It seems such a long way from the Messe Halle in Zurich on May 15 2004 and the big smiles on the stage from the South African political elite as Sepp Blatter announced the country as the winner of the World Cup 2010 bid process.
The massive infrastructural changes, notably the iconic stadiums, since then have been an impressive statement of intent from the country, but nothing like the massive outpouring of sentiment from the people in recent days.
It has been overwhelming and the teams seem to be cowering in recent days from the all the enthusiastic attention.
The result of last Saturday’s friendly against Denmark, one of the best Bafana Bafana performances in years, has precipitated this sudden change in sentiment, where local expectations have gone from whether the team can get out of the first group to finishing top of the standings.
World cups always bring about a loss of perspective, but South Africa seems to be getting far ahead of itself.
It had originally been planned the team would taper down their training this week, finding a relaxing rhythm after their extensive operations.
Instead they have been forced to travel around in an open bus — an honour usually reserved for winning teams — and glad-hand politicians and attend banquets.
Carlos Alberto Parreira is not happy and rightly so. The sea of tranquillity he envisaged has been swamped by a sea of madness.
Mark Gleeson is a respected football writer and analyst.