The Fifa World Cup has always been one grand party, from the calles of Montevideo to the strasses of Berlin, but having hit African shores for the first time, it has reached a never before seen crescendo. A plastic trumpet with a foghorn noise has been at the centre of it all. The atmosphere created by the vuvuzela, is unparalleled, but South African culture is about more than just a blow horn. The tone of the World Cup was set even before it kicked off as a grand carnival was held in Nelson Mandela’s
neighbourhood — the famous suburb of Soweto. With uplifting anthems such as Somali-Canadian musician K’naan’s Wavin’ Flag and the mood-capturing official theme song of the event — Colombian sensation Shakira’s Waka Waka — the stage was set for a celebration of all things African.
As the Shakira song goes, “This time for Africa”. And, that’s how the opening stages of this World Cup have panned out. This time it has been for Africa!
Many players and coaches have complained at the decibel-levels achieved by the vuvuzela blowing fans. But, many of the same bunch have also marvelled at the overpowering roar of the 40,000 odd vuvuzelas that accompany every goal, ball-feint, step-over, foul and almost any other piece of action in the ninety minutes. The atmosphere is also different from what one experiences in Latin America. No one throws rolls of toilet paper here, as they do in La Bombabanera — the iconic home ground of Diego Maradona’s beloved Boca Juniors of Buenos Aries.
Unlike Mexico, the fans here don’t go Ole. In Africa it’s time to Ayoba — a South African term, used at every instance of football wizardry on the turf.
Stadiums are filled with fans in quirky costumes and vibrant colours, and enough dancing on the stands to rival the grandest New Year parties.
South Africa’s cities are gripped with a severe case of soccer fever. From flags of the competing nations hanging from lamp-posts to posters and hoardings celebrating football’s grand carnival, the Rainbow Nation is showing its colourful side.
Fans here revel not just in goals but every piece of magic — from Lionel Messi’s immaculate control to Cristiano Ronaldo’s cheeky touches.
South African fans are passionate and the Bafana Bafana — with a majority of coloured players — all the rage; even after a 0-3 loss to Uruguay and the vuvuzelas went quiet for the first time.
“We hope that we as a nation will remain great hosts,” said Rich Mkhondo, the spokesman. “Remember Mandela’s words, to say in times of pain, ‘Keep yourself up, keep your chin up’. This for Africans is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity we hope the fans will embrace.”
Sure enough, the vuvuzelas were back as Maradona’s men ran amok against South Korea at Soccer City the very next day.