I was very impressed with the patriotism, dignity, respect and support shown towards the Springboks during the past week when they were here, by our loyal supporters, who not only went crazy over them, but dug deep into their pockets to fill the Mbombela Stadium.
One remarkable thing, though, is that I did not receive a single call from desperate supporters who requested a free ticket to watch the games – instead they chose to show their loyalty and enthusiasm by buying their tickets.
I wish I could say the same when soccer giants like Bafana Bafana, Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates come to our shores.
In those instances, we are inundated with calls from desperate supporters who request free tickets to watch the games, and for that matter, many ask for VIP tickets.
Comparatively speaking, the Springboks’ tickets cost R350 and R450, but fans paid. Soccer tickets cost R50, but some so-called supporters pretend to be charitable cases.
They tend to forget that provinces which enjoy such high-profile games are those that dig deep into their pockets to watch the games.
The same scenario occurs whenever there are music festivals.
For heaven’s sake, how do you expect organisers to make a profit if they should try to be charitable when it comes to attendance?
I was further impressed at the Springboks’ practice sessions at the Mbombela Stadium when hordes of fans packed the stadium to watch their heroes and get their autographs.
It was very orderly and one could well think it was actually the test match itself.
There was no clamouring for the players, but with much dignity, they obeyed the commands of the security personnel and each one waited his turn – what a disciplined sport and supporters.
When our soccer giants converge here, there is so much disorder at public places. Why can’t soccer supporters behave themselves like ladies and gentlemen?
A word of advice though, we need to dig deep into our pockets in order to see quality games and shows here, or else, with less support at the stadium, organisers will start overlooking us when planning their events in future.
Once again, it is all thanks to the stadium management and Mbombela Local Municipality who have made it possible for us to see quality games, nationally, and now internationally, too.
With more support, we will get even more of them.
