Tournament will be safe, say SA security chiefs Two days before the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), South Africa’s security forces are confident they will create and manage a safe, controlled environment during the tournament.

Chance for new stars to shine THE absence of some of their big-name players will give Ghana's outstanding crop of up-and-coming youngsters a chance to shine on one of world soccer's biggest stages.

Watson calls for support EASTERN Province rugby boss Cheeky Watson has urged all sports lovers to support the Africa Cup of Nations soccer tournament when the first games in Port Elizabeth are played on Sunday.

Afcon puts paid to domestic league fixtures THE Nelson Mandela Bay municipality has closed its gates to the majority of domestic football activities at its venues in order to draw soccer supporters to the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) matches starting this weekend.

Morocco build up team spirit MOROCCO have had to turn around their mental approach in a bid to avoid the disastrous Africa Cup of Nations finals soccer campaign they had this time last year, their coach said yesterday.

Bafana squad buck trend on bonuses BAFANA Bafana have rejected any early bonuses in the Africa Cup of Nations, with the players stating they will only look to get paid extra if they qualify for the quarterfinals.

Medical support strategy for Afcon announced THE Eastern Cape Health Department is ready to provide medical support during the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament and, in fact, was the first department in the province to announce its readiness, Health MEC Sicelo Gqobana said.

Afcon favourites Ghana jet in GHANA will jet into Port Elizabeth today for the Orange Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) soccer tournament with the tag of hot Group B favourites weighing heavily on their broad shoulders. The Black Stars, who start their bid for glory against DR Congo at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium at 5pm on Sunday, have shown superb pre-tournament form.

Businesses urged to help boost soccer ticket sales NELSON Mandela Bay mayor Zanoxolo Wayile has urged big businesses to buy soccer tickets for their workers to boost sales ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) games in Port Elizabeth on Sunday.

Bafana's Afcon glory predicted EASTERN Province soccer boss Mzimkhulu Fina has boldly predicted Bafana Bafana will travel to Port Elizabeth to play Ghana in the quarterfinals of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) on February 2.

SA's Igesund keeps it short, but not sweet GORDON Igesund's relationship with the national soccer media reached an all-time low at a 3½ minute press conference yesterday when the coach answered most of his questions with terse one-liners.

Ghana's lucky number 10 WHEN Ghana take to the field for their opening match of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) soccer tournament against DR Congo at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday, Albert Adomah will be wearing his team's iconic No 10 jersey.

Goals on the way, Khune says BAFANA have shut out the public's negative assessment of their Africa Cup of Nations warm-up soccer matches and are instead trying urgently to address their scoring problems before the opening match on Saturday.

Niger's search for a friendly NIGER are frantically trying to arrange a last-minute friendly against a top South African professional soccer team in Port Elizabeth this week to put the finishing touches to their preparations for the Orange Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

Drive on to boost Cup days before kick-off WITH under a week to go until the Orange Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) kicks off, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is, belatedly, going all out to drum up support for the continent's soccer showpiece.

Bay ANC rally set to boost Afcon FRESH from a massive party in Durban at the weekend, the Eastern Cape ANC is planning another major celebration to commemorate its 101st birthday, to be held in Nelson Mandela Bay this Saturday.

Volunteers set to help Afcon score with fans THE 500 volunteers set to assist at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament in Nelson Mandela Bay later this month will complete their training this week, in order to ensure the soccer spectacle runs smoothly.

Black Stars hot favourites to win Cup title ALL eyes will be on glamour boys and hot Group B favourites Ghana when the Africa Cup of Nations soccer tournament kicks off at an expectant Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on January 20.

First Afcon team arrives in the Bay THE first of four teams to be based in Nelson Mandela Bay for the Orange Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) arrived in the city late last night, much to the delight of a young soccer fan who happened to be at the Port Elizabeth Airport at the same time.

Cape Verde stun Nigeria in warm-up TINY Cape Verde Islands served notice of their potential at the upcoming African Nations Cup soccer finals by holding heavyweights Nigeria to a goalless draw in a friendly in Faro, Portugal, on Wednesday.