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Bloemfontein – Jubilant Cameroon and Japan fans have started arriving at the Free State stadium in Bloemfontein for the two countries' first 2010 World Cup match on Monday afternoon.

It was mostly Cameroonian supporters in red, yellow and green that started trickling into the stadium precinct early, eating breakfast, relaxing to music and waiting for the match to start at 16:00.

“It's going to be fast and tight,” Ngassa Pius said while on his way to get something to eat at a nearby mall. He predicted a final score of 2-1 for Cameroon.

Charlin Tamhouo, an African Art dealer, came from Cape Town to support his home country.

Tough game

“It’s going to be a tough game, not easy. Fast and quick. African football is slow and physical,” Tamhouo volunteered, also hoping for a 2-1 victory.

“If we allow them their game anything can happen.”

Outside the stadium gates Masa Mori, from Nagaya in Japan, and a friend were all smiles, hand signs and broken English as they attempted to communicate with a group of Cameroonian supporters. They took photos with their rivals with the stadium in the background.

“Tough game, hope for Japan 1-0,” he said.

At the next gate Ryu Yongjeon and Ahn Hongmin, from South Korea, were also busy swapping cameras and taking photos with another group from Cameroon.

Blaring vuvuzelas

Yongjeon thought Japan would win 1-0, but Hongmin believed Cameroon would take it 2-0.

By 13:00, more groups of Cameroonian supporters arrived at the stadium. The blaring of vuvuzelas could be heard at short intervals around the arena.

At the Mangaung Fan Fest Park in Rocklands, a large number of children were waiting at the gates. When they were allowed in they split into three groups as they ran for the activity areas.

Outside the park, Albert Mothale, dressed in a thick jacket and jackal skin hat, said he was proudly African and supported Cameroon.

Getting some sun

Sitting on the sidewalk, Paulus Seekoei, 70, and Simon Makgetla were “getting some sun”. The self-proclaimed soccer experts said Japan could be very technical and “they can run”. However, they were sure Cameroon would pull off a 2-1 win.

Free State police spokesperson Colonel Motantsi Makhele urged supporters coming to the stadium to adhere to the rules and regulations to ensure the game ran smoothly.

“It is important to note that people carrying prohibited objects will not be granted access to the stadium.”

Motorists were urged to use the park-and-rides as arranged because no car would be allowed near the stadium.