the other football

Luis "Pato" Suarez Makes Your Dreams Come Through

It was like Disneyland last night for South African football supporters.

Luis "Pato" Suarez was on hand to make their dreams come through.  (But how will they will feel if "Pato" scores the winner against Bafana?  Roast Pato con Samp, for favor?

Crib Side Viewing in Bo-Kaap

Bo-Kaap is a glorious community on the slopes of Signal Hill.  It is famous for it's pastel houses and Malay residents.  You can see pictures of the historic colourful houses in every guide book.  But Bo-Kaap also has it's late 60s - early 70s architecture.  It is this mash of narrow streets abutting tenement abodes that give Bo-Kaap the most inner-city England feel you will find in Cape Town or perhaps anywhere in Africa. 

The cornershops.  The kids playing ball on the street.  It's all here.  You could easily be in Blackburn, where it not for the spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the home cooking.  No disrespect to Blackburn's "Holes" or it's "Hot Pot", but you won't find a better feed than a Biryani in Bo-Kaap.

I met Reda for the first time minutes before I interviewed him.  He invited me the watch the Slovenia v Algeria match at the home of his mother.  There is much talk about the clash of football codes in South Africa.  The Bishops Boys I met showed me there were also Waterpolo dimensions.  Here in Bo-Kaap,'mischievous' members of Reda's family signaled their preferences by switching the football over to the WWE!  Like a left back arriving on the line, they messed up what would have been a glorious 'other football' movie.

The match was dire, as you all know.  The wrestling would have been a better option.  The highlight came during half time, where Reda's Mother fed me.

Half Time Malay Meal

This is for all you football foodies.  This was my half time feast.  Folks in Cape Town really know how to feed their football guests! 

Mum was a little camera shy, but her dishes did all the talking.

Ghosts of Bo-Kaap Football

There are no football teams of any description in Bo-Kaap.  But back in the day, Bo-Kaap was a hot bed of local football.  Rugby and Cricket dominate here now.  One way to judge the legacy of the World Cup will be on how the organized game returns or develops in neighbourhoods like Bo-Kaap.

Gizza Kick...Gizza Goalpost

There were plenty of kids having a kick around on the streets when I passed by Bo-Kaap.  The streets are great football schools, but boys and girls need a pitch to play on.

I saw the perfect football field, just below the Malay community on the lower slopes of Signal Hill.  Sadly, the goalposts were dead on the ground. 

Cape Town has done a terrific job constructing the Greenpoint stadium, bringing other local stadia such Philippi to standard.  I could not have asked for more welcoming hosts.  Folks "Feel It".  But Cape Town must not forget the places where the little people can play and take their game to a higher level.

The Cornershop Phophet

Who is going to win the game today?  For the answer you must make a pilgrimage to the Cornershop Phophet.  Here's Yassen prophesying a Ghana victory in their first game! 

But Yassen is only a part time Prophet and Shopkeeper.  He covers the Bawa Shop for his father, as dutiful a first born son as you will find.  His full time job is as a Cape Town Taxi Driver.  He loves his job as much as he loves his Bafana Bafana. 

Yassen is also a storyteller in the great Irish tradition, no surprise given his roots.  He shared some tales with me, including the one where he took Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger around the Cape Town Flats at night and the occasion when Selma Hayek insisted he join her for dinner.

Cape Town is rich place because of its communities, crates in cornershops and  compassionate characters like Hassen.  I will miss it.  I look forward to returning one day.

Where Hipsters Watch the World Cup

There had to be a place.  Hipsters don't do Burger Bars Full of Beer Drinking Big Bellied Germans, nor Ghetto gatherings.  Forget the Fan Fests too.  And sitting on a crate in a Cornershop is cool, but...  So where have Cape Town's Hipsters been congregating for their fix of football?

The answer can be found in on old warehouse in the Woodstock section of town.

Here I (and my three Nigerian accomplices) watched the USA vs England care of a crystal clear high definition projector, while sitting on a comfy couch, surrounded by saucy students. 

You have to hand to the Hipsters!  They got Adidas the sponsor the whole joint.  They will be showing every World Cup match here.  It's free to enter and there's lots to do.  It's cool being cool in Cape Town.  A big up to Ricky (the man behind the whole operation) for the impromptu tour of the facility!

Front Row Crate at the Bawa Corner Shop

This is the spot I watched most of Ghana v Serbia match yesterday.  The Bawa Shop.   Yassen laid down some cardboard and a cushion on an old Fanta crate, opened me a bottle of Stoney Ginger Beer (on the house, of course) and we talked about football and much more.  I interviewed Yassen, but he also had a few questions of his own.  (I will upload the exchange as soon I can, as well as many other interesting weekend interactions and vignettes, WIFI permitting.) 

I have a road trip to contend with now and some writing responsibilities for local and other media here, so apologies in advance for any interruption in service.  And if anyone from The Guardian is reading, expect a Uruguay preview ahead of "Youth Day" fixture in Pretoria.  I also hope to be with the Uruguay squad in the days after their Bafana fixture.

Gizza Song Supporter Series - Denmark

It's time for more of 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.  Denmark, why are you here?

Michael's view is similar to that I have heard from Australians  He's not confident.  Denmark has aging players.  Denmark has injuries.  Michael belongs to the silly hat fraternity of football supporters.  Trust me, I would not have approached him were he donning a jester hat.  Maybe he will find some serious African headgear or a Makarapa while here.

And what do the judges think of Denmark's tune?

"We Have to Beat Uruguay"

What the South African Sunday Papers are saying, "We Must Beat Uruguay." 

I am about to travel across South Africa to attend the match.  It promises to be emotional occasion, and not just because of the football.  The game kicks off on "Youth Day", a most significant South African National Holiday.  June 16th will mark the 34th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising.

Gizza Song Supporter Series - Australia

More 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.  Australia -- C'mon Aussue, c'mon, c'mon.

Ben is also kitted out in the proper attire -- a big, bright Australia T-Shirt and shades to hide the previous night's adventures.  Ben is under no illusions.  He reckons Australia will find it hard going getting out of the group, but he does have a song about beer.

Gizza Song Supporter Series - Algeria

Another dispatch from the 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.  Algeria, let's hear it.

Reda is kitted out in the proper attire.  He is joined by two compatriots on background clapping.  No noisy plastic Chinese imports here.  Reda is coming at you with his Karkabou.  Southern Algeria, yo.  "Sahara" in the House!

The Voice of Fortune

The Morning After in Cape Town.  Bafana gave folks something to scream about.  Here's Fortune to tell us what he thinks.

Fortune is surviving as a Cape Town Car Guard.  A thankless gig.  If you are renting a car to follow your team, don't forget to give a good tip to your Car Guard.  I ran into Fortune many hours later in the dead of night.  He was waiting for a couple of drivers.  Fortune had much to say about how different folks treat him.  One can also learn much from your Car Guard.  Fortune is a representative figure, one who deserves more fortune.

Yesterday's Street Flavour

Here's a flavour of the streets in Cape Town before the match yesterday.  (I am sure folks have been saturated with similar such coverage.  There is probably nothing I can add of such energy that probably hasn't already been captured and disseminated already.)  But in case you missed it, here's a little reminder of the pre match routine of Bafana Bafana supporters yesterday.

And check out the Sister hedging her bets rocking it down the street in her Espana shirt.

Las Vaqueras Inglés

Cape Town Ladies Looking for a Horse.  Ride 'em Cowboy!  Yeehaw!

I am not sure why these two local ladies choose to express their English affinities and affections by dressing up as the Waco Sisters in Cape Town tonight.  Perhaps it had something to do with their American opponents.  There are probably some things you are better off not understanding.  Nevertheless, there is an interesting story to tell about Cape Town folk and their loyalties.  I will try to break that down for y'all before too long. 

Nigerians March to the Match

Nigerians march to the match in Cape Town.  Maradona awaits them on the Big Screen.  I'm right behind them.

Gizza Song Supporter Series - South Korea

More from the 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.  South Korea, you're up.  Here's four lads from South Korea who look ready to shake up the world. 

This series has been put together to remind us of the virtues of football songs and chants. The South Korean contestants are the first to adapt and include the Vuvuzela in the routine!

The Pre World Cup Bevy

It was my aim to dispatch a report from some bar full of Uruguayans before the match in Cape Town yesterday.  But in age old football supporter tradition, I was late.

South Africa is a serendipitous place.  And proper South African football supporters tend to be late too.  Before I could figure out my next move, my name was being called.  It was Shirley out on the wing (across some Dutch named street I could not pronounce), waving at me, asking for the pass, and gesticulating toward the rest of the girls in the box.  Shirley was going to whip one in.  "We are to going to help Bafana score a goal", she said.  Yebo, Ladies!  (*Shirley and Co. have been my regular healthy lunch spot hosts in Cape Town.  It was only proper that I be in their company during their afternoon off.)

But first must come the pre match bevy.  The Banyana like their cider.  And I was honoured for it to be my shout.  Shirley claimed to know just about every manager and cashier in the corner Spar.  We jumped the queue.  Eventually a large lady in a tracksuit, a sort of South African Fatty Foulkes, stepped in to ensure democracy at the entrance to the Spar.  I won't share what Shirley had to be say about her.  It was X rated football language.

Three six packs of Savanna Dry South African hard cider and one six pack of some sweet girlie get-pissed-quick beverage were eventually procured and we set off to find a place to drink.  That the game was minutes away seemed irrelevant.  Typical football supporters, these ladies.  It was like being upstairs in The Salisbury pub at the back of the Kop, Anfield, 10 minutes before kick off, where the focus is on the next round of ale, rather than the match. 

I had trouble opening my cider, but behind Shirley's beautiful smile was a bottle opener.

Eventually we found our spec, about 11 minutes after kick off.  Another classic football supporter tradition.  I could only see about 45% of a television screen, while standing on a chair outside some random restaurant. 

I was getting my cider opened when Tshabalala scored the opener, but I didn't care.  I didn't need to see it, I could "feel it".

Props to Shirley and Co.  I doff my Makarapa to them!

All the Colours of the Rainbow

All the colours of the Rainbow were out supporting Bafana Bafana in Cape Town today.

Gizza Song Supporter Series - Mexico

More from the 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.  Now, it's Mexico turn.  Here's Gerardo y Alejandro. I caught them having their photograph taken with a giant Celeste duck last night -- a Uruguayan supporter dressed up as Luis "Pato" Suarez.  It was a true Disneyland moment.

The two lads were drinking hard in Cape Town last night before their morning flight to Jozi.  They think they're going to beat Bafana Bafana today.

Uruguayans Drown out Vuvuzelas

Uruguayan supporters manifesting on the roof of a Cape Town nightspot. Scores of Uruguayans in the street below sang "Soy Celeste", easily drowning up the Vuvuzelas.

Gizza Song Supporter Series - Holland

Welcome to the 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.  Next up, Holland.  Here's Yentl, Veerle and Leonie.  I caught them moments before they tackled some Cape Town Sushi -- always good to see supporters doing their research on Group opponents. 

The ladies were supremely confident of Holland winning the World Cup.  For Leonie it was all about the attack.  Poor Veerle got a little stage fright.  And Yentl showed herself to be a prodigious historian.   

Dank u, dames. Je bent mooi. Het was heel vriendelijk van u een minuut van je tijd met mij te delen.

Uruguay's Opening Gambit

The wires are reporting Oscar "El Maestro" Tabarez has already named his Uruguay team for the opening match against France on Friday.  This is a classic opening gambit designed to take advantage of current French insecurities.

The French don't know what they are doing in South Africa.  "El Maestro" has just signaled the Uruguayans do. 

"The system we have chosen can adapt to the different things we could face against France," said "El Maestro".

Mauricio Victorino who plays for Universidad de Chile and midfielder Egidio Arevalo Rios (pictured above) who enforces the midfield for Penarol in Montevideo, are solid squad players, but not stars.  So what is behind El Maestro's opening gambit? What is he really saying by including Victorino and Rios?  What is he really up to?

The reflex among some Uruguayan commentators and bloggers is to express disbelief and sigh.  But El Maestro is thinking deep here, which is what he has to do if Uruguay are going to go deep into the tournament and win the World Cup.

Uruguay do not need stars to beat France is also the message here. 

Uruguay carry a poor discipline reputation and must be cautious in their opening fixture.  The referees need to be sized up.  What would be the point of introducing the likes of Victorino and Rios in the knock out stages, as replacements for better players.  The World Cup is about the making best use of your squad.  El Maestro is already doing just that.

Napoli's Walter Gargano will surely return to the team ahead of Rios when games are on the line and the calibre of opposition is higher.  Gargano is capable of both kicking shins (as Forlan found out in training a few days ago) and unleashing belters from outside the box.  Just Ask James Richardson.

Gizza Song Supporter Series - Chile

Welcome to the 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.  First up, Chile.  Here's Rosendo.  Rosendo is cautious about Spain, but sees no problem with Honduras or Switzerland.  Gracias, Rosendo!

We're Gonna Beat Mexico

Translated from Xhosa this loosely translates into "We're Gonna Beat Mexico." Thanks to Super Fan Mum for Executive Production assistance.