Amakhosi 4 Life

The Soweto Derby is an exciting rivalry match between two South African soccer teams. Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

We basically ended up getting a private taxi ride to Orlando stadium. I have been wanting to ride in a taxi since arriving in Joburg. Taxis are not the safest form of transportation but I wanted to get a feel for what it was like. But I have requested to have another ride since typically they are packed out with maybe 12-15 people side by side. Now that is what I call fun.

Please take note of the green horn or vuvuzela that Philani has... the whole way to the stadium I was blowing it out the window. People were shocked that a white girl was able to blow it and yelled their support back at me.

Orlando Stadium in Soweto will be a training venue for the 2010 World Cup. There is much history behind this stadium which had a major part in the fight for freedom during apartheid. The Soweto Uprising was when students marched in protest on their way to Orlando Stadium but never made it. Thousands of mourners gathered at this stadium for the funeral service of Walter Sisulu, an anti-apartheid activist. Nelson Mandela spoke here and pledged his commitment to the children and youth of South Africa. 

Orlando stadium and the game of soccer gave hope to many during the struggle. Even Mandela mentioned how soccer matches at Orlando helped lift spirits of those imprisoned on Robben Island. You can still feel the excitement surrounding the game of football today!

"Amakhosi 4 Life - Peace and Love" is the Kaizer Chiefs motto and is shown by holding up a peace sign. I have become a Chiefs fan because of their history of promoting peace and sportsmanship during a time of turmoil. Oh and Mandela supports them... what other reason would you need?

Hanging out with friends.

Vuvuzela. The sound of Africa. These horns are blown by fans at football matches in South Africa. There is debate over the origin of the name. It could have come from Zulu for 'making noise,' from the 'vuvu' sound it makes or from township slang for 'shower.' FIFA wanted to ban the use of vuvuzelas for the 2010 World Cup but the ban has been dropped. I look forward to joining the excitement of an authentic South African football experience and blowing my vuvuzela!