Pretoria - Soccer fans, young and old braved the cold weather in Pretoria this morning and came in their numbers to view and pose for pictures with the FIFA World Cup trophy currently on display at the Tshwane City hall.
The solid-gold trophy, weighing about 6.17 kg is on its last journey to all 2010 FIFA World Cup host cities before the kick-off on 11 June.
According to the Coca Cola Brand Manager, Brad Ross, the last stop will be in Soweto on Saturday (5 June) and thereafter it will be returned to FIFA.
Asked about the response in the host cities visited already, Ross said: "The experience has been amazing. People have been coming in numbers to view the trophy.
"I have no doubt in my mind, South Africa is going to stage the most memorable and spectacular soccer tournament," he said.
Excited soccer fan, Elias Mahlangu, 23, who came to see trophy, told BuaNews that he was excited that South Africa was hosting the World Cup. "I'm here to see the trophy myself," he said with a smile.
In total, 64 soccer matches will be played during the World Cup. The City of Tshwane is one of the host cities.
Nomthandazo Ntikinca, 29, travelled all the way from the East Rand, Katlehong, to view the trophy. "Although I will not be going to the stadium because I cannot afford to buy the ticket, I'm going to watch all the soccer matches on TV," she said.
"I'm excited that South Africa is hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup," she added.
Throughout the country, people have spent sleepless nights in queues in an effort to buy tickets.
The trophy will be on display at the city hall until 6pm this evening
