We just got this image and caption in from a subscriber. Given the loadshedding we’ve been experiencing lately, it seems entirely apt: “With these ZESA blackouts imagine what would happen if Zimbabwe was hosting the World Cup? I think the situation was going to be as above.”

The 2010 soccer World Cup is finally underway, and we see the whole of South Africa as well as the rest of the world united in “World cup fever”.

Prior to the World Cup, South Africa was in chaos, with the murder of Eugene Terreblanche  leader of the AWB, following some controversial “hate speech by Julius Malema: “shoot the boer”.  I believe that the 2010 soccer world cup has helped South Africans to overcome their differences and embrace and share this amazing event together. Many South Africans have put their differences aside and united in support of their nation. The 2010 soccer world cup illustrates how powerful sport can be in terms of uniting people, we have seen this in the past with the 1999 rugby world cup, where Nelson Mandela sported Francois Pienaar’s number six rugby jersey. This event was crucial in transforming South Africa from a divided nation to a unified one.

First they prayed and now they’re in mourning. Bafana Bafana . . . will they still get through?

Last weekend I took time visit the popular place in Ruwa, kwa “Mother” as it is popularly known. It is a remote hideout just after Ruwa as we enter the farm area known to belong to the Prisons  Commisioner, General Zimhondi. Just as 1:30 pm neared scores of men started trickling in and suddenly the place was full of people waiting for the start of a match between Algeria and Slovenia. Great indeed to see people, mostly men, gathered in one place, enjoying the contents of the brown bottle and having one thing in common – “Soccer”.

After this match was to come another two. The most awaited one being the one between Germany and Australia, which was to start at 8:30 pm. People were already promising to wait for all the matches. At another bar I heard people were made to pay US$3 at the door in order to enter to watch soccer. It is a nice time indeed for the bar owners who have boosted daily sales from about 1pm to 10pm.

Though these days are full of joy and fun; betting, gaining and losing, there is one group complaining back home. That of women who are not so much of soccer fans but still need the company and attention of their husbands. Men are aware of it but they don’t want to leave their friends to go and watch the games at home where there is not much noise and support, let alone beer. It is quite a difficult time, as many women are complaining of a lack of attention.

Contemplating it from a man’s perspectives it could be a simple issue, but ladies are quite bitter about it. Yes, they are justified, one lady pointed out, that the spending spree during these soccer-watching gatherings is pathetic. Not only do people buy their own beer but also for friends forgetting the crying baby at home who needs a sweet worth R1. Some women feel it is more secure if the whole family goes to watch at the same place.

Hey ladies and gentlemen this is soccer! It has come and it will pass, life has to go on after it . . . quarrel less and enjoy the World Cup on the African soil.

Puuuuuuuuu, goes the vuvuzela!