The Overblown Noise of the Vuvuzela

It’s finally here and thankfully it didn’t disappoint.

Any concerns that the hosts would struggle against considerably higher ranked opposition were unrealised, as they fully deserved their draw against Mexico, who are positioned 50 places above their opponents in the FIFA world rankings.

A spectacular strike from Siphiwe Tshabalala (lama ka dinga da dinga dong) gave South Africa a deserved lead, but Rafael Marquez equalised against their counter-attacking opponents, who hit the post late on and were unlucky not to pinch the win.

Whilst the game was a real pleasure to watch and sufficiently satisfied my expectations, however it won’t be the quality of football that will remain lodged in my memory, but instead the deafening sound from the wall of vuvuzelas inside Soccer City.

UK audiences had experienced this audible spectacle at the Confederations Cup in 2009 and I personally saw a man with cheeks defiantly puffed marching down Oxford Street giving shoppers a preview of the vuvuzelas sound, but it wasn’t on the same scale as it was in Johannesburg today.

At times it felt like I had housed a group of homeless wasps in my ears that were having a particularly industrious afternoon.

This at least did quieten the pre-prepared commentary of Peter Drury and his yes-man Jim Beglin, but it did make for an unusual viewing experience.

As you would expect from a World Cup opener the intensity inside the stadium was loud and passionate, but never has it been so constant.

The level of action on the pitch is usually reflected by the noise of the crowd, so when there is a moment of drama or tension such as a goal scoring opportunity the crowds excitement increases the intensity of the noise and adds to the drama, but not today.

Instead the constant whirring of the vuvuzelas created a certain unease as well as tension and was a fantastic reflection of the support for the Bafana Bafana, but it wasn’t always welcome throughout the game and often the sound of the referees whistle was swallowed by the monstrous sound.

It was though the lack of reaction to the goals from the vuvuzela orchestra that was noticeable and momentarily halted my celebrations as they continued to play their tuneless melody throughout and only let up when the ref decided his ears could take no more punishment.

The passion of the crowd is a delight, but it silences the emotion of the crowd and makes for an abnormal viewing experience.

For the benefit of the tournament I sincerely hope the host’s progress to maintain the home fans interest, as a swarm of vuvuzela bees is an imposing and impressive experience, but a few flying around the lampshade can be an annoying sideshow.

Posted By Dan Mobbs - Friday June 11, 2010.
Tags: South Africa, Mexico