As the refurbished Free State Stadium this weekend officially opened its gates, residents of the city of Mangaung/Bloemfontein equally impressively showed they're more than ready for the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009.

The city celebrated the completion of the stadium's swanky upgrade with a double header of matches featuring the Free State Cheetahs against Australia's Brumbies in a Super 14 rugby match yesterday and a pulsating Premiership football encounter between Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates today, which saw the stadium packed to the rafters.

And while the city is a fanatical sporting mecca at the best of times, this weekend football frenzy had no bounds as the city proudly showcased its Confederations Cup credentials, just as Rustenburg's Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace did in opening their stadium last weekend.

Around 46 000 predominantly Celtic fans filed into the stadium today, creating a carnival atmosphere few football citadels in the world could match, as the incredible Celtic fans sang, danced and partied away in the stands in their most inimitable fashion.

Celtic's partisan fans in full swing are a joy to behold for any football fan. There was the sight today of thousands of them in their green and white hooped jerseys singing passionately in unison and swaying perfectly in sync from side to side - like a single, well-oiled football fan machine which would be the envy of any team in the world. Win or lose, Celtic fans - known as the Siwelele - are behind their team throughout. A huge banner in the crowd read ‘Bloemfontein Celtic FC. Siwelele Sa Masele. Ready for the Confederations Cup and World Cup'. And what a unique, wonderful element they will certainly add to those historic FIFA tournaments.

The fans, however, aren't the only ones gearing up for big match football, new hotels and businesses are springing up, including a brand new hotel - less than a kilometre from the stadium - which opened its doors just three weeks ago, in time for the FIFA Confederations Cup kick-off on June 14 this year.

The hotel, with its plush new fittings, distinctly African motifs and European power plug sockets, even boasts its own zoo on the hotel premises. The zoo comes complete with elephants, springbok and kudu, ensuring that even in the ‘city of roses' the wildlife feel is on the urban doorstep for Brazilian and Spanish fans travelling to the city for June's Confederations Cup. Service levels throughout the city were extremely impressive, with a sea of smiles and attention to every request given - with hotel staff even ringing up their guests in their rooms to check if they're comfortable - this without any prompting.

The stadium wasn't the only place that was buzzing this weekend. About 70 kilometres away, Tshediso Leeuw's entertainment centre was also a hotbed of activity, with business booming as locals watched the city's sporting action on a big screen in what is sure to be a popular public viewing area during the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 and 2010 FIFA World Cup.

When Leeuw opened his establishment - quaintly called ‘Love and Happiness' - 15 years ago, it was a modest venue with just two employees. But today Leeuw has a staff of 23 and has brought job creation and newfound opportunities to the township, with his venue now a popular, sprawling entertainment centre.

A pre-match party the night before today's big game saw Leeuw's patrons entertained by popular South African artists and skilful soccer ball jugglers, as they partied the night away in high spirits.

"I know many people around here won't be able to see the live games, so we have put up a big screen and people can watch the games and be entertained at the same time. We've got a braai (barbecue) going and the vibe is totally African, like no other. We will be doing this on a bigger scale for the Confederations Cup and for 2010," said Leeuw, smiling broadly.

And for Leeuw, good football certainly means good business.

"On a normal Friday and Saturday we have between 200 and 250 people, but now there are more than 400 people partying ahead of the Celtic/Pirates game. This is a trial run and we are looking forward to showing the international fans, when they come from the Confederations Cup and 2010, how we do soccer here in Africa," added Leeuw, who regularly ploughs back into his community by providing seven bursaries annually to grade 12 pupils in the township, as well as hosting an annual party for the more than 700 pensioners in the area for the last six years.

In addition to his entertainment centre, Leeuw also owns a grocery store and liquor store located next door.

"My dreams of growing my business and helping my community, as well as seeing this place full of people enjoying themselves, are coming true. I know for the Confederations Cup there will be even more people here and we are looking forward to being good hosts to the international fans so they can also enjoy our African hospitality," said Leeuw.

Mangaung is a city with an impressive architectural and historical heritage woven into the very fabric of the modern, developing city of Manguang - true to its motto of being a ‘city on the move'.

This weekend, though, it held true to another popular slogan for the FIFA Confederations Cup - that being ‘Ke Nako (It's time). Time to host the Champions'.

For Mangaung/Bloemfontein's it's very much time to roll out the world's football champions and biggest megastars - this friendly, football mad city's certainly more than ready.