The countdown to the 2010 FIFA World Cup got off to a bright start when FNB, the tournament's first National Supporter, switched on a five-metre high Countdown Clock at the OR Tambo International Airport today.

It will be on exactly this day - 11 June 2010 - that South Africa's national soccer team, Bafana Bafana, will get the 2010 FIFA World Cup under way in South Africa to mark 30 days of a feast of world class soccer on our soil.

The FNB Countdown Clock will remind every visitor to the airport of exactly how many days are left before South Africa hosts the greatest sporting event on the planet.

FNB will erect Countdown Clocks at all the official 2010 FIFA World Cup host cities around the country between now and August this year.

Other nine clocks 2nd Countdown Clock at the Durban International Airport (exterior parkade) 3rd Countdown Clock at Cape Town International Airport (exit of airport precinct) 4th Countdown Clock at Port Elizabeth Airport (domestic arrivals) 5th Countdown Clock at Bloemfontein Airport (car park) 6th Countdown Clock in Pretoria (Fountains Circle) 7th Countdown Clock in Rustenburg 8th Countdown Clock in Nelspruit 9th Countdown Clock in Polokwane 10th Countdown Clock at FNB BankCity on Simmonds Street, Johannesburg

Constructed from moulded fibreglass in the insignia FNB turquoise colour, each five-metre tall Countdown Clock bears both the FNB and FIFA logos. Under a digital display (in days) counting down to the 2010 kick-off, the clock bears the bank's 2010 tagline: "Proudly Helping South Africa Shine". Another unique physical feature of the clock is a three dimensional soccer ball designed by internationally renowned sporting experts Adidas.

The digital messaging on the clock can be programmed to communicate other appropriate 2010 FIFA World Cup messages.

Addressing journalists at the switching on function at the OR Tambo International Airport, FNB CEO Michael Jordaan said the bank's US$30-million sponsorship of the tournament signalled its commitment to nation building and helping South Africa host a successful tournament.

"The 2010 FIFA World Cup is one major event that should unite us as a nation and set us on a course to long-lasting economic prosperity and sustainable development. FNB's partnership with FIFA places us in a strong position to help South Africa shine through helping them to capitalise on the opportunities created by the tournament.

Key Dates in the run-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup:
23 November 2007 - Preliminary Draw 2010 FIFA World Cup™ (Durban)
      
14 - 28 June 2009 - FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 (South Africa)
      
04 December 2009 - Final Draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ (South Africa)
      
11 June 2010 - 11 July 2010 - 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ (South Africa)