Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has been said to be fuming about all the extra-curricular activities his players have been asked to participate in over the last days, but on the eve of the opening World Cup match he put on a brave face over the distractions.
He says football in South Africa is awakening and taking its rightful place as the country’s most popular sport.
The enthusiasm of the people is understood and valued but you got the sense he would have preferred taking his side away from the delirium around Sandton and to a quieter spot for a few days’ sanity ahead of the game against Mexico.
The eve of the match saw Bafana practice on the Soccer City pitch, as did the Mexicans after them. Both teams are allowed one session before the match, but if they play at Soccer City again during the tournament that right is forfeited.
Mark Gleeson is a respected football writer and analyst.