Ghana fever grips South Africa

1 July 2010

All the African teams taking part in the 2010 Fifa World Cup have felt the impetus of home ground advantage. As the last African team remaining in the tournament, Ghana have become the focus of South Africans' passion for football and uncontained joy at hosting the first Fifa World Cup on the continent.

All over South Africa, the Ghanaian colours are finding their way into the homes, cars and wardrobes of local fans.

Even at an open air viewing of the Portugal vs Spain match on Tuesday night, George Mahlangu was dressed in his Ghanaian colours, preparing himself for the history books to be rewritten.

"It is fantastic to have the Black Stars in the quarter-finals, especially in the World Cup hosted here in South Africa," said Mahlangu. "All we need is one African team in the quarters, not all six, to fly the flag for Africa."

"Ghana was amazing against the US," says Lebo Mahlatjie, an ardent African football fan. "They have really put Africa's presence into this tournament."

For fans like Mahlatjie, the Black Stars epitomise Africa's efforts both on and off the pitch. "They have a good chance to get through. They have surprised everyone and done Africa proud, whatever happens on Friday."

Ghana will make history on Friday if they beat Uruguay to become the first African team to advance to the semi-finals. "If they manage that, I can't tell you how wild it will be," said Mahlatjie. "It will be the greatest day."

The successes of the Ghanaian team has converted many local people, many of whom were not necessarily the biggest football fans before. "They play great football," says Samantha Robb. "It feels fantastic to see them doing so well, you have to support them."

For Robb, the thought of Ghana winning is almost too much to bear. "I will celebrate Africa's success. Together we have come so far, and this is our World Cup, already we have broken perceptions around what Africa can do."

South African fans will turn out in their thousands on Friday night to root for the Black Stars. "I have a ticket to the game," says Tebogo Mutlanyune. "Ghana is representing Africa for all of us, and I want to support that. Black Stars all the way!"

Source: 2010 Fifa World Cup South Africa Organising Committee