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Loud and proud
Soccer spectators
A vividly colourful makaraba soccer hat.
© Makoya Makaraba
Did you know?
The vuvuzela and the makaraba are unique to South African football fans.
The 2010 FIFA World CupTM revealed to the world just how passionate South African soccer supporters really are.
Football fans who came from around the world adopted local traditions such as blowing vuvuzelas (plastic horns), wearing makarabas (decorated hard hats) and diski dancing in the streets.
South African soccer spectators are distinctly loud and proud. There is never a quiet moment during a domestic or international match, with spectators ensuring that energy levels never drop. During the opening match of the 2010 FIFA World CupTM between South Africa and Mexico, it was estimated that there were nearly 70 000 vuvuzelas in the stadium.
The national team, known as 'Bafana Bafana', usuallys play in gold shirts. On the day of an international match, soccer fans around South Africa wear replica Bafana Bafana jerseys and many paint the national flag on their faces.
South Africa's main domestic soccer competition is the Premier Soccer League (PSL). Among the regular front-running club teams are Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, Bloemfontein Celtic, Ajax Cape Town, Bidvest Wits and Supersport United.
South African soccer fans are incredibly welcoming and love meeting fans from other parts of the world.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
South African Football Association
Tel: +27 (0)11 494 3522
Tours to do
Travellers can take tours of most major soccer stadiums in South Africa.