DAY 31-SPAIN ARE CHAMPIONS

The last day.After an awesome night out I awoke on Sunday morning with mixed feelings really.The excitement of watching my first World Cup Final and also the thought if perhaps the greatest month I have ever had coming to an end.But it has been brilliant and after being convinced to support the Dutch from my friends from Amsterdam yesterday I put on my scarf, Dutch Glasses,wrapped a flag as a Cape and I was off to the final.All the lads met at Hoosain Mayets house and we set off early to Shareworld Park and Ride to soak up the atmosphere.Good thing we did as Soccer City was filling up.And Mingling with the fans before the match was fantastic as usual.

mingling with fans before the game

outside Soccer City

From WORLD CUP FINAL, Netherlands vs Spain

The build up was amazing and the closing ceremony even better.A spectacular display of laser lights and African culture made the closing ceremony amazing and pumped the adrenalin as we headed toward the final.Holland vs Spain. Great Final,great fans and great footballing culture

The final wasnt great.I thought Howard Webb had a shocker.The game didnt flow and too many fouls.Almost the entire Dutch team was booked and a red card was a certainty.it was just a question of time.The Dutch were physical and the Spanish majestic with possession.Robben and Fabregas came close to grabbing the lead.As the cold descended on an electric atmosphere and with everyone expecting penalties Tores was introduced,got his cross in and Fabregas slipped a ball through to Iniesta and Spain clinched victory.I felt for the Dutch.They were gutted.Always the bridesmaids.The fans were magnificent and so dejected after the game. When Cassilas lifted the trophy I savoured the moment of the World Cup being lifted in our country.And as the fireworks and celebrations erupted I soaked up the moment and braced myself for the depression that would commence as the 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP in South Africa came to a grinding halt and the Spanish tangoed into the freezing night

source:www.boston.com

CLOSING CEREMONY

SPANISH ANTHEM

DUTCH ANTHEM


SPAIN VS HOLLAND BUILD UP


SPAIN VS HOLLAND

SPAIN VS HOLLAND IN PICS


SPANISH CELEBRATIONS IN THE STREETS OF MADRID

More than a millions Spanish fans lined the streets of Madrid as Spanish fans celebrated long into the night. After the game in Soccer City I managed to see a few Spanish Fans dancing and celebrating as many froze with the cold. I took a photo with a real Spanish hottie and asked her. "Where are the Spanish partying tonight?"She said In Madrid baby,Not here.We are going hommmmmme".
The Spanish were jubilant at Soccer City and the Dutch were gutted and in tears.In Holland though the team received a great reception and a boat tour is being lined up in Amsterdam.
But for now Congratulations Spain on becoming the World Champions and Hats off to South Africa,the People and the fans...as a country we proved the critics wrong and delivered a spectecular World Cup without major incident.

As a nation we can stand together and be proud

DAY 30-ORANJE ARMY

On Saturday I had to go hang out at Sandton Square.It was the day before the final.I expected it to be rocking.And I wasn't wrong.It was off the hook.
We had lunch at Giradelis and many legends were walking around.Uruguayan legend Enzo Francescoli for one.
I had a good meal and set off to have a smoke in the square with my replica trophy in my hand.
On my way I was stopped by four Dutch supporters who wanted a photo.
Mark,Alex,Jan and I forgot the third.
We became friends and they told me to hang around with them at the square.

A packed Sandton Square was electric

They were chanting Holland,Holland and were true Dutch supporters.Then the Dutch band arrived and for the next three hours there was chanting,Singing and a proper Fan Zone was developing.After a while the Spanish Joined in.
I was loving it,chatting to the various fans about the game and South Africa.

I begun to like the Dutch Fans.After a while I offered the Dutch friends a lift to Melrose Arch as they wanted to watch the 3rd and fourth playoff.
I told them to meet me at Mandelas statue.
They were creators and told me that I have too little orange and gave me a pair of sunglasses and a scarf in Dutch Colors.
After the dancing and hanging out with the Oranje I was going to support the Dutch tomorow, knowing that if they win the Orange brigade and party will be insane.

My Cuzzie and durban correspondent ZaK Loonat and his members were around.So we were walking around,A coffee here and there.
During the time I met former Spanish and Real Madrid defender Fernando Hierro.Got a pic and watched loads of Celebs around...Pep Guardiola,Christian Karembeau and his model wife,Blatter and even Sharukh Khan was causing a stir.

DUTCH FANS AND BAND

Meeting Fernando Hierro

Sandton was buzzing.At 7 we met Mark and the Dutch crew,hopped in my car ,Opened the roof and The Dutch were singing and creating the Vibe en route to Melrose Arch.These guys were funny,full of passion and creators.They make a quiet moment Fun and are quite vocal.
So as we entered Melrose Arch they were mobbed to take photographs.
Also the Flying Dutchmen were there and I couldn't resist but stare at those hot "Air Hostess looking" blonde's.It was rocking.

At 10pm we left Alex and them and headed on to soak in the Night scene.
Grabbed the usual McDonalds which has been our staple diet this World Cup and all I can say about the night was purely "SUBLIME!"
badaams galore and ready and excited for the Final

DAY 28-29-SOAKING IT IN

Our flight landed at 9pm after a bit of delays that ensued from the Durban air traffic situation and headed on home.Met Faiz and Moe...had a coffee and a snack at Capellos and prepared for the weekend.I got home and slept like a baby. On Friday I just chilled and got a few errands done.Cuzzy Zak Loonat and crew were arriving from Durban for the Final Weekend.

Zak a mad Dutch supporter so we pit stopped at Hilton,and had a coffee hoping some of the Dutch players will surface but they checked out to the Hyat.So we went to Sandton,met the lads,had a relaxing supper and headed off home.On our way I decided to check out the Hyat and have some more coffee he he.To our suprise we were sitting next to the Dutch Coaching staff and Van Mawyk. Wished them good luck and got a pic with Phillip Cocu. Then we dropped a connextion from london Speedhie off and hit the sack. Saturday was pre final Day

Day 27 - Semi Final Durban, Spanish Rule

With the Cape Town Semi an absolute cracker we set off for Durban. Obviously it was sad to leave Cape Town behind after only two days but a cracking semi final awaited us between Spain and Germany.Two European giant.So myself and Husain caught a 7:am flight from Cape Town to Durban.And just as well because later we had feedback about the disappontment and frustration endured by fans as eleven flights were turned back.Thats really terrible.Fans must have saved up for years and prepared for this moment only to be turned back because of airport congestion.Gimme a break.

Durbans King Shaka airport.Not knowing whats in store for them in the evening

Anyways we got picked up at 11am. And next to me on the plane was  gentleman from Miami that watched almost very World Cup.We chatted about football and the other countries and he told me that South Africa has been by far the best World Cup he has ever been too.he singled out the warmth of the people.Woza guys Woza...Well done South Africa

We got to our Road Lodge behind the McDonalds in Durban Central.Nice Cosy lodge with plenty of foreign fans booking in for the night.And with the McDonalds there the vibe was awesome. Caught a nap in the afternoon and then set off to the stadium at about 6pm.We took a nice cool walk through the FAN ZONE on the Beach Front.Again amazing atmosphere

The game itself was entertaining....the atmosphere at Moses Mabhida electric,the weather beautiful and not like the biting cold you feel in JHB. And of course linking up with KILLA priceless.

Spain were masters in possession again and Germany didn't offer anything.They were not the same team that beat England and Argentina..or should I say Hammered England and Argentina.They were different.

Watching these great players in action I was sure that Germany would soak it in and frustrate Spain and hit them on the counter. But When.Time was going and Iniesta and Xavi as well as Alonso could spray inch perfect passes all night.

Corner and Puyol dumped the Germans out.Ike Cassilas came big on two saves but this was not the same German team we've seen in SA.

After the game we watched the Spanish Celebrate and the Germans cry.We got hold of Killa and with his permission we will publish what we saw on Video.Only with his permission.So Spain vs Holland then.A dream Final.I phoned Riyad Loonat later and commended him on his Spanish outfit. We walked back to the hotel about 3km away........What a walk...But we did it.With the lads

The lads after walk back to hotel

After a good McDonalds Supper we headed off to Florida road.The rest is history.Cubana was full of fans.

We returned,had a bit of sleep and its customary when you leave Durban to have a Wimpy Queen Street Breakfast.

The lads dropped us off and myself and Hoosain caught a flight back to JHB on Thursday Evening.But it rounded off a spectacular Semi Final Weekend

SHOSHOLOZA AT THE MOSES MABHIDA STADIUM BEFORE KICK OFF


SPANISH ANTHEM



GERMAN ANTHEM


SPAIN VS GERMANY


SPAIN VS GERMANY PICS


Ebi Ahmed was in Cape Town and brought us the scoop on whats being going on down there during the semi Final at the fan park.Ebie and a few of the lads extended the Cape Town leg and said that the Cape never disappoints

From Semi Final, Spain vs Germany, FIFA FAN FEST, Cape Town, South Africa

From Semi Final, Spain vs Germany, FIFA FAN FEST, Cape Town, South Africa

From Semi Final, Spain vs Germany, FIFA FAN FEST, Cape Town, South Africa

Pics from FIFA FAN FEST In Cape Town



Semi Final, Spain vs Germany, FROM FIFA FAN FEST, CAPE TOWN


Semi Final, Spain vs Germany_no2, FROM FIFA FAN FEST, CAPE TOWN

Day 26 Semi Final, Cape Town, Flying Dutchman

After enjoying a nice coffee with the boys at Michaelangelo hotel after the Spain vs Paraguay game I drove to Lenz to regroup and pack some stuff.Sunday evening myself and Husain Mayet were flying to Cape Town for the weekend.It was a big week.They picked me up and we drove to Lanseria airport.My first time actually.Moe and Faaiz were flying the next evening.

So we gripped some coffee,flew with Kalula and landed at 10pm.We split ways and went t family respectively to catch up.On Monday we drove around Cape Town,had a delight full lunch at Snoekies.You gotta luv Snoekies.Whilst we ordered there,3 guys with a British accent were ordering.I took a gamble and asked.Are you lot from Bately hey.They said Yeah.I said are you Yaseen Cha chas sons.They said yeah.What a small world.Uniting with cuzzies whom Ive seen 14 years ago.What a thing.

Snokies restaurant in Hout Baai

We then cruised the waterfront,met some fans, and visited another good friend.He whipped up a quick braai.I had no match ticket for the Cape Semi.

And a dream come true when I was presented one cat 2 ticket. Wonderful feeling and highly appreciated.Thanks Farhad. Meant alot.

So with ticket in hand we set off to base camp in Milnerton.Imraan and Mo shuttled us to long Street where we seen Argentinian fans vs the English fans in Full cry.Met Moe,Faiz and Speedy .And as the rain fell,we headed home.The rest of the squad was arriving tomorrow on match Day.

Waterfront on match day was fantastic.The Uraguayans were singing and chanting....Fans were out and about. We took pictures and really soaked it up.Weather wasnt too bad.It wasnt raining. The boys had lunch and then we set off toward the Fan Mile with our whole crew in Cape Town. Top Stuff

Anzo with some hardcore Dutch Fans

The Cape Town Fan Mile was a wonderful experience.Festive and 70% Orange.It was what we missed in JHB.100 000 people passing through the stats said. But a Carnival atmosphere and a great walk to the stadium(see video below). The Fan Mile was laden with fans singing and mmmm...felt like I was walking through and Orange town at one stage

Amazing atmosphere on the Fan mile

It was the first time I visited the GreenPoint stadium.And the atmosphere was electric. Once again Thanks Farhad.Great seats.lower tier behind the goal.Cape Town was cold,but coming from JHB it didn't hurt.Thankfully there was no rain as it was fore casted. After my cousins Fuzzy and Zak convinced me to support the Dutch I was halfway there. Great game,Great atmosphere and great goals.Gio van Bronchorst opening up with a cracker.When Forlan equalised through another rasper I began to worry. I told Zunaid whom I was sitting next too that I wanted a Holland vs Spain /Germany in the final.As the second half kicked in Holland took control and duly won the encounter 3-2.Great.

We celebrated with the Dutch,met the Flying Dutchman which was an experience.The Flying Dutchmen are those supporters that look as if they got off the airlines.Amazing and well some stunning air hostesses if you know what I mean.

We took a walk to the Waterfront.A lovely supper with the boys.Moe & Faiz drove to Durbs.The rest were still in Cpae Town and Myself and Hoosain got prepared for our early flight to Durban.And just as well we flew early.......

Pics from Semi Final in Cape Town


CAPE TOWN FAN MILE


URUGUAY FANS AT WATERFRONT PRE KICK OFF


DUTCH ANTHEM


URUGUAY ANTHEM


HOLLAND vs URUGUAY

DAY 24-DONT CRY FOR ME ARGENTINA

SPAIN VS PARAGUAY


SPANISH ANTHEM

PARAGUAY ANTHEM

SPAIN vs PARGUAY PICS

DAY 23-AFRICAS HEART BREAK

Pics from Uruguay vs Ghana

DAY 20 & 21-WE MISS FOOTBALL

DAY 19-SIYANORA JAPAN & PORTUGAL

JAPAN vs PARAGUAY


JAPAN NATIONAL ANTHEM

JAPAN vs PARAGUAY PICS

DAY 18-TOO HOT FOR CHILE

Pics from Brazil vs Chile


Brazil vs Chile, Brazil National ANTHEM WORLD CUP 2010


Brazil vs Chile, Chile National ANTHEM WORLD CUP 2010


Brazil vs Chile, Brazilian Fans enroute to stadium, World Cup 2010

DAY 17-THE STICK OF GEOF HURST

GERMANY VS ENGLAND
MELROSE ARCH FAN ZONE

Killa and a dew other lads made the trip to Rustenburg.We went to Melrose Arch and it was packed. Atmosphere was superb. And the English were two down.Miroslav Klose.That man puts away when it matters.England were in shambles.Never seen them Like this.I phones Azee and them right away.Lads were shell shocked.Upson got ine back and then in 1966 the stick of Geoff Hurst came back to haunt England.Lampards effort clearly crossed the line. It was blatant unlike Geof Hursts shot.It was a yard across the line.Everyone in Melrose could see it. And it always happens to England.Cruel Fae and luck haunt the English.England enjoyed a good spell and in the second half the game was on.

Then they got hit by the German counter.They had no answer.And in all fairness Ebgland were just not good enough this tournament.They were not there.Something was missing. Gerard on the wing,Barry was poor and why did Capello keep persisting with a has been Heskey.

England deserved to go and the Germans deserved to progress.Its the World Cup.You gotta do what you have to do when it matters.The Germans did and England like Italy were just not good enough.They didnt top their group ad payed for it.And we say goodbye to a golden generation.

In the words of Chris Skudder."This is Naseem Mayet reporting live form a dejectedEngland zone in Roostenburg"

And I say it again and again.Never Ever write off the Germans

Killa with the match ball that Mueller scored two with to bury England with.Killa the man. Trust our owes to pull of something like this

ARGENTINA VS MEXICO


ARGENTINA ANTHEM


MEXICO ANTHEM


ARGENTINA VS MEXICO PICS


On Sunday night we went to Soccer City to watch the Argies vs Mexico.Tremendous atmosphere,all the way from the Park and Ride right to the stadium.The Mexican and Argie Fans Awesome.
The atmosphere in the stadium was electric and Carlos Tevez provided the fireworks.
Ive grown to like the Argies.They must win it for Maradona.
As for the Mexicans its a sad goodbye to sme tremendous fans.
For Argentina now its a trip to Cape Town against the tuff Germans.

DAY 16-TIME FOR AFRICA

We arrived in JHB at about 4pm....exhausted and broken. The lads all slept on the Bus so there was no banter.Nice long ride home and I couldnt possibly make teh Rustenburg game. Oz and Mo took off.I said Il watch the Ghana game in Sandton somewhere and save some energy for the Argentina vs Mexico game.
So got home put down the Uruguay vs Korea game on the box. Wached Louis Suarez destroy the hapless Koreansin teh rain and book Uraguays place in the quarter Final.

At night took a drive to Sandton and watched Ghana vs USA. Everyone that were not American were supporting Ghana.And the young Black stars team delighted South Africa and Africa and qualified to a quarter final showdown with Uruguay.And the Jovial US Fans have left South Africa

DAY 15-SAMBA IN DURBAN

BRAZIL VS PORTUGAL BUILD UP

BRAZIL VS PORTUGAL PICS

Every one was talking about Brazil vs Portugal.The Big one,Sunny Durban and warm weather and the Samba nad Portuguese fans in teh street.Obviously we had to check it out.Myself,Mo,Faaiz and Killa set off after the Italy vs Slovakia game to Durban. Our mode of transport.JHB to Durban via Eldo Coaches and returning with Greyhound.A few of the lads had match tickets and I didnt. I surely wasnt gonna pay R5000. We thought well try our luck. And off we went, leaving at 10pm Thursday night from park Station.The vibe was lekker,FIFA Volunteers,Brazilian Media all leaving by bus,noy our us unfortunately

Park station 10:pm

The Bus journey actually got off to a good start. It was late, Its always special with the lads and Killa entertained the entire evening. We stopped in Benoni picked up a Mexican believe it or not and set off to Durbs.The Mexicans are everywhere
Then almost halfway the freakin heating system packs in.And I mean its blistering cold.We had to survive like Bear Grills.It was like being locked in the freezer all night.And this was  a pretty descent Eldo Coach.Not like the Istima Bus with the Arrow on the side.So we tried to survive,arrived at 5:am,took a cab to Sun Coast and had a breakfast.Then we took a cab to my aunty in Westville to just relax and have a friday Lunch.Class

Moses Mabida at dawn from Sun Coast Casino

Relaxation and Luch and then we were off to the game.My connex were all geared up and ready
The Atmosphere at the stadium was fantastic. No better sight than Brazillian and Portuguese fans in Full flight.Singing ,Chanting.Tickets.500 US dollars.Too much for me.

Sun Coast Fan Park and Fan Mile

View of Moses Mabida from Sun Coast

As the other lads went in, Killa and I watched at the FAN PARK and FAN MILE in Sun Coast Casino.Lekker vibe,Full of fans and restaurants and bars  were packed.As for the game itself many fans we met said that it was disappointing. Was it worth the money?
The atmosphere was certainly worth it, got a glimpse of the stadium and last ten minutes and Moses Maboda on match day and at night was fantastic.
And the weather,the weather is awesome. Portuguese fans celebrated and drums rolled into the Durban night.It was Full moon and Spain vs Chille at the Fan Fest

DURBAN FAN FEST

A stark contrast to JHB of course because of the Ocean and Weather.Brazillian babes on the beach,fans on the beach,playing ball and watching footie and of couse lots of foreign fans donning their flags and country colors.We watched the Spain and Chile game here.Looked at some spectular scenery and experienced the Vibe.The whole beach front was buzzing and I felt like I was back at the Gunston only this time the crowd ws different and I wasnt the only one wearing a soccer top he he .

After the Fan Park well thats another story