East London's Absa Stadium and the abandoned Bhisho Stadium are in line for major upgrades in preparation for the 2010 soccer World Cup.

On Wednesday, the Buffalo City Municipality announced it had decided to use the Absa Stadium as its main base camp venue, and the Bhisho Stadium as second base-camp for the world's greatest showpiece.

The Absa Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 14,000, has been earmarked to be upgraded to a 25,000-seater.

BCM acting City Manager Brian Shepherd said he was not at liberty to disclose how much BCM would spend on the upgrade. He said the Bhisho Stadium would be used as a "second base camp" but could not give clear answers as to what that meant for the stadium.

Currently, the Bhisho Stadium is the property of the provincial government and BCM will discuss with them how to make sure the stadium is upgraded with modern facilities, Shepherd said.

Eastern Cape MEC for Sport Noxolo Abraham-Ntantiso said she had not been formally briefed about BCM's decision yet. She added that the provincial government had plans to revitalise the Bhisho Stadium irrespective of the outcome of Buffalo City's decision.

Daily Dispatch