The real FIFA fever

I think we all underestimate the power of positive thinking.

When I spent my year in England last year I remember raving to all the Brits about how South Africa was hosting the World Cup. I also remember being questioned about how well I thought we would carry it out. When I look back on my World Cup experiences now, I regret not answering them with a more knowledgeable response.

Coming back from the airport for my Varsity holidays, the sense of pride and harmony in this country flooded into our small Polo just by taking one look at the endless international flags that lead from OR Tambo Airport almost all the way to my own home in Edenvale.

Despite getting inspiration and optimistic energy engraved into our hearts from all over the media in adverts, I recently experienced that kind of unity in the flesh. I was fortunate enough to attend the Bafana and Uruguay match on 16 June. Over and above the efficient park and ride system, the spirit of the fans was inexplicable.

Standing in Loftus Stadium on Youth Day was extremely significant to me. 34 years ago that day, a united cry for freedom was heard from the youth who demanded a better life and were about to make apartheid history. In comparison, we hear mighty sounds of celebration echoing, created with our vuvuzelas that replace the 1976 violence.

For South Africa, hosting this event is about far more than just a tournament. To most of us, whether we are aware of it or not, this world cup is more a celebration of the long road we have travelled to get where we are today to host such a renowned international event.

The final result of the symbolic match at Loftus might not have reflected the kind of soccer victory we hoped for, but as I left the stadium I heard people shouting things like “Don’t worry, we’ll beat France!”, and that we did. The gusto on the way back to the park and ride was barely any different from the vibe on the way in.

Another World Cup memory of mine is the night I spent away from the city on 22 June when South Africa played France. A friend of mine had invited my family and I to Waschbank Village in Limpopo, where a centre is being constructed to help aid the local community’s education and welfare. When the locals played a friendly soccer match of their own against some of the other guests, the dirty dust storm that was kicked up into the air was blown away and replaced with the energy, positivity, joy and warmth that the people emitted. The feeling that I felt just from playing volleyball with the local children before we beat France, was just as rewarding than any triumph between two soccer teams.

This world cup is not just about the growth of our economy or sustaining jobs and tourism. It is a time to recognize and commemorate Madiba, FW De Klerk, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and our other post-apartheid presidents. Their dedication to this country becomes a significant part of this event. For me and for all my fellow young South Africans, wherever they may be in this country – it is so important that the World cup has contributed to laying the foundations of our futures.

In a recent survey done with the South African public, it was concluded that 79 percent believe the international tournament will unite the people of South Africa, 88 percent view it as a boost for South Africa’s image abroad, while 91 percent expect it to create more jobs and 95 percent think it will strengthen the tourism sector. Although these results are more positive than negative; for me, it is not about statistics or the weedy negative opinions of less than 20% of the country anymore. It is now simply time to feel it for ourselves, which I am sure the majority of the people of South Africa have done. People of all ages, races and backgrounds all fly the same flag. We sing the same anthem and when do it we sing it with the same intention. Our positivity has brought us power beyond measure.

Although I have not mentioned that Bafana are now out of the tournament, I think I have made it clear that our spirit has overcome our soccer results. The cries of elation that came from those children’s mouths and hearts when we scored both those goals against France seemed to me just as priceless as getting into the next round would have been. Bafana played superbly, and it is moments like those that will be imprinted forever in my heart after this World Cup. They are the moments that South Africa will flourish from after this incredible experience comes to an end.

We are no longer pariahs anymore. We are hosts of the world. Is anything beyond our capability after this? No, South Africa is beyond pessimism now.