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Cape Town - Twitter had a lot to say in the wee small hours of Saturday morning (Friday evening in Brazil), as the Rio Olympic Games was deemed officially open by Brazil’s acting president, Michel Temerin (who received audible boos) in a vibrant opening ceremony at Maracana Stadium.
READ: Rio 2016 opens with sparkling ceremony
All 207 nations took centre stage, as each team walked out accompanied to massive applause and South Africans could go to bed a little earlier than expected as 'Africa do Sul’ entered the stadium third.
Serena Williams’ new selfie mate, Wayde van Niekerk waved South Africa’s flag high, followed by medal prospects Caster Semenya, Chad le Clos and even golfing legend (and coach) Gary Player. It was a really proud high rising moment.
However, South Africans watching at home (some slightly half asleep) couldn’t stop tweeting about one thing - Team South Africa’s attire:
So disappointed in @teamsa16 parade outfit. Its not about the fashion but come on. Not the athletes fault. #teamSArise
— Martha Mphofu (@harajukugeisha) August 6, 2016
Cheap, nasty tracksuits for an opening ceremony is an irony of how Olympic sport is run in SA. Wait for SASCOC spin after the backlash!
— Graeme Joffe (@Joffersmyboy) August 6, 2016
So far #teamSA the only athletes to enter the stadium in track suits! Really? Come on #SASCOC !!
— Natasha J (@ToerelsJ) August 6, 2016
@SASCOC U guys sent our athletes in those horrible tracksuits. We have so many designers who would given us brilliant outfits @robertmarawa
— Brian Mncube (@brianmncube) August 6, 2016
@NazliHamilton @robertmarawa @sascoc lets keep trying till we get it. You can't showcase you country in #tracksuits #Rio2016
— Brian Mncube (@brianmncube) August 6, 2016
Despite South Africa’s informal wardrobe, some of our athletes couldn’t contain their excitement tweeting inside the Maracana Stadium:
Fulfilling a lifelong dream tonight walking into the stadium with the world's best athletes behind the ????. @Olympics let the games begin!!
— Gary Player (@garyplayer) August 5, 2016
— Calvyn Justus (@CalvynJustus) August 6, 2016
#Rio2016 #Olympics #teamSArise #DreamComeTrue #openingceremony pic.twitter.com/DspOOyK5a2
— Werner Kok (@wernerkok1) August 5, 2016
About to walk out! LETS GO #RSA
— Calvyn Justus (@CalvynJustus) August 5, 2016
Dream come true being here!Such an honor representing South Africa #teamSArise #Rio2016 #olympics #RSA pic.twitter.com/sXcz1S8kW2
— Werner Kok (@wernerkok1) August 5, 2016
So excited to see @WaydeDreamer walk out with our flag. There is something special in the air tonight! #OlympicGames
— Snap: CamvdBreast (@Cameronvdburgh) August 5, 2016
Opening ceremony squad @WaydeDreamer @AkaniSimbine @RDSamaai pic.twitter.com/IPeOh6m4gr
— Henricho (@KINGBRUINTJIES) August 5, 2016
Tonight was surreal! Being a part of the 2016 Olympic ceremony, walking out with my country & watching the Olympic torch be lit was AMAZING!
— DOM • SCOTT-EFURD (@domscottrunSA) August 6, 2016
WATCH BELOW: South African swimmer Bradley Tandy gave SA supporters a sneak peak at what happened prior to the team taking the Rio stage. This will make you smile:
Proudly South African! Video before walking out at the #Olympic #OpeningCeremony ???? pic.twitter.com/khqn079w1W
— Bradley Tandy (@bradtandy02) August 6, 2016
