Bloemfontein
The passionate singing of Bafana Bafana supporters during last night’s World Cup qualifier against Nigeria at Toyota Stadium evoked murmurings from certain fans that the national team must bring more of their matches to the Free State.
The match ended 1 all, which took Bafana a step closer to the World Cup, to be played in the Americas next year. It was a tetchy affair which threatened to boil over.
The visitors were visibly frustrated, with their coach Eric Chelle consistently complaining to the referees. It was the action on the stands that once again served as a reminder why Free State, Bloemfontein in particular, simply has the best supporters in the country.
They sang and danced. They sang loud, easily drowning the handful of Nigerian fans’ attempts of competing with them. At the end of the match, the grateful players, with Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie and Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae in tow, went to greet them.
In a coordinated display of respect, the supporters instructed the players to sit down before once again breaking out in a song. It was spectacular and made the hairs on one’s back stand up. It was once again a reminder of the warmth and hospitality of the people of the Free State province. It was a reminder that indeed, Free State is not the province to go through, but a province to go to.
