Gauteng rallies support for AFCON

With both the opening and closing matches billed to take place at FNB Stadium, Gauteng is pulling out all the stops to ensure success.

"We are very proud to once again be hosting the opening and closing of a major sporting event following the successful 2010 FIFA World Cup.

"As we join millions of South Africans in celebrating this milestone, I would like urge all Gauteng citizens to get ready for the tournament, buy tickets and rally behind the tournament to ensure that it becomes a success," said Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile.

Everyone should start wearing green and gold and fly the South African flag high, Maile added.

Leading up to the tournament, the department has planned a number of campaigns aimed at encouraging Gauteng communities to rally behind the tournament.

These include Magnificent Fridays, public viewing of the screening of the AFCON draw, the Mandela Challenge and Bafana Bafana matches.