Football or soccer is a massive sport in South Africa.

It is a fanatic event that brings people of all races together, just look at the previous World Cup.

Soccer fans are known as colourful, passionate, vibrant and unusual. It is not uncommon to see the roar of the crowd influence the result of a game. It has become fashionable that when a highly favoured team plays, chances will be that fans will be rocking with their colourful jerseys , oversized goggles and a decorated miners helmet (makarapa) and of course a “vuvuzela”.

Rather than complaining about the noise the “vuvuzela” makes, they still enjoy blowing it louder for their teams and louder than the opposing fans. Supporters are passionate about their players, they feel they own the teams. It has become a norm that players feel their fans deserve nothing less than victory. However fans can be very unforgiving towards players who don’t play to impress. Many managers have seen the door for not pleasing the fans.

When it comes to derby day, club like Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, see fans let their emotions fly. Some end up crying, some fight and some party to the early hours of the morning, vuvuzela leading the way. Whenever two giants collide, supporters go all out to witness the best derby in the world. Fans have an attitude that usually draws attention, if a team is beaten, you might spot a supporter eating bread or raw cabbage to show that their opposition is getting “eaten”.

Some fans carry homemade coffins to show that their opposition is getting buried, however when things are not going right, they usually open bibles in search for goal miracles.

 
How to be a super fan:

Fans know how to win their team’s hearts by wearing outrageous objects that are epic. Know your favourite team’s slogans and songs and always have a “vuvuzela”. Fans are not cautious about fashion, so break all the rules and dress for your team. The more outrageous the better.

Put your teams’ logo everywhere. On your desk, on your car, if you brave enough and slightly intoxicated on your skin. Remember though, paint washes off, ink lasts forever.

Players get motivated by their supporters, therefore keep cheering and motivate the boys even if you are losing. Fans ought to be loyal to their team, win or lose; your team is still your team. Persevere if your team is not doing well. Embrace your team, have fun with it and celebrate being a soccer fanatic.
 

 

 

How far would go for your team?

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