By OBAKENG MAJE

Fireworks are expected in the game against Cape Verde (Blue Sharks) and Bafana Bafana during AFCON quarterfinals in Ivory Coast on Saturday at 10pm (SA time).

North West Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe said, Bafana Bafana will be bolstered by an army of fans from around the province. Sebolecwe said the department, Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation and the North West Parks and Tourism Board have joined hands to host free fan parks in each of the four districts for community viewing.

“South Africa is facing Cape Verde in the quarter finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). Kick off is at 22:00. The fan parks will be at Mmabana Mahikeng, Huhudi Stadium in Vryburg, Kanana CAC, Klerksdorp and Mothutlung Community Hall, Brits.

“The last AFCON free fan parks were held in the province for the South Africa/Morocco encounter on Tuesday. The department has previously organised fan parks for the last two Rugby World Cup finals, both won by the Springboks,” he said.

Sebolecwe further said football fans are encouraged to wear Bafana shirts or national colours, bring flags and braai at the Mahikeng event. He added that, fans should also bring camp chairs and cooler boxes, but no bottles will be allowed.

“As a sports-loving province, we believe we have a role in propelling our national team to the highest level they can attain at international level. Players and coaches alike have testified about the value of the home support when they campaign out of the country, especially at international tournaments.

“So, we are calling on our communities to come to the fan parks to support the national team. We encourage people to wear their national colours whenever the team plays,” said Sebolecwe.

He said that there will be entertainment for those who will be at the fan parks. Sebolecwe said gates open at 1pm with Djs and performers.

The first 100 to come to the venue in Mahikeng will receive goodie bags from the Tourism Board.

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