Johannesburg - The opening ceremony for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup is underway at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka kicked-off the event by singing and welcoming the fans to the stadium shortly after 2.30pm.
Youngsters, dressed in black and white formed words Ke Nako, meaning it is time, on the pitch before painting their t-shirts in different colours to form the national flag.
A massive banner was held up with the FIFA logo which was circled by the flags of the various nations which are participating in the tournament.
Dancers, dressed in traditional outfits of Iraq, Brazil, the United States, Italy, Egypt, New Zealand, South Africa and Spain also formed the outline of the African continent.
Meanwhile, in the stands - fans have painted the stadium yellow and green - the colours of Bafana Bafana. Fans are still arriving to the venue and are expected to take up their seats shortly.
The match between South Africa and Iraq is set to kick-off at 4pm.
