Driving around the city centre this morning, there is certainly an air of excitement about. The stage at the top of Long Street has been erected and looks set to be the focal point of a humungus street party. The setting is fabulous with Table Mountain in the background and a street lined with bars and restaurants for half a kilometre on either side.

And at the bottom end of the very same street the actual draw will take place at the Cape Town Convention Centre (CTICC). So bring on Friday the 4th Dec, when the mountain will be lit up, and the eyes of the world will be on Cape Town for the draw that will decide the final groups for the World Cup Tournament. 32 Teams in total…and maybe Ireland? But that is another long story. This watershed moment will open the flood gates for the supporters to finally be able to plan their travels and be in the right places to see their teams in action com June 2010.

Legendary Cape Town night time haunts like Mama Africa, Joburg, Pretoria, Lola’s, Long Street Cafe, Marvel, Royal Eatery and various other establishments will be packed to capacity and will have front row seats to the action. Most have employed extra staff for the occasion and making sure that they are well stocked for the event. Some clothing and other stores are clearing out their shops and converting them into party venues for the evening.

Images of Cape Town will be beamed around the world to over hundreds of millions of tv viewers on the night. And they are expecting tens of thousands to attend the festivities live. So if you are lucky enough to be in Cape Town, get there on Friday night.