The largest event our country has ever hosted (how fortunate for the world that we did) is now over and done with- but are you? The World Cup was a huge success and now it is interesting to see what sort of legacy has been left in Africa’s Southern most country.
One of the clear effects for us all to see, was how the event piqued an interest in many white South Africans. Before the World Cup many only really associated football with the fowl mouthed chavy punks from the English league. Fortunately the many different ‘flavours’ of world football were all presented to us on the field and on the streets so we could hopefully realise that the game is far bigger than just what we see on DSTV during the nine months of the Premier League in England.
What has left the Gear Guy and Bob smiling, is the awesome opportunity of brilliant pitches that are now available to organise a quick game of pick-up 5-a-side or, if you are organised, a full-on 22 man game.
Its not always that lekker though to play in studs or blades and many of these practice fields and smaller 5-a-side pitches that have been created are with specific artificial, rubber based grass. This lends itself brilliantly to wearing some indoor or kicks. Bob and I tried some out on these pitches and loved the light, free feel they provide. Bob got his size 12 hooves into the Nike Total90 Shoot III which he was showing off on the pitch like a kid on Christmas morning. Bob seems to sit close to the middle of the field and not take too many shots, but with these bad boys he was unleashing from all over the park!
I took the Nike Mercurial Victory out for a ‘spin’ and felt like everyone was staring at the purple people eaters on my feet. They were. The boots rocked though and made stop starting and some fancy footwork dancing a whole lot more of an option while still keeping my footing. I was alot more balanced then I thought I might be. I decided to test them out on the Noordhoek track, which is a rough piece of work with uneven turf and not a few rocks. I was pleasantly surprised at how well they grafted on this rough pitch. The game in question was for the Noordhoek Vikings that day v the Friendly Zimbo’s who we have a competative fixture against the Vikings from time to time. Its something that will continue for many years to come as the guys really have found an interest in a sport they thought they could well have just ended screaming at on the TV; as refs blundered and players dived all over the show.
If you are in Cape Town and are looking to try out some 5-a-side, you should check out the Gianluca Vialli 5 a side Soccer pitches in Sea Point. World class I tell you and outside too, which is pretty cool and in line with our healthy outdoor lifestyle opportunities available for us is a unique South African way. Ole’!
Please let us know about a place to kick around in your area. Just post a comment.
Loving the site Bob