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Stadiums: Ellis Park Stadium and Soccer City Johannesburg is the most powerful commercial centre in Africa. Also known as the ‘Place of Gold’, this is where most of South Africa’s and a large portion of the world’s gold is mined. Johannesburg sits on an inland plateau 1 753 metres above sea level, so visiting football players will have to arrive a week early to acclimatize to the high altitude. Johannesburg is the business hub of South Africa, contributing a substantial part of the country's GDP approximately 12%. Jozi, as it is affectionately known by its inhabitants, can also be a sanctuary of peace and calm. Despite the hustle and bustle of the city, Johannesburg is unexpectedly green and orientated towards outdoor living. It has a wealth of trees creating an 'urban forest', and many of the trees are located in the 2328 parks. The city is in close proximity to the Cradle of Humankind. This UNESCO World Heritage site encompasses the Sterkfontein caves, the site where the oldest hominoid skeletons were found. Facts Name: Johannesburg, also referred to as Jozi, Joburg or Egoli (place of Gold)
Province: Gauteng Province
Population: 3,2 million
Altitude: 1753m
Geography: Located on the eastern high-lying plateau in South Africa referred to as the Highveld.
Climate: Dry with winter temperatures ranging from 24°-16°C. Summer is temperate with temperatures exceeding 30°C and afternoon thundershowers.
Key Economic Sectors: Retail, Finance
Professional Football Clubs: Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, Jomo Cosmos, Moroka Swallows, Benoni Premier United, Silver Stars, Wits Universtiy (Premier League) PJ Stars, FCAK (1 st Division) Football The heartland of South African football, Johannesburg is the backbone of the professional game. The city centre has been at the core of football development in South Africa. Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Jomo Cosmos and the now defunct Highlands Park, Rangers and Lusitano have all been championship-winning clubs. Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have the biggest fan bases of any teams in southern Africa. When these two heavyweights meet in the Soweto Derby, it is easy to see why the fixture is among the most fiercely contested matches across the globe. Patrick "Ace" Ntsoelengoe is revered as one of the greatest football players South Africa has ever produced. He enjoyed immense success in the NASL. Nelson Mandela is somewhat of a talisman for South African sports teams in Johannesburg. He was present for the finals of the 1995 Rugby World Cup at Ellis Park, when South Africa became the world champions. He was also present a year later at Soccer City for the finals of the 1996 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, which South Africa won. |
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