the other football

Port Elizabeth Lady for Uruguay

I ran into my first touts in Port Elizabeth, all working for a Canadian character.  The touts had been working on the assumption South Africa could have been involved.  They were also pushing tickets for the Uruguay v Ghana match on July 2nd, a fixture that had seemed likely to involve England, hence their glut of supply. 

The touts were being were undercut by Mexicans (who had also planned too far ahead) and others who were practically giving tickets away.  I met a Uruguayan who had a spare.  We donated the ticket to folks from a nearby block of flats who had been enthusiastically for Uruguay.  I hope the lady managed to go or at least got something for the ticket.

The atmosphere surrounding the Mandela Stadium was weak.  This was a shame, because the community could easily have been more integrated into the occasion.  Some of the small shops, places to eat were closed or were inaccessible because of the fences all designed to funnel fans into the stadium.  I managed to navigate my way around the cordon to find a knock out Chicken Bunny Chow in side street cafe.  It was a shame few other guests of the city were able to share such a tasty pre match meal or talk football with folks on the steps of their homes.

Just Another Day at the Beach

There are no footballs in this post.  And not a Brazilian fan in sight.  It's just another day at the beach in Durban.

Not Brazilian for a Day

This colourful character suggested Durban folks were only Brazilian for the day.  I suspect he underestimated the power of Brand Brazil.  Still, it was great to meet a supporter who hasn't bought into the Brazil thing swirling around South Africa at the moment.

Beaches for Brazil

North Beaches.  South Beaches.  All the beaches in Durban were for Brazil.

But why?  What is about Brand Brazil South Africans find so attractive?  Mum was refreshing.  She was reluctant to be Brazil for a day (although when pressed she came close to expressing a little love for Argentina).

Lifeguards for Brazil

Brazil.  Brazil.  Brazil.  Everyone loves Brazil on the beaches of Durban.  What is it about Brand Brazil?  Why do so many South Africans support Brazil?

Who is the Man on the Beach Cheering for?

No Uruguay fixtures in Durban, but some Uruguayans could not resist the chance to take a dip in the Indian Ocean en route to Port Elizabeth.  The locals had not caught up with Uruguay yet, accusing them of being Argentines or Paraguayans. 

With Bafana out, I was curious to hear if folks in Durban (often accused of being the Rio de Janerio of South Africa) were inclined to cheer for any other team.  The responses were overwhelmingly predictable.  Here's the view from the man on the beach.

Gizza Song Supporter Series - Portugal

Another installment from our OTHER FOOTBALL Gizza Opinion, Gizza Song Supporter Series. 

I am asking supporters in South Africa to tell us about their team, how they think their team will do, and to share their song or chant with the world.

Each supporter(s) has a minute.  Portugal came with a duet, but failed to break into song.  It was all about the horn.

Jorge's Uruguayan Football History Lecture Series II

Jorge continues with the Uruguayan football history.  What else is there to talk about on the road to Pretoria?  Here Jorge tells us about the Andrade family and their contribution to Uruguayan World Cup success in 1930 and 1950.

Jorge's Uruguayan Football History Lecture Series I

I hitched a ride with Jorge and Graciela from Rustenburg.  Jorge was in rare form delivering lectures on Uruguayan football history.  Here Jorge discusses contribution of the late, great Isabelino Gradin.

Coming Soon

Jorge the Uruguayan football historian.  The view from the beaches, streets and wickets of Durban.  Who South African's support now?  And an appearance on The Guardian's World Cup Daily Podcast: An interview with Jimbo Richardson while navigating my way through last call in a Transkei Wimpy Bar.

Zimbabweans Looking Forward

Meeet Moses and Isaac in Kimberley (not Pretoria as I said on the tape).  They suggest politics makes football difficult, but have been pleased with the recent performances of their Warriors. They are looking forward to the next World Cup in Brazil.

Gizza Tune Supporter Series - Japan

More from our OTHER FOOTBALL Gizza Opinion, Gizza Song Supporter Series. 

I am asking supporters in South Africa to tell us about their team, how they think their team will do, and to share their song or chant with the world.

Each supporter has a minute.  Japan, show us how you do it. 

It's all about Honda for our Japanese supporter, but all he really wants to do is play a tune.

Pato Scores, Pato Dances

Pato's goal prompted a few arrogant and angry Mexican supporters to hurl bottles of Budweiser at the Uruguayan contingent.  This unreported old school football aggravation carried on for about 5 minutes into the half time interval.

It came to an end when the other "Pato" (dancing to the Tambor below) was forced to take off his "Pato" head and join the Uruguayan massive with rearguard vocal quacks of support as a bare chested Peñarol posse gave the Mexican morons an off the field football slap down. 

Much credit here also to the Elders from Mexico who confronted their own fools and forced them to watch match from some other vantage point during the second half.

Cameras had a assist here also.  No one wants to be YouTube hooligan and it's hard to throw a punch when you have a camera in hand. 

PS. 20,000 Argentines versus 20,000 Mexicans at Soccer City next Sunday.  Waka Waka time?  More like Makarapa time!

Uruguayans Clmb the Rafters in Rustenburg

Uruguay March On

Uruguayans held another post match celebration, this time at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.

Tinashe for Uruguay

While waiting for the midnight bus to Pretoria, I popped into a local tavern. Tinashe hooked it up.  Steak, Castle Milk Stout, the usual.  I noticed he was rocking his Uruguayan key chain.  La Celeste had popped in a few days before. 

I will leave the keyboard to Tinashe to tell you how he feels.

"Considering the performance of the Uruguayan team I felt so enthused to place my hopes for the World Cup to the Uruguayan team. Above all being a team hosted or should i say residing in Kimberley, I scrutinised them and realised their determination in the World Cup.  This alone festered me to wholly support them all the way through..."

Dapper Galashawe Elder for Uruguay

Here's a short moment with a dapper elder at "Packs" last night.  He is representative of the local feeling for Uruguay.

(My apologies for the segment being shadowy, particularly when I tried to show the world his super spats. I have a limited equipment, so I do the best I can with what I have.) 

The elders tend to come correct when quaffing at "Packs".  I trust you can sense the style of the man. 

Brazil or Ivory Coast?

I will spare you the interviews with bold pronouncements of an Ivorian victory. 

The lady in the back kitchen who came through with the TBone and the roll had no doubts about the outcome.  With Sven stinking up the joint how could it have been anything but a Brazilian victory?

T Bone and a Roll

The pre-match meal at Packs in Galashawe, Kimberley.

Packs in Galashawe

I dug a little deeper in Kimberley last night and found "Packs" in the Galashawe neighbourhood.  "Packs" is a "I'm Good, if You're Good" kinda place.  It promised to be the perfect local spot to watch Brazil v Cote d'Ivoire on a cold night in deep central South Africa.

The regulars were feeling the Ivorians, though a few wise souls were stuck on Brazil.  Uruguay flags were all up in the house.  All the folks I spoke with are behind their adopted sons.

"Packs" proved to be perfect football viewing because 60s Soul took precedence over inane match commentary.  I watched the whole match without hearing a word about the Premier League or the Champions League or Manchester United.

Occasionally the ladies stood up danced, with some making the expedition up on to their tables.  Brothers had a hard time keeping their eyes on the game!

Gizza Song Supporter Series - Slovenia

More from our OTHER FOOTBALL Gizza Opinion, Gizza Song Supporter Series. 

I am asking supporters in South Africa to tell us about their team, how they think their team will do, and to share their song or chant with the world.

Each supporter(s) has a minute.  Slovenia, your turn. 

Our three Slovenes all concur.  It's all about team spirit.  They also reckon J.P. Morgan may have got his calculations wrong.

Turn it up full blast!

Uruguay's Team Spirit

Hendrik guards the Uruguay team bus while they train.  He was disappointed by Bafana's recent performance, but has been impressed by Uruguay's team spirit.

Uruguay are in Good Hands

Beatrice is responsible for shielding Uruguay from inquisitive bloggers.

Keeping the Grass Green for Celeste

This is man responsible for ensuring Uruguay have green grass in the City of the Big Hole.  (I had conducted a great interview with Milton, a member of the ground staff earlier, but the blowing gale ruined the sound.  Sorry Milton.)

Afrikaner Kids está Presente

I had a little kick around with these Afrikaner kids.  They were trying to peek through the fences to see the Uruguayans training.  They like their football.  Not a Rugby ball in sight. I think I witnessed progress.  They were not so enthusiastic about Bafana, now their chances are slim.  Everyone loves a winner.  Like many folks in Kimberley, they are behind Uruguay now.