SSR Vol5 FIFA- WC-SA

Photo by Jean Dugas

SSR Magazine

“Believe the Hype” On exiting South Africa OR Tambo International Airport, there was a gathering of South African fans, who deferred any plans that the Mexican supporters may have had of celebrating their World Cup arrival. So much so, that before all the Mexican fans could gather their luggage and clear customs, the South Africa fans were already running around in circles and blowing their Vuvuzela trumpets. Their teams were to meet in the World Cup opener and if first impressions count for anything, neither group was determined to give an inch even from a supporter standpoint. To add to the pandemonium, there was a parade planned for the South African team internationally known as Bafana Bafana that afternoon and their were traffic jams which created havoc for anyone wishing a speedy passage to their destination. The highways and local roads were lined with posters and banners of the World Cup and Bafana Bafana. However, this did not intimidate the seasoned Mexican supporters who were seeking any form of visibility.

Mexican supporters were amongst the best at World Cup South Africa. I was impressed with the manner in which they mixed and mingled while the supporters of the other participating teams were just willing to display their costumes and national colors for requested pictures and move on.

I recalled being amazed at the number of Mexican fans at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, but those numbers were dwarfed in comparison to Mexican presence at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and a Mexico - Bafana Bafana was the ideal opener for the tournament. Leading up to the official opening at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg the supporters of both teams created the Best Hype.

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