Geography
Located on either side of a mountain ridge on the Cape Peninsula.
Climate
While June and July temperatures are pleasant at around 16 C, they are also the wettest months.
Pro Clubs
Premier: Ajax Cape Town; Santos. First Division: Hanover Park; Ikapa Sporting; FC Cape Town.
Introduction
Known as the Mother City, Cape Town is the home of South Africa's parliament. Dominated by Table Mountain, its only rival as the chief tourist attraction is the country's wildlife.
History
From its arrival in 1652, the Dutch East India Company was the dominant force until Britain assumed control in 1814. The Dutch brought grape vines, while the British soon brought freedom for the large slave population, though not equal rights. In modern times, it was on the balcony of the City Hall that Nelson Mandela appeared hours after his release from prison in February, 1990, to signal the end of apartheid.
Local Football
Ajax Cape Town is a satellite club of Ajax Amsterdam, and the partnership has seen many players launch their careers in Europe, including Steven Pienaar of Everton and Benni McCarthy, who won the UEFA Champions League with FC Porto and now plays for West Ham United.
Things to do
- Take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain.
- Visit the wine-growing area of Stellenbosch.
- Catch the ferry to Robben Island to see where Nelson Mandela spent many years as a prisoner.
- The V and A Waterfront.
Stadium
The Cape Town Stadium, completed in December, 2009, has a capacity of 68,000. It will stage eight tournament matches, including a semi-final.