Welcome to Africa

There was a time when a black child was not able to play Football with a white one. Times have changed. The World Cup being staged in South Africa is seen as nothing short of a miracle by its people. That’s the message has stood alone among the natives we have spoken to during the first couple of days on tour.

Settling into Bedfordview, an upmarket suburb of Johannesburg has been relatively easy. Any negative pre conceived thoughts have been quickly dismissed. The suburb is literally the “Toorak” of Jo’burg and is safe to wander, shop and eat at. The boys have already found their ‘local’ in terms of pub and eatery.

I have been kept fairly busy as part of the GGArmy on tour staff. The first few days are obviously pretty hectic as we have checked in all tour participants. Once we’re over that then we can start to enjoy the tour a little more. Sleep depravation has been both forced and self inflicted over the last two nights. We hit a nightspot called DAO the day we arrived. The place was packed for a Wednesday night. Found myself at a urinal with two guys from the “Black Eyed Peas” but didn’t realise until I was at the washer and they were out the door, flanked by two 7ft Afrikaans.

The welcome briefings have been both very informative and eye opening. We had the High Commissioner for Australia speak about the dangers and the ‘do’s and don’ts’. Fairly straight forward but with fifty murders a day and various other criminal activities to be wary of; we must stay vigilant and look out for each other. As much as this country is known for its beauty and zest, its dark side still lingers. We had a school attend yesterday and the kids sang the national anthem in front of the gathered tour participants and staff. It was moving as much as it was symbolic.

I am bunkered with Aaron, Joey and our two local staff members, Matthews and Nathan. Both from Cape Town and the loveliest guys. We touched on the ‘Apartheid’ subject on our first night and it was an insightful discussion to say the least. I am sure we will have further discussions about South Africa and its history over the next three weeks. I want to really delve into the history of this country and hear the first hand stories of those willing to tell me.

A group of us attended the official FIFA Welcome concert last night at Orlando Pirates in Soweto, headlined by Black Eyed Peas, Shakira and Alicia Keys. Soweto, the most urban township in Johannesburg and famous for the Soweto uprising in 1976, is predominately a black population which existed under the Apartheid dictatorship. Driving through on the way to the concert, I was immediately struck by the horrendous living conditions and quality of housing. Literally, four sheets of core gated iron can house an entire family in what the locals call ‘match box houses’. The concert itself was rocking. The locals really love their music and there wasn’t one person in the stadium that wasn’t on their feet dancing away. Speakers included President Zuma and FIFA president Sepp Blatter. Franz Beckenbauer, Patrick Viera, and Archbishop Desmund Tutu.

Vuvuzela – Anyone who watched the Socceroos lead up games against Denmark and USA will be familiar with the Vuvuzela. They are also known, amongst Australians as those ‘annoying horns’. Locals are blowing them on the streets freely and while they demonstrate the vibe and party atmosphere, they become very tiresome to listen to. I purchased one and look forward to annoying you all with it when I return home. Word on the street is that FIFA may ban them from World Cup stadiums after tonight. I can’t imagine what it will be like at Soccer City with the majority of the 94,000 strong crowds blowing into a Vuvuzela. Deafening is the first thought that comes to mind. A non important thing that just came to mind…. Whites pronounce it VooVooZela, the coloured folk say Vu-VuSela.

It’s just great to be here and am still pinching myself. Today is the official start of the tournament and the country is buzzing. ‘Bafana Bafana’ (The Boys) will kick it off tonight at Soccer City when they play Mexico. I really hope that South Africa does well in this tournament. It’s always an exciting feeling being in the host nation when their team is playing well and progressing through the tournament.

Off to enjoy the party…. World Cup 2010 starts NOW!