DAY 2-ROOSTENBURG IT IS

The World Cup had begun and it was Day Two.You could only imagine the excitement.Faaiz Oz an Argentinian Fan couldnt wait to see Diego Maradona and his team playing live at Ellis Park against Nigeria.Many of the lads went to this game. The problem for most people though was do you watch the Argies vs Nigeria and see Lionel Messi or do you make the trip 2 hours North of JHB and watch England vs USA in Rustenburg. Doing both games would be pushing it. Myself and Moe were relaxed and we opted for a cool drive to Rustenburg.I wanted to see England and all the footballers we have grown accustomed to watching,Faaiz well decided to do both.More on that later.
So Myself and Moe had a good sleep,left at 1PM and headed towards Rustenburg,loaded our lucky makarapas and bought some English Flags on the way.

Our Lucky Makarapas.Brought usluck wherever we went during 2010

Rustenburg was gonna be freezing. En route we had the commentary on for the Argentina game. And along the way the Blackberry was just vibrating.Messages were stremaing in on how fantastic the atmosphere was and of course how majestic Lionel Messi.We were getting picture feeds ..........Technology is amazing hey.

Swoosh0018 Correspondent Hazrat Yusuf Rasool was on the scene and sent these pics into Swoosh0018 FanZone. Hazrat,Swaar,Husein Mayet,Riyad Loonat and many others described the atmosphere as simply Sublime and out of this World. How was it seeing Lionel Messi Live guys and please comment if you can.?

When we got to Rustenburg,English  and US Fans were plenty.The vibe was fantastic and the fans were everywhere rocking the local shebeens and pubs around the Bafokeng Stadium.I was excited,It was time to see England and meet the fans that we heard about so much.Everybody was so afraid prior to the game.Weve heard and been warned so much about the English Fans and were told to be very cautious.Well only one way to find out..?

Happy English Fans before the game

When myself and Moe drove pass the Shebeens en route to the stadium we could feel the electricity,As we got to the gate we were swamped by choruses of Engelaaaaand,Enge land Engeland.US Fans were plenty all dressed in stars and stripes.The English were singing.For me this was it.This was my dream.To see England in a competive match at a World Cup and to expereience the fans.It was magical.We spoke to many fans before kick off and just took it all in.As a football fan again this was fantastic

Where was our Lucky Makarapa going to take us this time

USA Fans before Kick Off

As we made our way to the Stadium fans were singing and chanting.Banners were laid across the stadium in true English style.It was an amazing sight. I had a category 4 ticket and was behind the goals. Moe and Faaiz who just made it from the Argentina vs Nigeria game were in a cat 2 parallell to the English Bench.Ebie and Waseem Khan were in the midst of the English at the bottom of me. Bafokeng stadium was like no another.It was open and to be honest It was one of the worst stadiums that Ive been to in 2010.....and it was a freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeezing cold night.

The banners of the English all across the stadium,What a magnificent sight

View from my cat 4 seat behind the goal

Eb and Waseem amidst the English

This is Swoosh reporting from a dejected England Zone in Rustenburg. I have been to many football games but watching England from when I was a little Boy and listening to England Fans and God Save the Queen was fantastic. The Fans outside the stadium and In were awesome. Hats of to the US Fans as well.

The Bafokeng stadium was a cauldron and the songs of the English Fans added to the atmosphere. Although many English fans wanted a victory, a Rob Green Howler and the curse of Calamity James has still haunted England. I thought England missed to many and well they have to sharpen up in their next two games. But simply awesome. Also to see the movement of the Big name Players.Off the ball etc. Amazing to watch. But Azee and the three Lions...This was something else. Amazing to watch England live in a World Cup Game.



USA Fans after the game



Jubilat USA Fans after the game

After the game the English fans left quick and the USA were celebrating.

My Experience of Bafokeng Stadium. Awesome atmosphere. Was f34ken Cold and I thought the transport system from the stadium was terrible.As we made our way to the car we seen so many US and English Fans that came to us and say Please Help.How do we get to JHB.Apart from that it was a spectecular night of football. It wasnt good to b Rob Green but England and USA both shared the spoils and teh atmosphere was terrific.My first England game and if all goes according to plan we will see a possible England vs France quarter final at Soccer City.

Earlier on Greece lost 2-1 to Republic of Korea. There is a massive Greek community in South Africa.Im sure they must have been bitterly disappointed as the Greeks were beaten 2-0

A Korean fan at the match between Greece and Republic of Korea

Please share your experience if you were there

content also supplied by man on the scene.Ebrahim Ahmed

ENGLAND VS USA PICTURES


ENGLAND NATIONAL ANTHEM


USA NATIONAL ANTHEM



ENGLAND VS USA BUILD UP



ENGLAND VS USA


ENGLISH FANS

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

 u

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

View all

Get your own