OPENING CEREMONY AND THE NATION CELEBRATES

Opening Ceremony.Goosebumps

SIMPLY AWESOME.
The emotion singing the national anthem  was the same when Kojor touched Amitabh Bachans feet in Kabee Kushee Kabee Gham. A special moment.
The Build Up, The partying with the fans and the Mexicans in Sandton.2010 IS HERE and to be a part of the opening ceremony was freakin fantastic.
To watch your country play the opening game of a World Cup Final..truely special.
The atmosphere was amazing. My first visit to Soccer City also fantastic.The Stadium or Calabash is a cauldron.You feel close to the pitch.
As  a footie fan The thought of being so involved in a World Cup is mnd blowing.
People can call me crazy or a lunatic or obsessive.One critic approached me and said.Why do you make such a big deal of this.Players are normal people.Its just soccer.
You know whats my response.
In the Words of Bill Shankley.
"Football is not about life and death.Its more than that"
This is the World Cup,The Pinnacle of every fan and I intend to make the best of it.This is what i have waited for.

After celebrating with the Mexicans and fans at Sandton Square and a good nights rest Mo arrived at my place Firday morning.The World Cup has begun.And the excitement was immense.I mean we waited for this moment for years.This was it. Killer arrived and we set off in our car to Soccer City.
As host nation the patriotism and support could be felt on the street as residents poured out of their homes on the way to Soccer City and cheered every step of the way. It was great to be a part of South Africa and clad in yellow

Fans on the streets cheer for South Africa.Vuvuzelas in full cry

As we arrived at Soccer City the splendour of this90000 seater that would house crazy south africans and a handfull of Mexicans made itself present. As a muslim salaat and prayer facilities were provided for near Soccer City.We prayed our Jumma and set off to the Stadium

Muslims engaged in Friday Prayer outside Soccer City

As we made our toward the stadium and the gates the buzz could be felt.Fans were everyewhere.The Mexicans were boiyant and so were we.

Mexicans before the game

Mexicans before the game

Bafana Fans Confident.These are the creators and passionate fans

Our seats

Our seats were awesome Category 2,Lower Level.And as the Opening Ceremony,Anthems and speeches concluded the reality struck that we were watching the Opening Ceremony of the FIFA 2010 World Cup. Thanks to Moe ofcourse who got me the ticket.If it wasnt for him I would have been at the FAN PARK
We all wanted a South African victory.A Nervy start by South Africa should have seen Mexico take the lead. But great passing, composure and a fantastic finish by Siphiwe Tshabalala drove the nation into a frenzy.Fans were partying in the streets I hear.
Where I was sitting Fans went freaking insane.
Then we went to sleep and Mokoena played the Mexicans onside and 1-1.Well hard Luck to Aaron I thought he made some vital tackles.
Mphela hit the post and it was not meant to be. Thats the way it goes.
We would have loved three points but we have to settle for one and now hop to beat Uraguay.
So The Next game is Big.1-1.And that Mexican Equaliser was crucial.It begun sewing our destiny.The wrong way ofcourse. After the Game the Mexicans were happy and we were happy.We all shared the Spoils and celebrated with the fans.

we shared the spoils with the Mexicans

Later we went to Sandton Square and Melrose Arch Fan Zone.Got a bit of the Uruguay vs France game and partied the night away with the Mexicans. And headed home.Rustenburg awaited on DAY 2.We needed some rest. But what a fantastic Day.And World Cup 2010 was now officially under way

Mexicans partying at Melrose Arch

Please share your experiences on the Day One.And If you have any fan pictures or stories to share from around the World please email : swoosh0018@gmail.com. I would love to publish them and grow this blog

OPENING CEREMONY OF FIFA WORLD CUP 2010


BAFANA BAFANA VS SOUTH AFRICA OPENING GAME


THE CELEBRATIONS AFTER THE GAME AT MELROSE ARCH FAN ZONE




SA NATIONAL ANTHEM


MEXICAN NATIONAL ANTHEM


During the game between BAFANA BAFANA and Mexico and having partied with the Mexican fans all week I couldnt help but take a video of the Mexicans chant...It goes............WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAHHHHHHHHHH
POOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTOH

I had to take a video of this chant. The Mexicans are awesome fans



SA VS MEXICO AT DURBAN FAN PARK NORTH BEACH
Swoosh0018's Durban man Zak Loonat with the footage.Zak Loonat my cousin stays in Durban and Well he captured the Opening day in pictures at the Durban Fan Park

Zak and crew at Durba Fan Fest

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SA VS MEXICO AT DURBANS NORTH BEACH FAN PARK

BAFANA BAFANA OPEN THIER HEARTS

SWOOSHING FOR A DREAM

Well Firstly Thank you to Banjo Cassim for making young Tabo Chibafa's night memorable and arranging for the Swoosh0018 Charity Foundation to give Tabo the opportunity to meet the Bafana Bafana Players and spend some quality time with them. A special Thank you to all the players especially Lace Davids,Benni McCarthy and Matthew Booth who took Tabo close to their hearts. They were so moved by his spirit and presence that they took him up to their rooms,took loads of pictures with them.He met his favourite players and all the players signed on his jersey that was presented to him by Banjo Cassim.

Myself & Moe presenting Tabo with a Jabulani

One player even signed "You make all our hard work worth it"The Swoosh0018 Charity Foundation presented Tabo with a Jabulani ball to get signed

The Swoosh0018 Charity Foundation presented Tabo with a Jabulani ball to get signed and The Caring Womens Forum presented Tabo with a World Cup hamper and flags.

Thank you to all involved and thank you to Lisa Savage for presenting us with this opportunity to Swoosh Tabos dream. Thanks to the Bafana Bafana Players and coaching stuff and especially a sincere Thank you to Banjo & Moe Cassim.

Tabo you really touched the heart of the team and nation that we will be supporting in 2010

Tabo with Benni Mcarthy & Munieb Josephs

Finally I leave you with words that inspire me everyday....It was said by three year old Ryan Savage during his fight against Cancer.


"U have stolen a precious part of me Yet you ll never claim the heart of me u cant touch the flame that burns in me The spirit that lives for eternity I give u credit U have awakened a pow...er in me That is unstoppable A thirst in me That unquenchable - a hunger in me That won't be denied I tell u boldly that u have met your match I will not give in ,I will not give up u had better ready yourself For the fight of Ur life

(A message to Cancer from 3 year old Ryan Savage



BAFANA BAFANA OPEN THEIR HEARTS


SADLY TABO PASSED AWAYS IN JULY
Our Condolences go toward the Chibafa Family
RIP Tabo

SADAM-INVENTOR OF THE VUVUZELA

Sadam

Swoosh0018 caught up with SADAM on the street Parade. The man that founded the Vuvuzela.
What a thing we caught up with him during the street Parade



On you Tube many people are Slamming the Vuvuzela.For me personally after one match I couldnt take it.I know many people say its the Sound of Africa and the thing is I felt it became like a disturbed Hornets Nest.
World Cup is about culture and with the Vuvuzela all the singing and chanting done by fans were drowned out.I was really disappointed by this. And so even though I am South African I am not a fan of the Vuvuzela.
What are your comments?

UNITED WE STAND-BAFANA BAFANA STREET PARADE & PARTY IN SANDTON SQUARE

Arial view of Sandton during the parade

The United We Stand campaign was a joint initiative between Primedia Broadcasting, Southern Sun and Supersport. Thousands, and i literally mean Thousands took to the streets all over the county to show there support for Bafana Bafana! It was an awesome experience, Myself, Killa and Moe Banjo got in the thick of things and made our way into Grayston Hotel and met the players before they boarded the bus! It was mesmerizing to see the support! At the hotel we met loads of fans and Celebs as you can see in the gallery below. But Amazing..We felt it and 2010 has arrived.The dream has become a reality.South Africa and particularly Sadton was buzzing.I didnt want this day to end and we just enjoyed the Parade.

Arial view of Bafana Bafana Bus

Meeting the Celebs.Here we met Danny K

Sadam Inventor of the Vuvuzela

We met and interviewed Sadam,The man who invented the Vuvuzela.More on him later.But wasgood to see what the man had to say considering the Vuvuzela will be remembered in 2010 as South Africas Sound or a total menace

ITS HERE, CAN YOU FEEL IT?

After we got out of the Bafana Hotel and mingled with some Celebs we were off on the streets. It was nothing but spectecular and great to be part of. Then we went to Sandton Square and it was off the Hook.I have never in seen Sandton Square this busy.

The Mexican Fans were unreal. The Buzz was what we waited for and mingling with the fans was sensational.The Mexicans were singing and chanting and so were the Bafana Bafana Fans and it was freakin Awesome.

Party at Sandton Square

As the night wore on Sandton Square was off the Hook

And we mingled with the FANS and awesome fun with the Mexicans

STREET PARADE IN PICTURES



THE STREET PARADE IN VIDEO



PARTY AT SANDTON SQUARE

GERMANY & DUTCH OPEN TRAINING 2010 WORLD CUP

Killa waited for this day.

Thanks to some good friends we managed to score tickets for the Open Training Sessions before the World Cup.The teams were arriving,the atmosphere and anticipation building and as a South African we could say now that 2010 is finally Here.The excitement for me was unbearable.So we managed to watch the Dutch and German training sessions....and for Killa pictured above this was a dream come true...you can see why above

Dutch Training. Awesome experience to watch both Germany and Holland.

The Dutch Open training session was a bit of a dissapointment.We were all excited to see the Big names but were told at the last minute that the session has been closed.So we found a hill near the training ground andwatched from afar. Nevertherless seeing the Big names enjoy and pace themselves was a great experience for me as a football fan.It was lighthearted and then myself Mo and Killa drove to Laudiums Atteridgeville Stadium where the Germans were conducting and Open training Session....The fun was about to start.

Killa with the German Ambassador to South Africa

As we got to the stadium we saw hordes of Germans drapedin the German colors entering the stadium. Fantastic.Then we walked around the stadium to the point where the team bus was due to arrive.There was media everywhere.And because Killa was dressed the way he was and I was wearing a Makarapa (The SA Fan Helmet) we were flogged by media and TV Crews,Interviewed on German radio and Television. I was surprised at the Media attention the Makarapa was creating.I was just being snapped up. In this whole fracas we met the German Ambassador to South Africa who was extremely helpful and down to earth.We watched the Germans train, mixed with the fans and had quite a blast.And from that day my Makarapa was to become whati sknown as the "LUCKY MAKARAPA"

My lucky Makarapa

In the stands watching ze Germans train

GERMANY OPEN TRAINING SESSION IN PICS




Before we left the training we seen the German Bus.We waited and had a prime spot. Killa was going mad.Watch the video below and see how he poses for a photo with Lucas Podolski

GERMAN TEAM ENTERING TEAM BUS



OUR DAY AT THE GERMAN OPEN TRAINING

MADIBA MAGIC

Rashid Cassim with the printed Bafana Bafana Jersey that Nelson Mandela is proposed to wear at the Opening Ceremony

So Madiba Magic will be present at the Opening Game of the World Cup 2010. And guess who organised his Jersey and printed it. Rashid Cassim Sports in Fordsburg. Well done RCS.You okes are Big

BRAZIL vs USA CONFEDS CUP 2009 FINAL

SA VS BRAZIL CONFEDS CUP 2009 SEMI FINAL

SA Fans were confident in the JHB Cold

Category 4 seats.Awesome atmosphere at Ellis Park

It was off to Ellis Park on a freezing cold night to watch the Confeds Cup Semi Final.And our country against the mighty Brazil.Did We Stand a Chance?So Bafana Bafana made it to 88 minutes. They played well I thought.I expected them to go to extra time and frustrate the Brazilians and with the backing of the partisan crowd just maybe cause an upset. But lets be honest, They lacked punch up front in that final third.

Mo always the Patriot

Checking out the Fan Zone and a taste to 2010

88 MINUTES and a Danny Alves cracker. was heart breaking for the masses. And I cant understand Santana making a change in stoppage time like he was 2-0 to the good. Overall it was a great performance for the boys and the country and a big step toward 2010.Now we off to see Brazil vs the USA and what can I say......It should be Brazils tournament

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SA VS BRAZIL CONFEDS CUP 2009 SEMI FINAL

So Bafana Bafana made it to 88 minutes. They played well I thought.I expected them to go to extra time and frustrate the Brazilians and with the backing of the partisan crowd just maybe cause an upset. But lets be honest, They lacked punch up front in that final third.

88 MINUTES and a Danny Alves cracker. was heart breaking for the masses. And I cant understand Santana making a change in stoppage time like he was 2-0 to the good. Overall it was a great performance for the boys and the country and a big step toward 2010.Now we off to see Brazil vs the USA and what can I say......It should be Brazils tournament

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ITALY VS BRAZIL CONFEDS CUP 2009





Happy to be a part of this.My seats in the Italian Zone.Category 2

From Bloemfontein it was off to Loftus and Pretoria and for the big one....Italy vs Brazil. And I coudnt wait. I was nervous to be honest...and excited. Got to the stadium to a Carnival like atmosphere...Stadium laden with Yellow and Blue.

It was a big one for Italy, they had to win or draw...and nothing prepared me for the shocking display by the Italians. We had great seats..In the Azurri stronghold. And we with a a crew of 20.

I always met my close friend and Italian Model Myla Raddichia before every game.It was superstition.

But when Brazil scored one,two and three I was gutted. What was happening. The fans behind us, the Italians and myself were in a state of shock. It was a a horrific Italian display. Brazil still hit the bar twice. The Italian fans were quiet. Many said that the team shouldn't come out. I was low in morale. It was Izzet(pride) now. Everytime Brazil had the ball there was danger. I was so afriad that we would catch 6. It was extraordinary. Ive never felt like that. Normally Italian defences were rock solid. I mean Toni was poor and so was Dosenna. Why didnt Lippi start with Santon or Grosso and not start with Toni. Montlivio was out of depth against calibre opposition and Kaka,Robinho and Fabiano were menacing. We were shell shocked, embarrassed and outplayed by the Brazilians. Then there was wind of Egypt down 3-0. Fans were anxious and logging on to cellphones to see if Italy made it. We needed one more.Some said Italy made it. The truth though is we never deserved it. Whats worse is that Egypt messed it up and the USA of all people strolled in through the back door. The Egyptians who had been playing so well.....were dumped out much to the dismay of their fans. We couldnt believe it. And when the final whistle blew I was glad that we were put out of our misery. The Egyptians in Lenz were fuming also.I chatted to a few of them.

I dint too any post match coverage, Italians were gutted and trudging out of the stadium. The Brazillians were dancing and I limped out of the stadium ,boarded our quantum,had a final drive home with the boys and hit the bed with voice going. It was a splendid weekend...of football and Swoosh0018 now goes to Ellis Park for Brazil vs Bafana Bafana. ant wait.....But lets be realistic......
We all will brace ourselves for a Brazil vs Spain Final

We had great seats.Category two tickets.Was awesome

ITALY VS BRAZIL IN PICTURES

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ROAD TRIP TO BLOEMFONTEIN CONFEDS 2009

Spain vs SA in Bloemfontein

What a sporting weekend....Fantastic.Confeds Cup. Myself and the boys embarked on a road trip of Football. JHB to Bloemfontein,Spent the Night in Bloemfontein and then to Loftus for Brazil Italy. Being back with the Boys was amazing

The lads boarding our Sesfikile

And so to the Weekend of football. 15 of us made the round trip to Bloemfontein and Pretoria. Shazo organised a Quantum,our own iTransie(Sesfikile) and we moved. It was amazing to be with the lads again and we rocked Bloemfontein. Got You Tube videos of the Road trip and loads of pics.All the lads in one vehicle ,draped in a flag, with our own Driver, excellent accommodation and amazing atmosphere. We set off at 10.30 and stopped over at an Engen Garage.The garage was rocking, Football fans making the trip, hooters and voovozellas,fans in their colours. I can only imagine what 2010s gonna be guys, brace yourselves for something spectacular.

And so to the Weekend of football. 15 of us made the round trip to Bloemfontein and Pretoria. Shazo organised a Quantum,our own iTransie and we moved. It was amazing to be with the lads again and we rocked Bloemfontein. Got You Tube videos of the Road trip and loads of pics.All the lads in one vehicle ,draped in a flag, with our own Driver, excellent accommodation and amazing atmosphere. We set off at 10.30 and stopped over at an Engen Garage.The garage was rocking, Football fans making the trip, hooters and voovozellas,fans in their colours. I can only imagine what 2010s gonna be guys, brace yourselves for something spectacular.

Fans at filling station en route to Bloemfontein

We got a few interviews,Mingled withe the fans and set off again. We reached Bloemfontein at 4pm. Checked in the Urban Hotel.Funky Hotel. Hotel was filled with journalist,press and obviously the Fans.





Our Hotel booked by Freds

Urban Hotel-Bloemfontein

At 5pm we grabbed the match tickets and made our way to The Bloemfontein Waterfront. And believe it or not, You walk from the mall straight to the Stadium. And the mall was freaking rocking. From the time we got there,their were singing and dancing Bafana and Spanish Fans, flags and colourful supporters. Can you picture Sandton full of shoppers wearing Soccer Kits. Amazing I tell you.

We had supper at Ocean Basket and mingled with the fans. I can tell you this much Bloemfontein is gonna rock as a 2010 venue.Then it was off to the game

Firoze meets Fernando Torres

Spain warming up

Although SA lost and Spain triumphed courtesy of David Villa watching a match in Bloemfontein was simply magical.The Stadium and atmsosphere is like no another.The Bloemfontein Celtic supporters certainly rock this stadium.Its as if it moves.

Later on we headed back,the lads chilled and Well me and Faaiz discovered Nelson Mandela Drive and some okes got a tad bit lucky he he

THE ROAD TRIP TO BLOEMFONTEIN IN PICS


MAGIC OF BLOEMFONTEIN


ROAD TRIP PART 1


SA VS SPAIN & ROAD TRIP PART 2


THE ATMOSPHERE ITALY VS BRAZIL

WAVING THE FLAG IN MY HOMETOWN LENASIA

My nephew Raihan Mayet on the right with Mo Seedat junior

Lenz is where I grew up and on SATURDAY Tigers Football Club had a World Cup Day and Raised the flag. I thought they did an exellent job and community effort to provide entertainment and activities for all ,especially the kids. It was an awesome day of festivities that included performances by all.

There were prizes, singing,chanting and lots of Vuvuzelas blowing. World Cup 2010 came to Lenasia. Again it was a great effort toward the development and awareness of football in the place where most of us grew up and still call home. Bikers,Entertainment, great food and even skydivers.

Heads up to the organisers of this event and We feeling the 2010 fever.

TICKETING MAYHEM AGAIN

"FIFA Have taken us for a ride"-Uncle Dyna (In photo World of Samoosas Zaheer Bayant)

These were the words shared by Plazas Uncle Dyna as he and World of Samoosas Zaheer Bayant waited patiently from the crack of dawn and FNB Plaza only went online at about 14:30. Ridiculous. People were queuing.....My bro told me that Lenz FNB owes were waiting from Fajr and had nothing by noon as systems were offline.

I heard that at the Ticketing Offices guys were queuing from the night before. Did anyone get lucky.

Did everyone endure difficulty.Please share your experiences

Swoosh0018 was at FNB Plaza.If anyone has more pics of this fiasco please mail to swoosh0018@gmail.com

Also Mayfairs Yusuf Surtee and Yuman was waiting here from the morning.On Line at 14:30 only.You gotta be joking.

He described the experience as unacceptable

Ticketing offices in Sandton