As the 2018 Fifa World Cup kicks off today, soccer fanatics, occasional fans and even those not moved by World Cup fever will be glued to their screens to catch a glimpse of the opening ceremony and the first match between Russia and Saudi Arabia. Even though our home team is not in the World Cup, there are other African teams raising Africa’s flag high – Nigeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, and Senegal – these are some big African teams that you can put your money on.
South Africa’s fan culture knows no bounds and watches each and every soccer match possible at any place with a big enough screen, beer on tap and zero vuvuzela restrictions.
Check out our top five places to go watch tonight’s opener between Russia and Saudi Arabia:
- Sandton Soccer Village (Parkmore)
Catch all the goals and glory at the Sandton Soccer Village presented by Milk Bar from 14 June – 15 July. The games will be screened live, a family-friendly outdoor area, and live music on selected evenings. Tasty fare from Milk Bar’s Afro-inspired menu for fuelling the fans, plus beers and cheers aplenty.
- Randlord’s (Braamfontein)
Enjoy the World Cup at Jozi’s highest point. You can catch the opening match on the big screen tonight, the third-place play-off on 14 July and the final on 15 July.
- The Bannister Hotel Bar (Braamfontein)
Throughout the duration of the World Cup, The Bannister Hotel Bar’s basement event space is being transformed into a World Cup watching bar with every single match screened live on a massive projector screen. The Bannister also promises that match days come ‘with Big Sound’ too and great drinks specials come as standard.
- Blank Bar and The Botanist (Parkhurst)
Blank Bar on Parkhurst’s high street 4th Avenue is a dedicated popup cocktail bar which changes its theme every month to showcase different spirits. In celebration of the FIFA World Cup 2018 from 14 June to 15 July, Blank Bar is becoming a Russian vodka bar. Meanwhile, down the road, The Botanist) is being transformed into Joburg’s most stylish World Cup bar with a big projector screen, plenty of bean bag seating to enjoy the World Cup while sipping on Russian vodka.
- Chalkboard Café @ The Bioscope (Maboneng)
The Chalkboard Café has established itself as a mainstay for Joburg’s sports fans looking to watch all the latest soccer action with a huge projector screen and a great choice of reasonably priced local craft beers and pizzas.
Read:
WATCH: Russian workers taught to smile before World Cup kicks off on Thursday
#ICYMI: Somizi to host Russians for World Cup
IN PICTURES: Russians in South Africa for World Cup
