Madly, from Cantona n' Zidane to The Hand of Henry

JOHANNESBURG. The day has finally arrived, June 11, 2010. Like the release of Nelson Mandela from prison 20 years ago on February 11, 1990 and South Africa's first democratic elections on April 27, 1994, June 11th will now join the pantheon of South African milestones

Having been fortunate enough to take part in the events of April 1994, mobilizing voters in Cape Town, its hard to believe that the nation could match the excitement and anticipation of that time.

It has. Let's just hope the queues to get onto the train from Park Town Station to Soweto are not as long as those in 1994.

As I nurse last nights tequilas, at 6.00 am this morning, I was woken by the sounds of the vuvulezas in my northern suburban complex. 

The vuvuleza has recently been described by one British journalist, as a raucous ear-splitting trumpet....

No doubt mass produced in China, the vuvuzela has been adopted as African becoming the official 'instrument' of South African soccer fans and will no doubt dominate much of the discussion by international journalists and broadcasters alike as the cacophony invades living rooms across the globe. Vuvuleza virgins be warned!

Opening match checklist, prior to venturing out in the cool and cloudy Joburg morning heading towards Soccer City - earplugs, check! While I remain a great lover of music, the hope is a dim one that today we will hear the odd football chant or better still that a Mexican Mariachi may filter through today. The realist in me knows that the dominant sound this afternoon will be above all about the vuvuzela. Maybe the opening ceremony will pack a surprise or two but Shakira's shaking hips and booming anthem at last night's opening bash is as melodic as its going to get today.

Back to reality, there is too much to be said about this most historic day, certainly the most important day in the history of South African and African football. If we accept the long shot that South Africa will not reach the World Cup final in one month's time, then certainly today is the day - Ke Nako - where history will be made. Despite thinking I know something about football, predictions can be fickle as a winter's day in Cape Town and its difficult to imagine how it will actually all unfold in a few hours. Needless to say, despite the Messis, Ronaldos and Rooneys still to come, there will be new names and new heroes waiting to emerge this 2010.

South Africa is fully behind Bafana Bafana like never before. After a 12 match winning strike, my superstitious side has some anxiety about facing the Mexicans for number 13. The question remains, like Madiba walking out of Victor Verster 20 years ago to chaotic scenes and an uncertain future, how will this afternoon unfold for the nation in general and in particular for us fans trying to get down to the stadium to catch the opening ceremony on time. Can Bafana Bafana rise to the occasion and fulfill the dreams of the nation and the continent or will they fluff their lines? My heart is with Bafana as their victory will vindicate the emotional investments of millions and announce the African presence at the tournament. As in 1994, running around the Cape Flats with my friend and struggle icon, Johnny Issel, I feel privileged to be here today holding a ticket for this opening match.

As for France v Uruguay later tonight from Cape Town, it would have been special to be in Cape Town for this opening match. For ever a fan of French football and in particular the genius and madness that was Zinedine Zidane and Eric Cantona before him, after France's disgraceful qualifying campaign culminating in the less than godly 'hand of Henri' goal against the luckless Irish, the pragmatist in me hopes for a result that suits Bafana Bafana's chance of getting out of the group - a scoreless draw perhaps? I suppose its a case of be careful what you wish for. While a dour unspectacular affair from the Cape may suit Bafana Bafana's aspirations, the romantic in me still hopes that the beautiful game and bags and bags of goals wins out in the end.

Its hard to believe that today has finally arrived! I better get into the shower, can't miss that train! May the Bafana Bafana express roll on. To my friends in Mexico City, South African and New Yorkers alike, have an awesome party tonight win or lose. We plan to in Johannesburg regardless the result, it will just be that much sweeter if Africa holds on today!