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Bafana arrive to tumultous welcome
The mood at the Bloemfontein International Airport was one of joyous celebration as thousands of people packed the arrival hall and some could not even find space in their attempt to welcome Bafana Bafana when they touched down in the Free State capital on Sunday afternoon.
Although Paraguay was playing against Slovakia at the nearby Free State Stadium while world champions Italy were engaged in a tussle against New Zealand in Mbombela, the people of Free State just did not care about these World Cup matches as they descended on the international airport in their thousands.
The first to enter the arrival hall was coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, followed by his deputy Pitso Mosimane, and they were momentarily bowled over by the thunderous rendition of local songs culminating in Eddie Grant’s monster hit -- Gimme hope Jo’Anna -- being translated into Gimme Hope Bafana by the enthusiastic crowd.
It was an emotional reception that left the entire Bafana Bafana squad and their technical committee with no doubt about the level of support they enjoy across the length and breadth of this country and even though a lot of people are still hurting by the 3-0 loss to Uruguay, they still came in their thousands to display their support.
“Yes, we were disappointed when they lost,” said most of them. “However, it does not matter. Bafana Bafana belong to us. We identify with them and we love them, no matter what happens on Tuesday, we will still love them until thy kingdom come,” they added.
There is still an outside chance that Bafana could still sneak into the last 16, provided they beat France by three unanswered goals and Mexico defeat Uruguay on the same day. It is a long shot, but stranger results have been recorded in football and, although a slim chance, people are hanging onto it.
