That show has taken a year of preparations to put together and includes performances by Grammy award-winners Soweto Gospel Choir, Beninese singer-songwriter Angelique Kidjo and one of South Africa's favourite solo musicians, Johnny Clegg. -- PHOTO: APCAPE TOWN - THE World Cup will resonate to a distinctly African beat for the first time here on Friday when the final draw is made for next year's sporting spectacular.
Eighty years and 18 tournaments since the first World Cup was held in Uruguay, when only 13 teams took part, none of them African, an African nation will host the event for the first time with 32 countries vying for the biggest prize in sport.
Commenting on the significance of the occasion, Fifa president Sepp Blatter said: 'This is a very important event for football and Africa as the final draw comes to Cape Town where an unprecedented six teams from the host continent will be represented... We expect a record global audience which I hope will be glued to their screens for the duration of the show.'
That show has taken a year of preparations to put together and includes performances by Grammy award-winners Soweto Gospel Choir, Beninese singer-songwriter Angelique Kidjo and one of South Africa's favourite solo musicians, Johnny Clegg.
The grand finale will feature 80 artists including the internationally acclaimed musical ensemble Africa Umoja. African beats will echo throughout the show which will reach a fitting climax at the moment when the 32 teams discover who they will be playing and when during the June 11-July 11 tournament.
The guest presenter to assist Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke make the draw at the Cape Town International Convention Centre will be South Africa's Academy Award winner Charlize Theron. -- AFP
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