Construction Concerns Spark Controversy Over England World Cup Team Camp

Controversy has erupted in England and South Africa, as reports about incomplete construction at the selected England World Cup team's home base Phokeng, Rustenberg.

At a media conference at Sun City with 19 team coaches, Valcke and local organising committee CEO Danny Jordaan on Tuesday tried to reassure the media that the England team camp was almost complete and already had people staying in the hotel.

The English press reported this week that the England base camp was little more than a construction site, with only half of the 72 rooms ready, the pitch not yet built and the medical centre nothing but cement and bricks.

LOC pictures tell half the story
Independent Online
February 24, 2010

Teams Select Home Bases

Brazil has chosen Randburg as their home base during the World Cup, Serbia has picked Auckland Park in Johannesburg, and England will be housed at a new complex being built in Phokeng.

The English Football Association’s demands included a games arcade, plasma television sets for the 23 players and 30 officials, and an electrified perimeter fence.

The bedrooms of the five star complex should also have British television channels.

Teams settle their World Cup base camp locations
Sowetan
February 1, 2010