Flag vendor (Fabrice Coffrini, AFP)

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Johannesburg - Hawkers seemed to be making a killing at Newtown's Mary Fitzgerald Square in Johannesburg on Friday afternoon where foreigners and South Africans gathered in their droves to celebrate the start of the Soccer World Cup.

South African John John Mantshonyane, who works for the government, said he knocked off at noon.

"It's very nice to be a South African because we are experiencing this event."

Many fans were blowing on vuvuzelas but one enthusiastic soccer supporter confessed: "I don't even know how to blow a vuvuzela. I'm just carrying one to fit in."

Vendors, who made up about a third of the crowd at the fan park in Mary Fitzgerald Square, were selling anything from beer and Hong Kong martial arts movies to herbal supplements and T-shirts with the faces of apartheid fighter Steve Biko and singer Bob Marley.

"We want to win this because we want to be uplifted," said vendor King David.

Other, less official hawkers, were walking amongst the crowd selling loose cigarettes for a staggering R3 a piece.

Charlene Darbalde, a French non-profit worker, said: "I like the people; they are very welcoming and warm. It is very different from Europe."

David Krees, from New York, added: "I'm amazed at how friendly and genuine people are."

"If this were in the States you would not be enjoying the same World Cup. It makes for a great environment for the World Cup - it is like everyone is involved."

South African Sifiso Mnisi said: "I cannot miss this event... this event comes once in a lifetime. My children and their children will not have the opportunity to experience this in Africa."

"As Africans we are hoping for some upset..."

"I know the doubting Thomas's didn't think we could do it... I lift my hat to Sepp Blatter and to (former presidents) Thabo Mbeki and Nelson Mandela to make this happen."