Remembering the day KaNyamazane cheered,’Chile, Chile’
After years of neglect, KaNyamazane Stadium was upgraded before the 2010 World Cup to adhere to the criteria of an official Fifa World Cup training venue.
Exactly 10 years ago South Africa was gripped by Fifa World Cup fever.
Two days before the opening fixture, South Africa versus Mexico at the FNB Stadium, two World Cup teams played against each other, right here in Nsikazi.
Read: Stadium still viable despite reported loss
On Wednesday June 9, 2010, Chile and New Zealand faced each other in a 2010 Fifa World Cup warm-up match at KaNyamazane Stadium.
Gonzalo Fierro (68 minutes) and Esteban Paredes (72 minutes) scored to give Chile a 2-0 victory.
Jeremy Brockie, who is on loan to Maritzburg United from Mamelodi Sundowns, and who has also played for SuperSport United, played for New Zealand that day.
The match was played in three 30-minute segments, rather than two halves. Unlimited substitutions were allowed.
Tickets were available for free from various appointed agents in Nelspruit and KaNyamazane, and surrounds. Over 7 000 fans watched the match.
Also read: Rugby fans add to the beauty of KaNyamazane
Chileans, New Zealanders and South Africans mingled on the stands as a festival atmosphere prevailed for the friendly game. The majority of locals supported Chile.
After the match, local establishments offering traditional cuisine and beverages in KaNyamazane did a roaring trade.
