More than 11 000 football enthusiasts, locals and visitors to Port Elizabeth, rocked up for the penultimate FIFA Fan Fest™ day at St George Park on Saturday.
The weather was not at its best but the fans were determined to not miss out on a single moment of this historical event; the second last day of the Fifa World Cup tournament in South Africa.
They streamed to St Georges Park and were rewarded with a superb combination of top-class entertainment and nail-biting football.
“It was truly brilliant. I’ve been here since the gates opened at 1.15pm and I thoroughly enjoyed the performances of all the artists,” said Anrich Mulder, a teacher from Berlin.
“When Evolver 1 took to the stage, I had goosebumps all over my body – and it had nothing to do with the cold,” the supporter of the German team raved.
She said she was “fairly happy” about Germany’s 3-2 victory over Uruguay but it was a bit like kissing your granny; sweet, but not exciting.
She firmly believed the Netherlands were going to win the World Cup. “Their solid defence is what got them so far and I’m sure it will give them the winning edge against Spain.”
Alida Steenkamp, 63, a housewife from Port Elizabeth, attended the Fan Fest with her teenage grandchildren.
“They’ve been nagging me since the start of the tournament to come but I kept putting them off. Tonight I ran out of excuses and decided to come and see what they’re going on about.
“What a blast! I will be back for the final – and of course, Jesse Clegg! I can recommend it to everyone,” she said..
Ben Ferreira, a farmer from Willowmore, said the fact that the play-off for third place was played in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium made his visit to the Fan Fest extra special.
“I can’t remember when last I felt so proud as when the packed stadium was shown on the big screen. It’s really a work of art and an asset to the Eastern Cape.”
For the World Cup final on Sunday the gates at St George’s Park open at 1.15pm.
The entertainment includes the Bay Jazz Band (2.05pm), Take Note Jazz Band (4.35pm), JR (5pm), Jesse Clegg (5.45pm), the SA Tourism Diski Dancers (7.18pm) and big-screen coverage of the final, to be played at Soccer City in Johannesburg from 8.30pm.
The DJ After Party features DJ Superman.
Entrance is free.
Visit www.facebook.com/NMB2010 for regular updates.
Issued by:
Full Stop Communications
Coetzee Gouws
041 368 4992
082 575 7991
coetzee@fullstopcom.com
www.fullstopcom.com
On behalf of:
FIFA Fan Fest™