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Jodi Fredericks will sing the SA anthem before the Springboks' game against England at Ellis Park on Saturday. The accomplished singer from Cape Town boasts over a decade of experience in the music industry.
An accomplished South African singer, songwriter, and session vocalist, Fredericks is highly versatile and has performed particularly in the jazz, neo-soul, and collaborative music scenes. In 2019, her career gained significant momentum when she won the Grand West and Heart 104.9 Open Mic Jazz Competition and was named a semi-finalist for the prestigious SAMRO Overseas Scholarship. Fredericks is a regular on premier South African stages, and has collaborated with prominent European jazz musicians.
The track 'Better Off (Without You)' was a standout commercial success in collaboration with the South African production duo Do Not Disturb (DND), which received heavy rotation on national radio stations like Heart FM and KFM, and earned international playlisting on Apple Music.
Meanwhile, opera singer Thabiso Masemene will perform the England national anthem. A highly accomplished South African opera singer and tenor, Masemene is known for his incredible vocal range and versatility, while his career has spanned traditional classical opera, sacred music, and major international musical theatre productions.
Beyond his solo classical work, Masemene is a key member of the successful vocal group The Gaabo-Motho Tenors.
SA Rugby has insisted that a big crowd is expected at Ellis Park despite some predictions of low attendance. The organisation hopes to get close to the historic average of 91% of the stadium's capacity against England in SA.
Tickets are still available for the match.
“Predictions that the attendance would be little more than 21 000 were entirely erroneous and misinformed,” a statement read. “SA Rugby hopes to get close to the historic average against England in SA of 91% of the stadiums’ capacity in a market in which tickets are on sale for four Test matches and two provincial matches against the touring All Blacks.”
It is worth noting that ticket sales for the match have increased, with fans expecting a large crowd.
The clash between the Springboks and England kicks off at 17:40 on Saturday. The stadium is expected to be packed as the two teams face off.
SA Rugby has released a statement insisting that a big crowd is expected at Ellis Park.
Ticket sales for the match have increased despite some predictions of low attendance.
Fans are expecting a large crowd at Ellis Park.
The match kicks off at 17:40 on Saturday.
Ellis Park
Located in Johannesburg, Ellis Park is one of South Africa's largest stadiums. With a seating capacity of over 62 000, it is a popular venue for sports and entertainment events.
The stadium has hosted numerous high-profile matches, including rugby internationals and football games.
Ellis Park is one of the country's most iconic stadiums.
SA Rugby
SA Rugby is the governing body for rugby union in South Africa. The organisation oversees the national rugby team, known as the Springboks.
SA Rugby is responsible for promoting the sport in SA and representing the country in international competitions.
The organisation has a long history of producing talented rugby players.
Key Facts
- 91%: the historic average attendance at Ellis Park for Springboks matches against England in SA.
- 21 000: the predicted attendance that SA Rugby has dismissed as erroneous.
- 62 000: the seating capacity of Ellis Park.
- 17:40: the kickoff time for the Springboks-England match on Saturday.
- Jodi Fredericks: the singer who will perform the SA national anthem.
- Thabiso Masemene: the opera singer who will perform the England national anthem.