As with most mornings in Rustenburg, the city awoke to bright sunshine and a crisp and clear day. But this weekend, the strong African sun had to settle for second best.

With the polished and gleaming FIFA Confederations Cup trophy making its way through the streets of Rustenburg toward Royal Bafokeng stadium on Friday, the people of Rustenburg had an early taste of FIFA Confederations Cup glory.

For the city it was with a sense of excitement and anticipation for the long-awaited tournament that they graciously welcomed the trophy to the FIFA Confederations Cup stadium, a trophy that will soon be lifted by the ‘champions of champions' after the tournament's final at Johannesburg's Ellis Park Stadium on 28 June.

For George Khunou, managing director of the stadium owners Royal Bafokeng Sports, seeing the trophy in Rustenburg brought a vivid sense of reality.

"When we (South Africa) were awarded the right to host the FIFA World Cup and Confederations Cup, we had a dream that the Royal Bafokeng stadium would play host to games in these prestigious tournaments. Today, the reality is that the stadium is complete and ready for the tournament," said Khunou, as he proudly lifted up the trophy for all to see.

For those in attendance at the trophy ceremony it was a chance to get close to glory and many jumped at the opporunity to lift the trophy above their heads and pretend, for just a fleeting moment, that Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena will be doing exactly that at the end of the tournament.

Hopes of a local victory aside, the city of Rustenburg is well and truly ready for the likes of Spain, United States, Egypt and our very own Bafana Bafana, who are all due to play matches at the Royal Bafokeng stadium.

With Spain and New Zealand opening up their accounts in Rustenburg on Sunday 14 June on the tournament's opening day, the atmosphere is certainly building up in the platinum city.

"The vibe and excitement around the city is unbeleivable and with the stadium and its precinct now complete, we are looking forward to hosting some of the best teams in the world during the tournament," said Nketu Matima, 2010 coordinator for the city of Rustenburg.

The trophy will be visiting all four host cities over the next week as preparations for the FIFA Confederations Cup wind down and the teams and fans prepare for what is sure to be a feast of football in the coming month.