Share

Bloem soccer fans brave cold

Bloemfontein - Hundreds of people gathered at the Mangaung Fan Fest Park in Bloemfontein on Friday in anticipation of the FIFA Soccer World Cup 2010 opening game between Bafana Bafana and Mexico.

While open air festivities in Bloemfontein were mostly rained out on Thursday night, residents in Bafana Bafana attire were out on the streets in full force on Friday morning.

At shopping malls in the city, groups of people blew vuvuzelas and shouted "Ke Nako" (It's time) while waiting for customers.

Waiting at the Fan Fest Park was Betty Vorster, aged 58, and a group of her elderly friends, clad in warm South African flag blankets, yellow track suits and woollen caps.

"We are very pleased to be here," she said.

Joyce Magasane, a very lively 92-year-old, said Bafana Bafana were the favourites for the opening game.

"The final score would be 2-1 for Bafana Bafana," said Rebecca Tau, aged 73.

Vorster suddenly jumped up and started dancing to the music.

Hard to predict

Two medics standing nearby hoped Bafana Bafana would make them proud in the opening game.

"But it's hard to predict," one said.

Moving away, a dancing Vorster shouted: "Thank you. We love you."

Kgoitsimang Mereko, aged 14, and his two friends were dance-walking to the stage area at the Fan Fest Park's gates to get a good spot.

"Bafana Bafana four, Mexico two. Happy, happy," they predicted.

Keneilwe Molehe, aged 42, brought her whole family to the park all dressed in their own South African flag blankets, yellow jackets and yellow woollen caps.

Tumelano, aged 2, Kgalagano, aged 6, were too shy to forecast the outcome, but their mother was sure it would be a Bafana Bafana victory 1-0.

Asleigh Sehong, aged 41, was more direct in his predictions. "We will slaughter them. We will not play with them, we will slaughter them. They owe us."

Sehong's two friends were in no doubt about the outcome of the 2010 opening game. "Bafana Bafana 2-1."
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2248 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE