Wednesday 5 May 2010

SOUTH AFRICA

THEY ARE:
Possessing something of a checkered history, South Africa is the reformed nation of the world (with lots of effort from Mandela) who hosts this competition with a sense of the being rewarded.

AS A FOOTBALL NATION:
After having no official team during the apartheid years once back up and running they took no time in qualifying for the World Cup qualifying for the competitions in 1998 and 2002.

MY OWN EXPERIENCE:
Years ago Gary Bailey of Manchester United played a match for the Kaizer Chiefs which was perhaps the first time I ever saw a football from Africa. Over the years various players have made it to the Premier League including Benni McCarthy and Quinton Fortune although the team has never really achieved a status much above making up the numbers. This year things should change though.

IN 2010:
With the horns of a nation behind them and not necessarily the toughest group (Group A) they stand a more than fighting chance of progressing to the knock out rounds for the first time.

FAMOUS PLAYERS:
Benni McCarthy and Quinton Fortune.

MOST OBVIOUS REFERENCE:
Nelson Mandela.

AWAY FROM FOOTBALL:
They also have a famous rugby team that was captained by Matt Damon and coached by Morgan Freeman. That and a history of racism.

NUMBER OF PEOPLE FROM SOUTH AFRICAN THAT I KNOW:
Two – Carol and Bob.

QUOTE FROM A SOUTH AFRICAN:
Coming.

DO I LIKE THEM:
I have to concede to have had issues with South African people in the past. As a result I know how to say “fuck off” and “I will kick your arse” in their native tongue. Even worse though I purposely mix them up with Australians.

FINAL COMMENT:
This is going to be a great World Cup thanks to South African and not Coca Cola branding etc.

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