Home turf

From the dusty streets of Soweto to the manicured pitches of FC Barcelona's Camp Nou, football brings joy to millions across the globe. Now, the sport's greatest spectacle is coming to my country and I can hardly wait.

With little more than six weeks to go before the start of the FIFA World Cup, excitement has reached fever-pitch in South Africa. Giant billboards are emblazoned with images of the national football team and sport stores are ordering extra stock of replica Bafana Bafana jerseys. If South Africans are not planning to attend any of the matches, they are organising World Cup parties and readying themselves to welcome the world to our country. And it's not just back home that is abuzz with talk of the World Cup. Right here in the UAE, South African expats are just as excited with many, including myself, planning to head home for the football extravaganza.

Plan of action

It may seem a bit excessive but I've been planning to attend the 2010 World Cup since 2000. That was when South Africa narrowly lost the right to host the 2006 World Cup to Germany. But I knew we would get our chance four years later and now that moment is only a few weeks away. I've taken five weeks off work, scouted around for the best air fares, spent a princely sum on match tickets and am ready for my World Cup adventure.

Before booking a flight to South Africa, I did a bit of research to find the cheapest airfare. Remember, most airlines that fly to South Africa have hiked their prices considerably during the World Cup. I booked my ticket four months in advance but still paid almost Dh3,000 more than I would normally fork out for a flight back home. If you still haven't booked a flight and don't mind a stopover, you might want to consider flyingto Egypt or Kenya and board a connecting flight to South Africa. It's a long route but could save you money.

Tickets to cheer

I started purchasing match tickets as soon as they became available last June. The sales process has been fair for fans around the world and was essentially a lottery. Fans who applied for tickets during the three sales phases were entered into a draw and randomly selected.

The football gods must have been smiling upon me because I have been fortunate enough to secure four tickets for the opening match in Soccer City on June 11. The opening ceremony is bound to be an extravagant affair. I have offers from people wanting to purchase these tickets — even at five times the price I paid for them. But the memories of attending the opening match will be priceless and I am going to be there in my Bafana Bafana jersey rootingfor my team as they take on Mexico.

My plan for the rest of the tournament is simple — travel around the country with my family and watch as many live matches as possible. Currently, I have tickets for three more matches in Durban and am hoping to buy more during the over-the-counter sales phase that began on April 7. Most of the matches >I have tickets for feature World Cup minnowsbut that doesn't matter to me. I just want to bein a stadium surrounded by fans from all overthe world as we watch the beautiful gamebeing played on African soil.

Besides, one of these less fancied teams could very well go all the way and win the tournament. Unlikely? Well, any football guru will tell you that stranger things have happened at the World Cup.

When I am not attending matches, I will be glued to the TV watching the action with family and friends as we enjoy another South African pastime — a braai (barbecue). My family and friends are already planning World Cup parties and I am looking forward to a month of boerewors (sausages), cold beverages and top-class football.Now, that is the life.

My picks for the World Cup

ARGENTINA: The last time Argentina had a little maestro in top form, they won the World Cup. This time around they have Lionel Messi who is in sublime form and touted to be the next Maradona. With Messi leading the charge, I expect Argentina to reach the final four.

SPAIN: The Spanish were considered perennial underachievers until they won the 2008 European Cup. Spain is ranked number one in the world and with Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregras they can reach the semi-finals.

SOUTH AFRICA: Bafana Bafana's current form is nothing to write home about but with more than 48 million fans behind our boys, anything is possible. Nobody gave South Korea a chance in 2002 and they went all the way to the semi-finals on their home soil. South Africa is in a tough group but I believe we can reach the second round.

BRAZIL: What's not to like about the Samba Kings? They are skillful, flamboyant, play entertaining football and always a favourite to win the World Cup. My money is on Brazil to win a sixth trophy.

Travel tips

Most South Africans will greet you with a three-way handshake, so don't be afraid if we hold on to your hand a little longer.

If you are planning on using a UAE credit card in South Africa, it's best to let your bank know in advance that you are going to do so.

You may need a visa to enter South Africa. More information can be found on www.southafrica.ae

South Africa has stringent foreign currency laws and there is a limit to the amount of foreign currency you can bring into the country. Find out more at www.reservebank.co.za

The best way to travel between the various provinces is by air. South Africa has a few budget airlines that offer cost-effective no-frills flights. Check out kulula.com, mango.co.za and 1time.co.za.

The World Cup is going to be held during winter. And while the weather is pleasant along the coasts, remember to carry your woollies if you are planning trips to cities such as Johannesburg, Bloemfontein and Pretoria.

The South African football team is affectionately called Bafana Bafana (the Nguni word for "boys"). So join the millions of South Africans in cheering on our boys.

If you can't make the trip to South Africa, you can still catch all the action of the World Cup on television. Gather with fellow supporters at sports bars throughout the country and enjoy the action on the big screen. Check local television listings for match screenings. South Africa is two hours behind the UAE and most matches will be played around 9.30pm (UAE time).

The World Cup is going to be held during winter so remember to carry your woollies if you are planning trips to Johannesburg, Bloemfontein and Pretoria.

South Africans greet with a three-way handshake, so don't be afraid if we hold on to your hand a little longer.

South Africa's laws limit the amount of foreign currency you can carry. Find out more at www.reservebank.co.za