly after facing a few challenges from the outset.

“The city and the province need to be congratulated on a job well done. The Eastern Cape is the heart of sport in the country and we should regain that berth with this top-class facility.”

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will host eight matches, including a quarter-final as well as the third and fourth- place playoffs, said Jordaan to onlookers.

Port Elizabeth’s Deputy Executive Mayor, Councillor Bicks Ndoni, said that the NMB Municipality is, as always, extremely proud to be part of this fantastic event.

“For the 2010 FIFA World Cup to be a success, it requires a collaborative effort on the part of all three spheres of government, SAFA, the OC and of course our stakeholders and the community. We believe we are all well on track,” commented Councillor Ndoni.

Jordaan expressed surprise at the fact that FIFA declared the stadium not ready for hosting the Confederations Cup in June.

“The Confederations Cup could very well have been held here. More than half the girders are up and the pillars weigh a massive 50-70 tons, with all the planning involved in this challenging task, it was executed professionally and efficiently.”