Headgear & Soccer Terms

During the previous entry on this blog, there was 'Diego Maradona in the crowd' - by way of solving this "mystery": it was the "headgear" of an Argentinian soccer supporter/fan/joker(?). A security guard in the stadium had to remind the "wearer" that 'his' Maradona was blocking the view of the crowd sitting behind him!





The origin of the makarapa (= soccer headgear) was a miner's hard-hat, which a soccer enthusiast "redesigned". This handsomely decorated (giant) makarapa is displayed in the foyer/reception at Coca Cola's head-office.





If you scroll back on this blog, you will 'discover' other interesting & colourful headgear various soccer spectators wear during World Cup matches - this is just another example.




Eventually somebody also reminded the wearer of this peacock-feather-hat that the decorative headgear was blocking the view!






No comment!









No explanation necessary of who this spectator supports - a "haircut" instead of headgear - I guess it's the result of some kind of bet!?






More than just headgear!








Other than another makarapa, this photo features the by now "notorious" vuvuzela [See: previous blog-entries]. This unique trumpet-like instrument creates chaos/atmosphere during all 2010 soccer matches.

Apparently it is NOT uniquely South African (!!??) - there's a "claim" that it originated in the US of A.



Jabulani, meaning: celebrate (in the Zulu language) - prominently displayed at the Waterfront in Cape town [Also See: entry on this blog, Sunday, 6 June, for an explanation of what the 11 colours on this ball represent]. Each World Cup ball has a name that reflects the host country's unique character.


"Ke Nako" is the official slogan of South Africa's 2010 World Cup tournament & means: It Is Time (in some of our 11 official languages).





Zakumi (= a leopard), the 2010 World Cup mascot, is a "friendly character", which makes regular appearances during 'half-time' at the soccer matches.







The World Cup trophy - still "up for grabs" - which country's soccer team will be victorious?? Instead of "the real Macoy", the trophy held aloft in this photo is a superbly crafted, beaded souvenir.