Retha Grobbelaar

Johannesburg – The blue vuvuzelas of Bulls supporters at the Super 14 final in Soweto ensured that the African trumpet would have a place at World Cup 2010.

Danny Jordaan, chief executive of the local organising committee, said in Sandton on Tuesday that the vuvuzela would be Bafana Bafana’s Player 12 at the World Cup.

Last week Jordaan complained about the noise levels at stadiums and said people should not make a noise when the national anthems are sung.

“The Bulls did not just come in their blue jerseys, but also with blue vuvuzelas. Soweto’s heart and blood is blue. Vuvuzelas will be part of this World Cup,” said Jordaan.

He said that the vuvuzela is now an international instrument.

“I got a phone call from a friend in Germany who told me he had spent €10 (about R94,30) at a chemist and got a vuvuzela for free. The vuvuzela has hit Europe,” said Jordaan.

He added that foreigners were in for a special experience.

“When South Africans celebrate sport it’s an emotional experience. The stadiums are masterpieces, but for fans the experience they have with South Africans will be special,” said Jordaan.

FIFA secretary-general Jérôme Valcke did not want to reveal anything about the opening ceremony on June 11.

“I saw a dress rehearsal and it will be nice.”

Valcke said that there had been a meeting about the opening game on Monday.

“It’s a nightmare. There are very important people, very very important people, and ordinary people that think they are important.”

Valcke said that gates were likely to open at Soccer City by 10:00. The opening ceremony will start at 14:00 and the match at 16:00.

“We have to start the World Cup with a full stadium. It will be sad if the stadium only fills once Bafana have scored two goals,” he said.