Johannesburg - The wait is finally over for South Africa. It's now only a matter of hours left until football's biggest showpiece gets underway in Johannesburg's magnificent Soccer City stadium.
Thousands of local football fans and those from around the world have started arriving at Soccer City and the area around the stadium has been turned into a frenzy with vuvuzela-blowing fans black and white, donning their national colors and waving flags from South African and Mexico.
A capacity crowd of more than 84 000 people is expected for the opening match. The match will be preceded by a star-studded line up of artists who will perform at the opening ceremony.
South Africa's legendary trumpeter Hugh Masekela and United States R&B sensation R Kelly are among who will perform at what is set to become a breathtaking affair. Several Heads of State and Government are also expected to grace the magnificent opening ceremony.
Meanwhile, die-hard Bafana fans and indeed the country as a whole will be looking at striker Katlego Mphela , forward Steven Pienaar and Itumeleng Khune on the goals, to provide a bit of magic against the tough Mexican side.
BuaNews spoke to a few of the fans on what they expect to be the score on the final whistle. "2-nil Bafana Bafana," said one loyal local fan Siyabonga Mbele of Soweto. He predicted that Katlego Mphela would score the first goal for Bafana while the second goal would come from midfielder Siyabonga Nomvete.
Damien Craig predicted a goal-less draw for the match - his justification being that both sides were good and very prepared for the world cup. "Look, it's a tough call and I'm not trying to be negative here, but Mexico is a good team. So is Bafana. No side will want to concede a goal," said Craig. Kick-off is a 4pm.
