South Africans are United!
The IMC’s Nadine Khan reports on the Confederations Cup opener:
The kick off for the first 2009 Confederations Cup game is mere hours away. Months of preparation and speculation will finally be put to the test. The question looms, is South Africa ready to host a world class event like the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009?
It is a glorious winter highveld afternoon in Johannesburg. The sun is shining, the wind is nippy and the scent of dry grass, dust and braaivleis fires permeates the air.
As I pull the yellow and green Bafana Bafana uniform over my head, I am overwhelmed by a sense of pride and patriotism and an intense need to defend the reputation of my city, my country and my continent.
I make my way to the park-and-ride facility, or the Itransi as it is locally known where I park my car and jump on the taxi heading for the Ellis Park stadium. Within seconds the taxi fills up and the doors close and the driver pulls off. The banter and the enthusiasm of my fellow passengers are contagious and I get drawn into the conversation. It is not long before I am taught local jargon like diski; shebobo; laduma and my favourite siyabangena – a local expression for we are beating them! At a security checkpoint, the taxi is brought to a stop, where street vendors make the most of this enterprising opportunity, selling their flags, bandanas; cooldrinks; sweets and nuts through the open windows of the taxis. Bargaining and negotiating is just part of the journey.
Finally after a forty five minute ride we are dropped off at the stadium where we are greeted by a clearly visible security presence. Everywhere we go, we are welcomed by a multitude of friendly police, security guards and metro police officers. The gates open and thousands of people pour through the gates, in an orderly fashion. The ticket checking and security searches are done friendly and fast.
Within moments ushers in bright orange jackets are directing traffic and people make their way to the different zones and eagerly take their seats. I take my seat just seven rows from the pitch and close to the goal line. This is football!
The opening ceremony is spectacular and the crowd joins in the singing and dancing as yet thousands more people pour into their seats. About 700 children participated in the 20 minute celebration, showcasing our African culture. The vuvuzela’s and whistles are blowing. People are dancing and singing, the atmosphere is euphoric. The stadium is dressed in a sea of gold and green; as almost every spectator has donned an official Bafana Bafana uniform. South Africans are wearing their hearts on their sleeves today.
When FIFA President Sepp Blatter and President Jacob Zuma take to the field the crowd stands up and stays standing as Seth Blatter reiterates the readiness of South Africa to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup in less than a year. President Zuma declares the 2009 Confederations Cup open, by saying that today is not a day of speeches. The day is for us to enjoy the game. The atmosphere becomes electric! The crowd vociferous! The footballers take to the pitch and the crowd triumphantly joins in the chorus as we sing the South African national anthem.
The first whistle blows and the game begins. Bafana Bafana exhibits excellent ball possession and the Iraqi’s are determined defenders. The game is demanding and the footballers do not disappoint.
The final whistle blow and the match ends in a goal less draw, the crowd is left stunned, yet optimistic.
The stadium clears with ease allowing 48 637 spectators to leave without incident. We make our way back to the bus stops where we are met by giant Gauride buses. Within minutes the buses are loaded and leaving.
The passengers are strangers no more. The crowd is disappointed at Bafana Bafana’s results. Some less than choice words are used as opinions are being expressed, freely. But soon our love of the game overrides our disappointment and we spend the rest of the trip back home singing and dancing, vowing our commitment to football, to our country and to being the best hosts the world is yet to experience.
Once again South Africans stand united – our pride and patriotism allowing us to open our hearts; our country; our homes and our city to the world,next year!
As I step off the bus and make my way to my car, it is with great confidence that I can rise and declare KE NAKO! Africa IS Ready!
