The event which took place at the university’s piazza, was directed by the presenters from Tuks FM, SABC and E-TV. When addressing the crowd, Prof de la Rey mentioned that the University of Pretoria plays an important part in the soccer world cup as a host of one of the leading international soccer teams - Argentina. She also stressed the fact that the world cup gives everyone an opportunity to demonstrate how South Africans can work together “to ensure that the country host the best world cup ever”.

Lessons of the diski dance were given to the crowd, which followed with a mass diski dance session led by the South African Tourism Diski Dance instructors. Soccer juggle competition and an informal Q & A’s took place and the winners received prizes. AmaTuks soccer players also kicked soccer balls to the crowd, and some of the balls were the winning token for soccer shirts and world cup soccer tickets.

George Maloma, third year Bachelor of Information Science student, was the lucky winner of two sets of tickets for a game between Algeria and USA. Although he was “not planning to attend any soccer matches, he has changed his mind after he won his prize”. Maloma has an opportunity to attend the match at Loftus Versfeld on June 23.

A giant Vuvuzela float was on display and was signed by the staff and students at the University of Pretoria.

Towards the end of the program, a soccer t-shirt signed by UP’s soccer club AmaTuks, and the Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof de la Rey was handed over to the Argentine Ambassador Di Cerisano. Ambassador Di Cerisano said it is an honour and privilege for the Argentines to be hosted by the University of Pretoria at its state of the art High Performance Centre.

Representatives from 19 schools from Mamelodi, Eersterust and Hammanskraal, including two soccer academies were identified by UP’s Department of Community Engagement. They were given about 150 soccer balls with special messages which were signed by the staff and executive management of the University of Pretoria.
 

Prof Cheryl de la Rey hands over a signed AmaTuks football t-shirt, while the CEO of UP's High Performance Centre, Mr Tobey Sutcliffe, looks on.


Third-year student for Bachelor of Information Science, George Maloma, with a letter informing him of his prize - Soccer World Cup tickets.


 Chairperson of the Temporary Student Council, Marius Ellis, having fun with a ball.