National News
SWC runaways flood Moz
2010-06-12 22:14
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Maputo - While some embrace the World Cup craze, other South Africans escaped the crowds on holiday to neighbouring Mozambique.
"We have quite a lot of South Africans coming up who aren't interested in watching the World Cup," said tour operator David Kimber.
"It's unusual."
People are looking to get away in the five weeks of school holiday."
Bookings at holiday resorts were up compared to the same time last year, said Kimber.
Ryno Combrink from KwaZulu-Natal brought his wife and two sons on holiday to the central province of Inhambane, because he was "not really interested" in the FIFA World Cup, he said.
"I will watch certain games on television. I just hope Bafana does well after South Africa spent so much money on them."
Getting into it
Marketing student Stephan Ferreira from Pretoria will spend a week in the country with friends, but said they would also watch some games on TV.
However, other initial runaways were becoming excited about the tournament, Kimber said.
"Everyone's getting quite into it. You've got rugby players watching soccer and getting into the squad and I think it's great.
"Some bridges are getting crossed that otherwise wouldn't normally."
Holidaymakers Johan and Angie Roos were sorry to miss the event.
"Last year we were a bit devious about the World Cup," said Angie, on holiday with her husband and daughter Mia.
"That's why we booked a holiday here. Now it's quite sad."
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