Thousands of soccer fans armed with vuvuzelas will descend on Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Thursday in an attempt to win a Guinness World Record.

Vodacom -- the mobile operator behind the attempt -- said on Tuesday that 300 volunteers would encourage fans to blow their vuvuzelas for 30 seconds before Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs kick off against each other in Port Elizabeth.

"At this soccer crescendo, soccer fans will make their mark in history when they are counted as the voice behind the new world record. Three minutes before kick-off, fans will be signaled to blow their vuvuzelas simultaneously," the operator said.

The first 20,000 fans to enter the stadium would receive a complimentary limited edition Vodacom Guinness World Records vuvuzela.

Managing executive of brand and marketing Enzo Scarcella said Vodacom was extremely proud to be associated with the endeavour.

"This initiative further encapsulates Vodacom's commitment to SA soccer and soccer fans, and spotlights that we believe in the way it is supported -- by the noise," said Scarcella.

The never-before attempt will be monitored by Guinness World Records adjudicator, Rob Molloy, who will fly in for the event from London.

(Xinhua News Agency July 22, 2009)