Molo
I have been in South Africa for over 2 weeks now and I have only had one day off. ESPN is working all of us but I can't really complain when my job requires me to watch every world cup match. My first assignment was working on the World Cup open and other features including Voices of Africa. If anyone missed the open I have dumped it to DVD and will be happy to share when I get back to the States. I remember watching the rollout to the NCAA tournament, "One Shinning Moment," and thought to myself one day I want to make a rollout. I won't be able to contribute to the World Cup rollout for I am done working on July 1st but having the opportunity to be part of the open of kicking off ESPN's coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup had been the highlight of my ESPN career. It gave me the opportunity to get the World excited about Soccer and South Africa. Two things very close to my heart.
My first day off was Wednesday June 16th and I ventured out with three coworkers to Pretoria for the South Africa vs Uruguay match. We arrived in Pretoria about 5 hours before the match and went straight to the fan fest to watch Spain play. A little face paint, Castle Lager, and a Spain loss later the fan fest turned into a huge dance party. The lights turned off and everyone jumped on the tables waving their country's flag. I immediately jumped on the nearest table grabbed a South African flag and started waving in unison with the 100 other flags to the beat of K'naan's waving flag. Amazing dance party.
We all entered the stadium about 30 minutes before kickoff. I still can't believe I was allowed in the Stadium with Media credentials with my face painted and I obviously had pounded a few. We stayed on the field until the South African National anthem had finished and took video of all the South Africans proudly belting out their anthem and crying because they were so proud of the boys, BAFANA BAFANA. The rest of the game we sat up high to get a full perspective of the field and enjoy the lovely vuvuzela choir. Yes Uncle Brad I still plan on bringing you home a vuvuzela.
The rest of the tournament has been pretty much a blur except for the US match against Slovenia. Wow still can't believe that outcome and refereeing. I am signing off now preparing for the next big match Ivory Coast vs Brazil.
GO Elephants!
3 comments:
If you like me at all Beth, you'll forget to pack that vavuzula. You know your Uncle Brad. He'll make everyone crazy blowing it, especially me. We didn't get to see the opening so we would love to see the DVD. Can't wait to see you in Aug. Have a safe trip home. Rebeca
PS Don't listen to Rebecca. From Brad
Have fun. Don't work too hard.
haha I'll plug it with something so he can't blow the horn. He would go crazy with in on the golf course.
Post a Comment