Saturday, 4pm (advertised at 2pm but 2 hours isn’t even close to being ‘late’), optimistic crowds and the unmistakable howl of vuvuzelas can only mean one thing – it’s Tanzania Vodacom Premier League time. Young Africans from Dar, one of the best teams in the country, were in town to play local team Stand United.
Stand United really are one of the success stories of modern
football. Delightfully named after the bus stands where the idea for forming a
team was originally hatched, the team is comprised of local talent who have
never forgotten their roots. Loyal to their club, playing with pride in their
shirts and with an annual budget comparable to the cost of one of Wayne Rooney’s
hair plugs, they really are the local boys done good, now plying their trade in
the upper echelons of Tanzanian football.
Unfortunately the fairytale was not destined to continue on
Saturday as Stand United were outplayed by a superior Young Africans team
featuring not one but two star/aging Brazilians. The near capacity crowd of
10,000 (unofficial estimates nearer 20,000) at Kambarage Stadium in Shinyanga was rocked by
an early Yanga goal from which Stand never really recovered. The young, skilful
Stand-onians had no reply to a team consisting of six members of the national
team and as tired legs and minds kicked in, the visitors helped themselves to
two late goals to finish with an emphatic victory.
Football clichés aside, it was a remarkable experience and a
great match to watch. We had ‘VIP’ tickets which granted us permission to drive
into the stadium and park along the sidelines. Unfortunately we were too late
to take in a car but we were able to stand beside the subs bench for the first
half, felt more like a member of the team’s back-room staff than a casual
observer!
Tanzanians really are passionate about their football so the
atmosphere was incredible – no idea how people dance, sing and blow vuvuzelas
for 90 minutes at temperatures well over 30 degrees. However, passions spilled over into some bad
tempered bottle throwing at half time so we had to make a quick escape from
where the players had gathered until police intervention had calmed things
down.
During the second half, Young Africans decided to abandon
their designated subs bench so, not having a seat ourselves, we were invited to
take advantage and enjoyed the best view in the house (click here for photos). We were very aware of
how conspicuous we were, the only white people in the stadium sitting on the players’
seats, but all part of our ‘Mzungu’ experience.
Stand United til I die...not sure if season tickets exist
though, or a fantasy league...
Swahilli word of the day: Ligi kuu Bara
means National Premier
League - Google it for further news, views and updates
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