Gearing up for the World Cup...

The atmosphere and excitement leading up to the World Cup is enough to turn any person indifferent to football/soccer into a fan. I already own a number of World Cup/SA Football items, including a Zakumi travel mug (to ensure my instant coffee follows me to work), a SA Football jersey (the cheap one, right Wendy?), a vuvuzela (which I can play...my years of playing the trumpet are paying off in unforeseen ways), a SA scarf and SA hat. I'm also still on a mission to find that Bafana Bafana jacket I've had my eye on at Woolworth (but they're always sold out). So, recap. In March, I was unaware that the World Cup was in South Africa this summer. On June 2, I am counting down the days and can name at least 2 players in the tournament. My indifference has vanished, as you can see.



Jozi and the rest of South Africa is definitely ready.

Every Friday is 'Football Friday.' This means at least 50% of the people you see on a Friday will be sporting some sort of Bafana Bafana related gear. I think this shows great unity...all races and genders participate.

Banners flood freeway overpasses and light posts reading "We're Ready," "Africa welcomes the world," "Ayoooba!" while others have images of the punk rock cheetah/leopard WC mascot, Zakumi. The median has flags from all competing countries flying.

My favourite soap opera here, Isidingo, makes reference to the World Cup in every episode.

I visited a school today in Lenasia that had a beautiful World Cup display outside, in front of the administrative offices. A mini-soccer field had been constructed with white stones, mini nets, and flags of all participating teams on the field. Inside, they had a small table set up with World Cup scarves and school sports trophies. I commented to the principal how wonderful their World Cup displays were.

Vuvuzelas are widely available in grocery stores and gas stations.

Ellis Park stadium is ready. The Gautrain is *almost* ready.

A large number of cars have rear-view mirror SA flag covers and SA car flags hanging from the window.

Every intersection, no matter how minor, has peddlers hawking the above goods, along with flags in every size from a large number of competing countries (although I must say, I'm disappointed that I've spotted only 2 USA flags.)

In conclusion, Jozi is ready and I am no longer indifferent to the World Cup. However, I am unprepared. My match is on June 18th and I have yet to collect my tickets. But, as the wise Mark Twain once said, "Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow."