Children play soccer on a dirt pitch in a township outside sprawling Johannesburg, enacting their own fantasies as their heroes gear up for the World Cup.
This is grassroots soccer without the grass and during the game other youngsters gather in the afternoon sun, practicing their tricks and flicks in the shadow of the ageing local stadium.
The scene is a world away from Johannesburg’s gleaming Soccer City Stadium, where hosts South Africa will kick off the World Cup against Mexico today in front of the watching world, but despite the lack of flags and sponsors’ logos in Tembisa Township, the tournament is a reality as children reel off their idols’ names — Ronaldo, Kaka, Rooney — and make plans to watch their beloved Bafana Bafana.
Fourteen-year-old Lethabo is one of the lucky ones. He will be among the crowd at Soccer City to see the home side in the flesh, thanks to a family connection with sportswear manufacturers Nike.
“I’m very excited about the World Cup. For South Africa vs Mexico I will be at the stadium and South Africa will win the match. South Africa will win the tournament because they have beaten many teams in friendly games.”
Teacher Jack Thulare said the township would fall silent today, with the population glued to the action.
“Maybe some of them don’t have TVs in more informal settlements, but most of them will watch. Big screens have been assembled in parks for people to see the games,” he said.
Thulare said getting hold of prized tickets had been difficult as many were sold over the Internet.
“If you don’t have that facility there is nothing you can do,” he said.
Thulare, who coaches the township’s youngsters at soccer, said the tournament had provided many benefits for South Africa, including improved stadiums, roads and job opportunities.
Teacher Kaizer Hlungwani, also involved in coaching, said he was unsure whether he would have the opportunity to watch World Cup matches at the stadiums, but would be tuning in on TV.
“I’ll go to the stadium to see if I can get tickets, but it’s difficult,” he said.
He said a tournament had been organized in Tembisa to celebrate soccer’s showpiece.
“Our school teams will be dressed in the jerseys of certain countries and there will also be a team of Tembisa legends,” he said.
Thomas Mashashane will be cheering on South Africa from the stands today, having booked a ticket online.
“It will be the first match and we’re supposed to win, but we don’t have a strong enough squad to win the tournament,” he said. “My favourite to win is Brazil.”
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