South
Africa is a major sporting nation both on the African continent
and around the world. The country has over the years produced world
class players in various sports including; swimming, golf, rugby,
cricket and soccer. The country’s performance at the Olympic
Games has been improving steadily since its readmission.
Sporting facilities in the country are of the highest quality
and include a number of international standard venues. South
Africa has hosted a number of major international tournaments
including; the Africa Nations Cup in 1996 and the Rugby World
Cup in 1995. Added to this, the country is set to host the 2010
Soccer World Cup; the first time that the tournament will be
hosted by an African Nation. South Africa was able to fend of
strong bids by Morocco and Egypt.
Famous Sports Personalities:
Ernie Els: nicknamed “big easy” Els is one of the
world’s top golfers and has won the U.S Open in 1994 and
1996 and a number of tournaments on the Professional Golf Tour.
Famous Soccer Players: Lucas Radebe (Leeds United), Quinton
Fortuin (Manchester United), Benni McCarthy.
Famous Rugby Players: Jannie de Beer, Gary Teichmann, Francois
Pienaar, Naas Botha, Joel Stransky, Corne Krige, Chester Williams,
Joost van der Westhuizen.
