As usual many local soccer lovers attended the game.

Goodman Mahlasela, who is an ardent Orlando Pirates fan, travelled all the way from Barberton to Mbombela to show his support, even though his team was not featured.

“After the 2010 World Cup I realised that even if you are not hugely passionate about sport, you can enjoy watching it live. Nothing beats standing in a stadium surrounded by adoring fans, wearing their team colours, shouting or blowing their vuvuzelas in support of their team,” he said.

The Amakhosi supporters are a very loyal group and even though the stadium was not packed to capacity, they still made their presence known with their gold and black jerseys, hats, face paint and flags.

A Chiefs fan, Kafil Uddin Mahmud, said despite the unbearable heat he enjoyed the game. It was the first time Mahmud attended a live soccer match at the stadium.

Although the game ended deadlocked and goalless at full-time, it was awesome for the fans to immerse themselves in South African soccer culture early in the year.

According to Mthuthuzeli Qamba of Mbombela Stadium management, 26 000 spectators attended the game.
“We appreciate the massive crowd that attended at a time when people are finishing long holidays,” he said.

The next game at Mbombela will be on Saturday, April 7.

It will feature SuperSport against Orlando Pirates and will kick off at 18:00.