Mercy Ships World Cup Fever...

Last Friday (11th June) the World Cup kicked off in South Africa as the 83rd ranked host nation faced the might of Mexico in the opening fixture at Soccer City in Soweto, Johannesburg. Here on the Mercy Ship, with so many different nationalities onboard, any sporting event - especially a World Cup - stirs up great emotion and patriotism amongst the crew. People who aren't ordinarily football fans become engrossed in the beautiful game.

We watched the opening game in the Midships Lounge and, as I was the only South African watching at that venue, I had to go all-out for my country. I donned the Bafana Bafana jersey, had a FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010 cap and blew my vuvuzela (a plastic trumpet carried by any South African soccer fan) in support of our boys back home. It was a great occasion and it was lovely to watch an entertaining match in which the spoils were shared as the hosts held Mexico 1-1.

So, with that said, I hope wherever you are you enjoy the football and South Africa's warm welcome to the world during this coming month!