U-Sector – The Original Toronto FC Supporters Group

The Monotone of a United Nation

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

I have a love/hate relationship with the vuvuzela.

The soon-to-be-ever-present plastic horn is a bane to my existence as a fan of supporter atmosphere in football stadia. Its incessent, overpowering moan drowns out any and all other sounds emanating from the stands, to the point that a lively stadium ends up sounding more like a giant beehive.

I’m glad it’s banned from BMO Field, as I don’t think the Toronto soccer fan could tolerate it.

All of that said, I grew a newfound appreciation for the blasted thing today.

Wednesday was “Unite Behind Bafana” day here in South Africa. At noon, everyone was encouraged to gather at pre-determined points around the country, sport the vibrant green and gold of the national football team, and honk their vuvuzelas in a show of unified support.

The result was incredible.

Here in Cape Town (and the suburb that I’m staying), thousands of people rushed the streets on foot, in cars, on bikes, hell… however they could, and they celebrated. What was supposed to be a ten-to-fifteen minute show of support lasted well beyond daylight, and in fact is still going on right now (it’s 8:15pm local time as I’m writing this).

Jubilant fans piled into the back of pick-up trucks and rode around, excitedly high-fiving passersby and honking their horns (both vuvuzela and car alike) as if they had just won the World Cup. Of course, it doesn’t kick off for another 44 hours or so.

In Johannesburg, Bafana Bafana players, coaches and family members rode high atop an open-aired bus, as tens of thousands of well-wishers cheered them on. Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira waved triumphantly to the approval of hopping fans below.

I couldn’t even imagine what this place will be like should South Africa defeat Mexico on Friday.

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Visited Cape Town Stadium today, which is full-out prep mode for Friday’s opener featuring France and Uruguay. While the stadium itself is stunning, the grounds around it are still undergoing last minute finishing touches, landscaping and such. With the backdrop of Table Mountain setting the scene, this may be one of the most beautiful images you’ll ever see in football.

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Posted by Rudi Schuller