JOHANNESBURG (AP)—After a 1-1 draw in the opening match of the World
Cup,
South Africa’s national football team is hoping to make the country
proud when
it takes on Uruguay on Youth Day.
Youth Day celebrates the June 16, 1976, Soweto Uprising, when black
students
rose up against the educational policies of the former apartheid
government.
“It is a big day in South African history, and we as
players want to beat
Uruguay and take a step closer to reaching the knockout phase and
thereby making
it a double celebration for South Africa,” midfielder Steven Pienaar
said
Monday.
After Wednesday’s match in Pretoria, South Africa will face France on
June
22 in Bloemfontein.
“We have to be fully focused against Uruguay, who are a
well-organized side
defensively and have good attacking players,” the midfielder added. “But
the
way we played in the second half against Mexico has given us a huge
boost.”
Pienaar looked sluggish during Bafana Bafana’s opening draw against
Mexico
at Soccer City. He was substituted midway through the second half by
Bernard
Parker, and said his legs are tired after playing a long season for
Everton this
year.
“It was a tough season in England for me,” Pienaar said, “and I will
shake it off hopefully against Uruguay.”
The screen shows "Doctor" Khumalo ready to begin his commentary.
"Who is that?" Johnny asks about one of South Africa's most famous
players.
"We grew up with rugby," he explains. "But for younger
people it is now easier to get into football. In the past it has always
been a sport for the black population."
The game starts and
everyone is glued to the screen. A couple of vuvuzelas can be heard in
the bar along with shouts of "Bafana Bafana" whenever South Africa go on
the attack.
One fan wearing a Uruguay shirt explains to
everybody else why Mexico have had a goal ruled out.
"We are
playing well" says another who looks like he might have played as a
"hooker".
When Siphiwe Tshabalala scores there are high fives
all around and the celebrations go on until Rafael Marquez equalises for
Mexico.
"We need to win the game," says Michelle who can barely
be heard as the volume levels go up towards the end of the game. "We
can qualify from this group".
But the winning goal never comes.
"A
draw is okay, Mexico are a strong team," adds Michelle as the final
whistle is blown and the rugby world once again applauds its football
counterpart - one sporting nation united for the World Cup.