My First World Cup Experience

The hosting of the 2010 World Cup has come and gone. It was surely an occasion to remember. It was exciting, nail biting and filled with surprises. What a wonderful month! What an incredible spectacle! Flags of different countries flying on cars, flags of countries adorned people’s homes. For the first time the world cup has taken place on Africa soil, after 1976 when Fifa banned South Africa from world football. Locals and internationals made their way to the fan fest on the Grand Parade. They enjoyed the matches as well as the hype. This was history. It was great.

I was blessed to receive the opportunity to watch the game between Germany and Argentina at the Cape Town Stadium. Unfortunately my team, Argentina lost. The Score was four to Germany and zero to Argentina. Even though Argentina lost, Cape Town stadium was rocking with everybody socializing, taking photos and blowing their vuvuzelas. Everybody was in high spirits from the word go. I started this amazing experience by walking the fan walk, where they have various exciting activities such as musicians and dancers. I enjoyed walking this amazing route with my Maradonna T-shirt and being acknowledged by various Argentinean supporters and even German supporters.

Being inside Cape Two stadium at a prestige match such as that was an experience on its own. As I took my seat I could not believe that I was there, even the air smelt different. It was my first time in such a packed stadium. Spectators loved the atmosphere and cheered loudly long before the game. They cheered even louder once Germany started to shred Argentina. Some of the comments chanted by spectators were hilarious. Some chanted: “Maradonna, you’re a goner, leave without an honour.

The vuvuzela was blown as loudly as possible; I blew my lips till they felt swollen and big enough to fit on a tractor. I blew hard in support of my team who unfortunately came second to a better team on the day. People were in a jovial mood irrespective of Argentina playing a bad game. The mood was great, the spectator’s fantastic, and the game exciting. As you looked around, you saw a sea of blue and white. Those were Argentinean supporters. Then you also saw rows and rows of black and white, those were Argentinean supporters. I have never seen so many funny hats in my life, in the colours of two teams. WOW! It was amazing!

When the prayers of either team performed well, the crowed roared, screamed and clapped with delight. They were very loyal to the team they hoped would win.

It was my very first time I had been part of a Mexican wave. It had always been one of those things I wanted to experience.

The world cup really brought South Africa and international tourists together. Those supporting Germany, would hug you when Germany scored a goal, and would later apologies. The Germans made the most noise as the Germans were on a winning streak.
They also sang lively German songs which I wish I could understand and join in. Things were moving, great stuff we were having a ball. I had so much fun that when Argentina scored, I jumped up and jumped onto my seat, finding myself on the floor, one row behind where I was seated looking up to unpleased Germans as we celebrated our goal. What a celebration it was, only to cry later and watch the Germans celebrate as the goal was disallowed. What brilliance, just when you wandered what more could go wrong they put away another two goals.


I’m still proud of my team and believe that some day we will take it again. It has been a good run however we can not win all the time. I would love to relive or rewind to that moment again. Even though Argentina lost it is an experience I will never forget.