Fans united in celebration

Fans united in celebration

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Despite the goalless draw at Ellis Park last night, fans from Iraq and South Africa alike were united in celebration as the FIFA Confederations Cup got underway for the first time on African soil.
"It was a disappointing result, but SA played well," said Tokozane Mnisi who had come all the way from Nelspruit, a town in the eastern province of Mpumalanga. "The atmosphere in the stands was incredible, and attendance was high, it was great to see South Africans coming together. This tournament is only going to get better, and improve as it goes on."
The Iraqi fans were also full of praise for their team that so gallantly held Bafana Bafana at bay.
"We are so proud of our boys, they were excellent," said Laith Al Soufi, who travelled with his family to South Africa for the tournament. "The stadium is great, everything well organised. Tomorrow we will head to Bloemfontein for the next game."
Leaving the stadium in their local supporters gear, the Bloemfontein Celtic fan club, from Tembisa, came storming towards the gates. "It was so ‘lekker' (great) man, we will be here for every game," shouted one as they charged past.
Despite being nervous to speak to the media, Mhlahla Mailula, 10 years old, came running in front of the camera, hoping to be caught in his full Bafana uniform.
"I enjoyed the game, and I will be back."
From start to finish the fanfare within the stands never ceased with the continual sounds of cheering and trumpeting echoing from the stadium, into the surrounding Johannesburg city centre.
The spectators in Ellis Park demonstrated the levels of excitement the matches of the FIFA Confederations Cup are going to bring to the host cities, showing how this tournament will be a true feast of African flavoured football.