S.Africa offers colourful Confed Cup ceremony

The 2009 Confederations Cup officially opened Sunday with an energetic ceremony by hosts South Africa with a giant human flag of 700 school pupils and a showcase of African culture.

Painting themselves in the colours of South Africa’s post-apartheid flag, the pupils formed into a giant formation before painting the tournament’s logo on a giant banner circled by flags from the eight-nation tournament.

The announcement of teams topped off performances from South African jazz legend Hugh Masekela, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Lebo M of “Lion King” fame, and a procession of peformers representing the entire African continent.

With kick-off at 1400 GMT, the 52,500-seater Ellis Park stadium cremony was met with cheers as fans showed their appreciation by blowing plastic trumpets known as vuvuzelas and loud roars.