'Welcome to Soweto, Bulls'
2010-05-21 09:17
Johannesburg - Zwelethu Gamede, 28, stayed away from work on Thursday afternoon, just so that he could paint a special welcoming message for the Bulls in Soweto.
Gamede, a graphic designer, was busy painting the Bulls logo on the wall of his studio next to Orlando Stadium.
The Bulls will be facing the Crusaders at this stadium in a Super14 semi-final on Saturday.
Gamede was painting "Welcome to Soweto Vodacom Bulls" on the wall.
Excited
"I think it's a wonderful gesture to welcome them to Soweto.
"The Bulls have supported Bafana in the past."
Gamede, a fiery Bulls supporter, will also be at the stadium on Saturday.
"I'm so excited. This is the first time I'll see the Bulls at a stadium," he said.
"We have so many negative headlines in the newspapers. We need more positive things.
"I know people are sceptical about Orlando, but they have nothing to be afraid of," he said.
Floyd Sibanda, 36, a Beeld employee, said everyone in the area - from young to old - is excited.
Hospitality
"People can't wait for Saturday to show their hospitality to the teams and spectators. The excitement has built up so much that people in taxis and shebeens spend more time talking about the match than about Bafana Bafana's chances in World Cup 2010."
According to Ratang Tanyane, 23, tickets should have been cheaper.
"Ruby is a white sport. People in the township still see it as strange.
"But the Bulls are now going to bring rugby closer to the people."
