SSR Vol5 FIFA- WC-SA

SSR Magazine

Bafana Goal Celebration

T he Bafana Bafana parade was non-stop action and any visitor who arrived with concerns were comforted after watching black and white South Africans together in the streets Aas one in support of their Bafana team. Workers left their Office buildings and lined the streets to blow their Vuvuzelas. Schools were dismissed early as young and old enjoyed the carnival-like atmosphere. The Bafana team showed their appreciation and waved to the fans from an open-top bus, while passing cars tooted their horns, in recognition of the festivities and the Bafana Bafana team. The action moved to the concert in Soweto the next day (Thursday June 10). Some of the dignitaries were Archbishop Desmond Tutu, president Jacob Zuma, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Mexican president Felipe Calderon, Prince Albert of Monaco and United States Vice President Joe Biden. There were performances by Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys, along with African stars Amadou & Mariam and Hugh Masekela. The highlight of the concert was the featured performance by Colombian singer Shakira and South African band Freshly. Together they launched the World Cup theme song "Waka-Waka” (This time for Africa). Indeed it was time, as the 2010 World Cup was about to kick off the next day in the African continent. The Bafana parade changed some of the negativity towards the host, but somehow it brought the focus on the use of the Vuvuzela trumpets. So much so that a petition was forwarded to FIFA to ban the use of the Vuvuzela at the stadiums. FIFA rejected the notion and maintained its support of the host nation. Even FIFA President believed the hype and gave a vote of confidence on behalf of the host which enabled South Africa to deliver a successful tournament. News report showed thousands of Bafana fans poured onto the streets around the country to answer a call on the radio to blow their Vuvuzelas at lunchtime on the day of the parade.

"Everywhere, one can feel, I hope, that this World Cup is very special, the first on African soil," Blatter said. "We find ourselves in a position of indescribable anticipation.

The Bafana parade proved to be what the doctor ordered for the tournament as it sent South Africans into a World Cup frenzy. So much so that FIFA announced that 97% of the 3.1 million tickets had been sold.

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