THE countdown has begun for the first match at the new Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

This is the clash between the British and Irish Lions and the Southern Kings invitation side on June 16.

Eastern Province Rugby Union acting deputy president Anele Pamba said the Southern Kings team was likely to be announced today and all other management and technical arrangements should be finalised by Monday. More than 24000 tickets have already been sold for the historic clash at the North End stadium.

Pamba said he expected a full house at the 48000 capacity stadium which will auger well in trying to bring back Test rugby to Port Elizabeth.

He added that the rugby union was ecstatic about the launch of the Southern Kings.

“This will mark the rise of Eastern Cape rugby and will put the province back on the rugby map.

“It is going to be a historic event – a really big one. We are also privileged at being able to have the match on June 16 – a day filled with many memories and based on the freedom of the country. Everyone must now rally behind the team, as this is the a team for the future and for all the people,” said Pamba.

Former Springbok manager Zola Yeye, who will manage the Southern Kings, said the match was a catalyst for better things for EP rugby.

“The people of the region have been starved of rugby for a long time,” he said.

The match will also be of great economic benefit to the region.

“This is going to be an international event with international media exposure, which means tourism will benefit greatly with accommodation, restaurants, entertainment and so on,” said Nelson Mandela Bay director of communications Roland Williams.

Tickets for the match can be purchased from Computicket outlets. The prices are R85 for the seats in the upper tier and R170 for seats closer to the field.