Manda Luthaga is relieved he did not invest in preparing for the World Cup. But, says the taxi owner-turned tour guide, "All my vehicles have been booked for the duration of the tournament."

"I know a lot of people ... who have bought new cars and they are going to be disappointed," he says. "People put a lot of money on things that they will never use afterwards."

Based at the Mapungubwe hotel in Johannesburg, Manda's business has two coaches, two minibuses, a Mercedes-Benz and a BMW. He says that if necessary, he can rustle up an extra 20 minibuses.

In addition, his tours to Soweto, at about R650 per person, are becoming popular.

He has a few bookings for sight-seeing trips during the World Cup.

The event has exposed his business to the international market and he hopes it can grow even more.