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World Cup 2010 South Africa Atmosphere Party Scene Diski Dance
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PUBCLUB COLLEGE The scene, dancing and atmosphere at World Cup 2010 in South Africa.
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World Cup 2010
They have horns, a dance, and now South Africans have the world. Soccer has stuck out its neck, some say, and South Africa has responded by sticking out its arms. It seeks to hug the World Cup, not strangle it, and wants the hundreds of thousands of visitors from places like Brazil, Germany, Spain, Italy, France, England, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the USA to embrace it, as well.
When some balk, South Africa simply dances. The country is hosting the 2010 World Cup in what is by far the biggest sporting event of the summer (June 11-July 11). So for visiting fans, what's it going to be like, World Cup circa 2010, here instead of the more comfortable confines of, say, the European continent? "This is the party,"said South African Tourism’s Global Ambassador for the World Cup. Lucas Radebe, who should know something about it as he is the country's soccer hero. "It's the party for the country and for the world." World Cup 2010 takes place in nine locations and 10 stadiums around the country. The most lively of these cities is Cape Town. Located between the ocean and the mountains, it's long been long on nightlife, particularly on Long Street. Cape Town – which now boasts the new 70,000-seat highly-acclaimed Green Point Stadium – and Durbin's Moses Mabhida Stadium (also seating 70,000) are hosting the World Cup semifinals. Johannesburg, the business hub of South Africa, is the site of the finals. Soccer City Stadium has been expanded to hold 94,700 screaming fans. Its close proximity to football-crazy Soweto, Radebe's birthplace, promises to provide a lively atmosphere.
Yet questions persist, some worried about infrastructure and other issues. So why is Radebe as excited as a groom on his wedding night that South Africa will be such a friendly World Cup host? Let Radebe himself explain: "The World Cup has been in Europe before," he said, "and it's all been the same. This is the South African World Cup and it's going to be the South African way. "We celebrate our own way. We have the 'Diski' dance, for example. The dance makes us very colorful. People dance and they sing, and we want everyone to join in and feel welcome in South Africa." "It's not just about the game. We want people to come back to South Africa after the World Cup. All the venues will be different. We have cultural diversity. We know the responsibility we have. People will be welcoming visitors as they walk to the stadiums." South Africa is even incorporating an element prevalent in American football for World Cup matches – tailgating. "Yes. Absolutely," Radebe said. "It's going to be a big party outside the stadiums. The dancing, the food. Our people will be having all different kinds of food and we invite people to experience it. Fans will want to come to the stadiums early to enjoy the atmosphere." Johannesburg recently hosted the highly successful 2009 Confederatons Cup final between Brazil and the United States, a game in which the USA actually led 2-0 before falling. This event raised the awareness of soccer and the World Cup in America (at least for the time being) and in October, USA qualified for the World Cup. America's participation – and potential success – is a key element for South Africa's long-term perception with US television viewers and Americans who go to the event. One thing is for certain, there will be lots of pagentry, color and jubilant diski dancing, "The 'Diski' dance and the colors, this is the South African way," Radebe said. "People will be singing and dancing. We want everyone to join in and feel welcome."
And yes, much to the chagrin of some TV viewers and most commentators, there will be the vuvuzelas, those long horns that make a bee buzz-like sound. Outside of stadiums, in the streets and all during the matches this sound will fill the air throughout the country. The vuvuzelas may be annoying to some, but if nothing else, they will stamp World Cup 2010 as South Africa's World Cup. "Its absolutely great that we are hosting the World Cup," Radebe said. "We're going to make it the best. For fans, players and visitors, it will be unforgettable." With this enthusiasm, South Africa heads into the World Cup as the host country, ready to brand this international sporting event with its unique handprint and culture.
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