The 2010 World Cup in Disney-like FIFAland ended only seven days ago and since then South African columnists and cartoonists, corporate managers and car guards, compulsive fans and casuals alike have been vexed by the same post-World Cup question: what do we do now?
The immediate answer was stunningly simple. Back to the pitch! For me, that means training with the four dozen youngsters and the committed coaches of the Izichwe Youth Football program here in Pietermaritzburg. On Saturday, at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Peter Booysens sports ground, the teenagers played against the Durban (eThekwini) under-15 representative side due to compete in the ‘One Nation’ tournament in Bremen, Germany, in a few months.
Even though the visitors from the big city won, it was a glorious day for pure football. The illuminating pass, the righteous tackle, the crisp give-and-go, and the delicate chip shot over the keeper and into the back of the net. There will be time for improving team tactics and defensive organization. For now, let’s keep playing, learning, and giving Bafana Bafana hope for the future.
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5 replies on “After the World Cup: Football Again!”
Yes Peter! After all the glamour, the sponsors, the tv, fans from all over, billions always in the wrong pockets…after all of this, this is what it’s all about: playing The Game!
I agree with you.
As for me, I went round to my local shebeen followed by watching a local game played for money; one team playing in Kaizer Chiefs shirts and the others in black. It was almost a mini Soweto Derby. Am now looking forward to the Charity Cup in Soccer City. That should be great fun. Oh, and Tiverton Town are playing Torquay United tomorrow!
For details on Marc’s story go here:
http://onemanandhisfootball.blogspot.com/2010/07/grassroots-football-without-grass.html
wonderful stuff!
I wish there was a way the whole tournament could be repeated, so that some mistakes could be corrected…
Absolutely Peter and all! Back on the pitch asa the final was over. Wednesday night “old man’s” league, Thursday night men’s league, officiating all week long, even coached at a youth camp last week. Liverpool start their Europe League bid on July 29th, Joe Cole is signed up, hoping Fernando stays, and enjoying the rest of summer! Hope those of you in S. Hemisphere are staying warm in the winter, and thanks for the great memories of a great tournament!