The Stadium is situated scarcely 2km from the city centre, in the heart of an attractive, tree-lined residential area that accommodates row upon row of foreign embassies.

Through the apartheid years, reflecting the prejudice of local residents, the city council resolutely refused permission for soccer to be played in what was then preserved as a bastion of rugby.

However, times have changed and Sundowns, one of South Africa's leading professional clubs, now calls Loftus home.

The main west stand was completely rebuilt in 1977, and the other three stands have been rebuilt since, creating an impressive arena, that rises steeply on all sides and incorporates some of the country's finest facilities for corporate hospitality.

Minimal upgrading will be required for the Stadium to qualify as a venue for first and second round matches, but the floodlights, sound system and scoreboards will all be improved.

Designated Media areas will be created in the lower level of the west stand, from where the celebrated Loftus roar should give the world's journalists something to write home about.