Despite today’s inclement weather, there was a carnival atmosphere in Cape Town as thousands of supporters made their way to Cape Town Stadium using the Fan Walk, which was humming with life. There were tightrope walkers, West African drummers (Women on DJembe, picture 1 below), and Cape minstrels to entertain fans, who were themselves a sight to behold. Natalie Themistocleous and Gregory D’Amico (picture 2), who used the occasion to dress up as a tomato and pumpkin, took the cake, so to speak, for best dressed fans, while South Africans Kerry and Chris Dienst and Kim and Bradley Boise (picture 3), had donned their Spanish supporters’ togs (with Bafana Bafana apparel on underneath). “If you want something done, ask a South African – they do it perfectly!” enthused Kerry when asked how Cape Town was doing as a host city. Junior Bosch, Alexi du Toit and Dewald Noeth (picture 4), all students from Stellenbosch, said that they thought the tournament was superbly organised, and French and Spanish nationals Philip Dicknich and Miguel Fricas (picture 5), said that they had visited South Africa ten years ago and had decided to settle because "Cape Town has it all – sea, mountain and friendly people!”
Alex Verlague-Nappel (picture 6), stopped to get his face painted en-route to the V&A Waterfront. “The vibe is fantastic,” he and his friends said, “and we’re really enjoying the attractions along this walk.” One such attraction was Café Vida, whose delicious hot chocolate proved too difficult to resist for 12 year old friends Erin Hampton and Georgia Grobler (picture 7), who were en route to the game with Georgia’s brother Matthew and father, orthopaedic surgeon Dr Garth Grobler.
FIFA Fan Fest™
While there weren’t many Japanese supporters for the afternoon game at the FIFA Fan Fest™, there were plenty of Paraguan, Spanish, Portuguese and South African supporters who have ‘adopted’ other teams. Feelings ran high in the Spanish/Portuguese clash in Cape Town this evening as both sides had a lot to lose. Spain, otherwise known as ‘La Furia’ (the Red Fury) has reached the quarter finals four times in the FIFA World Cup™, and this could be their chance to break this record, while the Portuguese football team finished fourth at the tournament in 2006, making them a formidable foe. Fans were on tenterhooks for the clash.
Most fans at the FIFA Fan Fest™ in the afternoon huddled in the venue’s craft and entertainment tents as driving rain lashed the Parade. However, most didn’t let the weather dampen their spirits. Local fans Tarryn Brickles and Antiqah Prime (pictured above right) said they would stand all day in the rain to watch the Spanish style of play. Unsurprisingly, both backed Spain for a win. Attendance increased dramatically for the evening match, finishing in a party.
Next at the FIFA Fan Fest™: Catch emerging talent/headline act Karambola, the Nomadic Orchestra and The Nomad on Friday, 2 July.
Vygieskraal Fan Jol
Vygieskraal Fan Jol did not escape today’s wet weather, but the rain did clear now and then to allow a number of aspirant pop stars onto the stage for some karaoke fun. The experience of appearing on a professionally set up stage surrounded by big TV screens, monitors and speakers proved awe-inspiring for most of the youngsters, who quickly formed a queue, nibbling on boerewors rolls, mielies, samoosas, koeksusters that they’d bought from the nearby stalls.
When it rained, the organisers screened movies, and the audience retreated to the covered seating. Locally renowned hip hop artist Jean Pierre revived matters somewhat with his headline act at 19:00.
Catch Tasneem Simons, Zoliswa Kawe, Nomfusi and the Lucky Charms and Black Current on Friday, 2 July from 11:00.
Bellville Velodrome Fan Jol Despite being an indoor venue, the number of fans at the Bellville Velodrome Fan Jol began as a trickle before picking up in the early evening as people came to see local Afro-fusion band Freshlyground at 19:00. Most fans cannot resist the combination of top local talent and world class football, and today’s line-up proved irresistible. Emerging PANSA (Performing Arts Network of South Africa) trained artists, Blade Breakaz (a hip hop dance group), the Iqiumbu dance group, comedian Shimmy Isaacs and the Everliving Reggae Band all wowed the crowd with their unique talents.
Next at the Bellville Velodrome Fan Jol: Ready D, Yolanda Yawa Afro Jazz Band, Glen Robertson Band, Kurt Schoonraad and the Beat Boys.
Oliver Tambo Fan Jol The Oliver Tambo Fan Jol, like its counterparts, also started off slowly today. Many people, it seemed, were at work, or too put off by the weather to come early. By late afternoon though, the slow trickle of fans threatened to turn into a deluge as people took advantage of the opportunity to spend their evening rubbing shoulders with international supporters, and soaking up the atmosphere.
Next at the Oliver Tambo Fan Jol: Deja Vue on Friday, 2 July.
Swartklip Fan Jol Headline act JR, of ‘Make the circle bigger’ fame, had supporters rocking at Swartklip Fan Jol today. The singer, flown down from Johannesburg especially for the occasion, started his act at 19:00, and proved himself a star performer in every sense of the word.
On Friday, 2 July, children from the Swartklip Education Centre will attend the afternoon match, get their faces painted and participate in five a side soccer. Bring your children, friends and family, and come catch the Gugulethu Tenors, who are the star attraction.