#ICYMI: Moments from the World Cup’s opening match

JOBURG – DStv kicks off World Cup in style.

June 21, 2018

Mpho Moloto 1 minute read

Slava, Nomzamo Mbatha and Tatyna attend DStv's screening of the World Cup's opening match between Russia and Saudi Arabia. Photo: Mpho Moloto

Russia’s fan culture met South Africa’s fan culture following the World Cup’s opening match between Russia and Saudia Arabia on 14 June – a night of good food, music and exciting soccer – hosted by entertainer extraordinaire Somizi Mhlongo.

Nomzamo Mbatha and PSL superfan Mamajoy Chauke. Photo: Mpho Moloto

READ: Somizi to host Russians for World Cup

Hosted in a secret location in the heart of Joburg, soccer fans, media personalities and esteemed guests were treated to a night of traditional South African and Russian cuisine prepared by celebrity chef, Lentswe Bhengu to accompany the thrills and spills of the opening match.

Dima, Veronica, Lentswe Bhengu, Tatyana and Slava.

Locally-hosted Russian soccer fans, Slava, Veronica, Dima and Tatyana were exposed to South Africa’s buzzing fan culture in a bid to show that kumnand’ ekhaya (our home is great).

READ: Russians in South Africa for World Cup

The beautiful game – accompanied by the sounds of vuvuzelas – proved that soccer is a universal language and sport brings people together in celebration of humanity, love and heart-warming moments.