South Africa move to give fans 120,000 free World Cup tickets

August 15 2009 by Mark Johnstone

Lucas Radebe, World Cup Ambassador

With just under 300 days until the start of the 2010 soccer World Cup in South Africa, the event organisers are to give 120,000 free tickets to poor South Africans.

The aim is to make the games more accessible to fans living in poverty. Tickets will be issued to those working in health care, education and other development fields, says a report by AP.

40,000 of the tickets will also go to workers who helped in the construction or revamp of the stadiums that will be used in the tournament.

A statement by world governing body FIFA said: "The Ticket Fund aims to use the excitement and passion for the game in the country as a tool to motivate and engage people, particularly young South Africans on topics such as education, health and environment."

Meanwhile former South African soccer team captain Lucas Radebe has just been named the South African Department of Tourism's 2010 World Cup Ambassador.

South African Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk made the announcement last week and said:

“We are truly privileged that a footballer of Lucas’ stature and a human being of his calibre has agreed to partner with us to grow excitement about our destination."

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