The Beautiful Game

Patti Legg

Last night I attended my first ever major soccer game. The World champions, Italy, against the African Champions, Egypt, at Ellis Park. I have been to many rugby games at this stadium, but this was a brand new experience to hear the hoots of the vuvuzelas thundering across the crisp evening air, and feel the energy and excitement of the passionate spectators. We were swiftly whisked off to the stadium in a taxi; the iTransie programme supplied minibus taxis and buses from the park and ride points across the city. The taxi driver was courteous, careful and a great ambassador for the country. Once in the stadium, I was overwhelmed with pride as I became one of the 52 100 who was there to cheer on their favourite team. It amazes me how sport has the ability to unite us all, and I got goosebumps listening to Shosholoza being sung by a few thousand people. After the game, we finally boarded yet another taxi (this one had an amazing 442 000km on its odometer) and drove back to Wits, proud, and happy to be South African.


One Response to “The Beautiful Game”

  • Keryn Legg Says:

    Agree with the passion and pride! How amazing were the taxi drivers - stopping at red lights, opening the door for us and telling us carefully to come find him after the game and to watch our bags? The atmosphere was fatastic - like being in a beehive with the vuvuzelas!

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