I only really started showing interest in football after moving to the UK ten years ago, before that rugby was the only sport for me. But after seeing how huge the sport is –globally- I slowly realized what all the fuss was about. When South Africa won the bid in May 2004, I knew I would go back to share in the excitement. After all, the country has hosted both cricket and rugby world cups by then, and to host the football world cup would be great!

However I could not even begin to imagine what a huge impact it would have on the country of my birth. I was lucky enough to obtain tickets for the opening game for South Africa vs Mexico and also for England’s first game against the USA. Arriving in Jo’burg two days before the opening, I was totally overawed by the whole occasion. South Africa was going nuts! Never before have I seen the country in such a carnival atmosphere – flags flying from every car window, people dancing in the streets, parties everywhere, and the distinct noise of the vuvuzela – now synonym with African football.

Arriving at the opening match in Soweto – a previous African only township near Jo’burg, was quite an experience too. Previously no European person would dare go unprotected into this area – on that day it was totally different – the carnival has taken over! From about three hours before the actual ceremony, people gathered in their masses around the stadium to suck up the atmosphere. The stadium, called Soccer City, was a buzz of local and international fanfare – a sight that I will never forget. Local bands, dancing groups and larger-than-life ethnic puppets where providing entertainment while South African and Mexican supporters got involved in some friendly banter.

As time got closer to kick off, the stadium filled up and the noise increased – 80 000 vuvuzelas blown at once is asound that will deafen most- I was really glad I remembered my ear plugs! When South Africa scored the first goal in the 55th minute of the match – the crowd erupted, it was quite emotional to see all South Africans from all different walks of life, celebrate together as one nation. It was a moment I will savour forever. I was on the stands with my English friend who made the trip with me and he agreed that it was one of the best sports events he ever witnessed. Although South Africa only drew the match, the whole stadium celebrated afterwards, it was as if they have won the World Cup. But I think the whole occasion of having the World Cup in Africa was reason enough to be happy!

The next day, we travelled to Rustenburg, England’s base for the duration of the tournament. In the middle of a Platinum Mining community, the Royal Bafokeng Stadium was hosting the match between the USA and England. It almost felt like being at Wembley. The majority of supporters were from England and thousands of St George’s flags were to be seen. The Americans also made there presence known with innovative outfits showing the stars and stripes. Everywhere chants of ‘USA,USA,USA’ could be heard. Hearing the national anthem of the USA and singing’ God save the Queen’ directly after was an experience to remember. The game also ended in a 1-1 draw, but it was an amazing evening.

It was with a sad heart that I had to leave South Africa the following day, but it was comforting to know that the first African World Cup for football was going to be a huge success.

Back in England, I could not stop telling all my patients at Portmore about my experience, possibly boring them with all the detail, but as the photos show – it was a once in a lifetime experience!

Eben van der Walt
Dentist
Portmore Dental Weybridge

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010 at 11:35 am and is filed under Portmore Dental. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.