I grew up with soccer. We played it everywhere, bouncing balls off our heads or kicking them across the street or a field. On Sundays we walked to the sports field where we watched the local guys and those from neighboring villages play soccer. So, of course, I have to watch the World Cup from South Africa. so far I saw the South Africa vs. Mexico match. The Uruguay vs. France match. The England vs. USA match. And finally the Germany vs. Australia match. I enjoyed the opening ceremony and Desmond Tutu's energetic dance of celebration and I am very happy that Bafana Bafana delivered the first goal during the first game.
It was just before the Germany vs. Australia game that I thought of knitting a bear that would show the colors of the German flag. In the end I included all the colors of the South African flag in the scarf. And I finished the whole Bear yesterday. I will give him the name "Fifa" and he will remind me of the noise of the vuvuzela that sounds like an army of bees has invaded the playing field. It might be annoying to visitors, but it is a South African tradition to blow vuvuzelas and I think that banning them, as has been suggested by some, is not an option.
My condolences go out to Mr. Mandela and his family. His great-granddaughter lost her life in a car crash on the eve of the first game. He, of course, did not attend the opening ceremony.
No comments:
Post a Comment