Mbombela and surrounds are exceptionally quiet, especially after-hours and on weekends, due to the level 3 lockdown restrictions.

Bars and restaurants are abandoned. Once the sun sets the streets empty.

This is in stark contrast to the city 10 years ago, when South Africa was hosting the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

All accommodation was fully booked, as far as Barberton, Malalane and Hazyview.

Shopping centres, places of entertainment and other businesses, from liquor stores to pharmacies, were doing a roaring trade.

A carnival-like atmosphere burned strong in the city and its neighbouring towns. Mbombela was a Fifa World Cup host city and the party did not stop.

Today, exactly 10 years ago, Mbombela Stadium hosted its first 2010 Fifa World Cup match. Chile defeated Honduras 1-0 in a Group H match in front of 32 644 spectators on Youth Day.

Massive red, white and blue Chilean flags waved in a stiff breeze on a warm winter’s afternoon. Hoduran fans waved blue and white.

Both teams’ supporters beat massive drums. Thousands of vuvuzelas blasted their sound in the stadium.

Locals had adopted Chile and cheered for the South American team.

“It was La Rojas’ first World Cup victory in 48 years and the 6 000-strong travelling supporters celebrated so loudly with their team chant, that even it even overcame the monotonous drone of the vuvuzelas,” Lowvelder wrote.

Mbombela Stadium went on to host three more group stage matches.

Four-time World Cup champions, Italy, and New Zealand drew 1-1 on June 20 in front of 38 229 fans. Fifa president, Sepp Blatter attended the match.

On June 23 Australia beat Serbia 2-1. The game was witnessed by 37 863 soccer fans

Two days later Ivory Coast thrilled the locals who supported the African nation as they thrashed North Korea 3-0 in front of 34 763 supporters.

A total of 143 499 fans watched the four matches played at Mbombela Stadium.

Spectators made use of the park-and-ride system, from various pick-up/drop-off points around the city. Despite a few hiccups the park-and-ride worked very well. A spirited atmosphere reigned on the buses as locals and fans from the visiting countries mingled and chanted, sang and cheered.

New Zealand and Chile faced each other in a pre-tournament, warm-up match at KaNyamanzane Stadium on June 9. Chile won 2-0 and the majority of the 7 000-strong crowd supported the South Americans.

“Chile crept even deeper into the hearts of local soccer supporters when they hammered New Zealand 2-0 at the brand-new stadium,” reported Lowvelder at the time.

The official Mbombela Fan Fest area was set up at Hoërskool Bergvlam where fans could watch the Fifa World Cup matches.

Just under over 20 000 people attended the Mbombela Fan Fest for the opening World Cup game between South Africa and Mexico, played at the FNB Stadium on Friday June 11. Then the moment of magic occurred when Sibusiso Tshabalala scored the opening goal of the 2010 World Cup. “The crowd erupted and tears of joy flowed freely,” Lowvelder reported.

The Fans Fest remained open for all matches up until the final on July 11. Big crowds attended for South Africa’s group stage matches, but there was poor attendance for other games. “On some days there were more police officers at the park than actual visitors,” Lowvelder reported.

Controversy surrounded the Fan Fest concerning its municipality appointed operator and contractual disputes and financial disagreements with sub-contractors and equipment suppliers.

A Fan Mile was established in Ferreira Street, which was open on each of the four local group stage match days, from 09:00 to 02:00 the next morning. It was a late-night street carnival with a DJ pumping music and beverages and food on sale from surrounding establishments.

It was particularly busy after the match between Chile and Honduras. “Only when the music stopped at 02:00 on Thursday did people start leaving,” Lowvelder reported. After the Australia vs Serbia match a large group of Australians left a local watering hole just before dawn.

And then who will ever forget side-view mirror socks. Hundreds of thousands of vehicles in the Lowveld were decorated with these South African flag mirror socks, and for months after the World Cup many still sported them, albeit rather faded in colour.

For two weeks in June 2010 Mbombela was part of sports history. Those who were there will never forget the spirit of the occasion. The city, its people and the foreign visitors celebrated one massive carnival.

“The image of the Lowveld that has been conjured in the minds of tourists was very favourable. Many stereotypical perceptions of South Africa were also debunked. On a daily basis I received positive feedback from so many people who plan to return to the Lowveld, mainly due to the friendliness of the people, the beauty of the area and the general affordability,” said Mathilda van Niekerk, of Mbombela Municipality, at the time.

It is hard to believe this was all 10 years ago. Maybe, when lockdown regulations allow it, we should close off Ferreira Street and celebrate to memories of June 2010.