Dispatch from Soweto
May 31, 2010
IS South Africa ready to host the World Cup? The answer you get as soon as you get off the aeroplane in Johannesburg is a BIG YES! Everyone, from passengers to locals, street sweepers to taxi operators look set to cash in, or enjoy the world’s greatest soccer show.
By Andrew Kabuura
in South Africa
IS South Africa ready to host the World Cup? The answer you get as soon as you get off the aeroplane in Johannesburg is a BIG YES!
The Oliver Tambo airport is all plastered with pictures representing different African players that will grace the tournament. Everyone, from passengers to locals, street sweepers to taxi operators look set to cash in, or enjoy the world’s greatest soccer show.
The South African flag, FIFA logo and World Cup mascot, Zakumi, are the most visible items in the airport and all over the streets.
Little sleep
An excited Nzitunga Gerald, a driver of Burundian origin, finds it hard to explain his expectations. “We are all waiting for kick-off. It’s very difficult to get sleep because of the world cup,†he said.
The arrival of Brazil and Argentina has only made the atmosphere more electric.
“I saw Dunga, Kleberson, Maicon, Maradona, Messi and so many other guys. I just couldn’t believe my eyes,†added Grace Zwane, another fan.
Bafana Bafana
While the foreign teams are catching most attention, locals are quietly hoping for an upset.
“ We (Bafana Bafana)have to start strong. I am sure we are going to send a signal to the world that South Africa is ready to host and beat the rest,†said Lenka Joseph, an optimistic fan.
in South Africa
IS South Africa ready to host the World Cup? The answer you get as soon as you get off the aeroplane in Johannesburg is a BIG YES!
The Oliver Tambo airport is all plastered with pictures representing different African players that will grace the tournament. Everyone, from passengers to locals, street sweepers to taxi operators look set to cash in, or enjoy the world’s greatest soccer show.
The South African flag, FIFA logo and World Cup mascot, Zakumi, are the most visible items in the airport and all over the streets.
Little sleep
An excited Nzitunga Gerald, a driver of Burundian origin, finds it hard to explain his expectations. “We are all waiting for kick-off. It’s very difficult to get sleep because of the world cup,†he said.
The arrival of Brazil and Argentina has only made the atmosphere more electric.
“I saw Dunga, Kleberson, Maicon, Maradona, Messi and so many other guys. I just couldn’t believe my eyes,†added Grace Zwane, another fan.
Bafana Bafana
While the foreign teams are catching most attention, locals are quietly hoping for an upset.
“ We (Bafana Bafana)have to start strong. I am sure we are going to send a signal to the world that South Africa is ready to host and beat the rest,†said Lenka Joseph, an optimistic fan.