Soccer hungry S/African fans clear match ticket in record time

Hugging the usual activity associated with sports especially when teams win or are doing well, returned to Soweto stadium after 18 months of restrictions. It was however not yet the same as fans were mandated to carry their vaccination cards before being allowed into the stadium.

“Please make sure you sanitise your hands,” a voice reminded the 2,000 spectators lucky enough to get their hands on the first tickets sold since the restrictions.

The match, a World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Ethiopia, sold out in two hours.

“It has been a long journey, we have all been waiting for this for a long time,” said Bafana Bafana supporter Paul Nkosi, 49, in an blue hard hat mounted with a crown of metallic multi-coloured South African miniature flags.

“When I managed to grab a ticket I thought: Jesus, I’m so lucky,” he exclaimed, clutching a gold papier-mache trophy, eyes tearing with emotion.

Inside the stadium rules are strict: no booze, no hugging. Keep a seat between your neighbour and a face mask on at all times.

Vuvuzela horns, a hallmark of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, were also banned to avoid droplets spraying.

“I’m not so happy about that,” admitted law student Anita Gwente, 26, the South African flag draped over her shoulders, matching the red in her hair. She is relieved that at least singing is allowed.

A group of Ethiopia supporters sulked nearby. Unable to buy tickets online, they arrived four hours early in the hope in finding a way in.

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“We haven’t even had lunch because we want to watch,” said Adisse Tagsse, 41, a Johannesburg-based Ethiopian businessman.

Scuffles broke out later as they tried to force their way through, breaking through a barrier before being stopped by security.