South Africa (Mzansi), my Next Destination

Score Big: Free State’s Iconic Sports Arena — A Visitor’s Invitation Free State Stadium: Where Rugby Roars, Soccer Shines and Cricket Launch Sixes Bold summary: Bloemfontein’s main sports precinct centers on one upgraded venue known by many names — Mangaung Stadium / Free State Stadium / Toyota Stadium / Vodacom Park — while international cricket in the Free State is played at the nearby Mangaung Oval, a compact, characterful ground that hosts Tests, ODIs and T20Is. Mangaung Oval — Free State’s international cricket ground What it is: Mangaung Oval is the Free State’s principal international cricket venue, set in Bloemfontein and known historically by sponsor names such as Chevrolet Park and Goodyear Park.   Why it matters: The Oval has hosted Tests, One-Day Internationals and T20 internationals since the early 1990s and remains the region’s hub for international and domestic cricket fixtures. Ground profile and atmosphere Capacity and layout: The Oval seats roughl...

A Verse about the Free State - Rooi Mier In the heart of South Africa,  where the grasslands meet the sky,  Lies the Free State, a canvas painted with a golden rye.  A land where maize fields sway and diamond stars align,  Where the Orange River whispers tales of 1820’s fine. Beneath the vast blue dome, where eagles dare to soar,  The Free State’s spirit thrives, rich in lore.  From Bloemfontein’s bustling streets to Vredefort’s cratered ground,  Each corner tells a story, where history is found. The wind hums a melody over the Drakensberg’s embrace,  As it caresses the golden wheat in a gentle, loving grace.  The sunsets paint the sky in hues of fiery pride,  Reflecting the warmth of the people, with hearts open wide. Here, the blesbok roam, and the cosmos flowers bloom,  In a tapestry of life, where nature’s wonders loom.  The Free State, a treasure, with its beauty so vast,  A testament to time, where the pr...