Play on!

When Bafana Bafana lost their place in the World Cup, I will be the first to admit that it was almost over for me. A bit teary eyed, I heard the vuvuzelas become quieter around the neighbourhood. We all went to bed without admitting what had just happened and avoiding conversation altogether.

The big wake up call came on Twitter the following day when I realized that non-South Africans are speaking positively about being here. And I’m still the host. After all, the World Cup is only an event that ends in a few days, whose legacy lies in successfully hosting our guests.

The vuvuzela was also one most popular topics on Twitter for weeks, which in itself is a record. Even YouTube a few weeks ago had the South African flag on their logo. Another reminder came when the latest release of WordPress (a blogging and web development tool) came with a mention of the vuvuzela.

When did both sportsmanship and being a hospitable African host become determined by how we perform on the soccer field? It’s true, for a moment there I got blind-sided. The greater plot was lost in the fest.

This Friday I’m dusting off my Bafana shirt, celebrating victory beyond the World Cup and hosting our guests.

Beyond the final this Sunday, I will be flying the flag because it defines our true values. A part of us is going out to the rest of the world after this Sunday.

Which story are you sending with them?