Letter to the Witness Sports Editor: Get down and watch Maritzburg United, it’s lovely

14 Aug 2009

MANY white folk in Pietermaritzburg profess to be football supporters — they support English Premiership clubs, buy the team jerseys and settle in front of the TV every Saturday during the season to give their support to their team. Wake up, Maritzburg football fans, you have your own local, totally live, first-class football team right here in the city.

I love watching football, and growing up in West London, was naturally a Chelsea supporter. Even though I’m a woman I understand the offside rule! So last Friday night, off we go to watch football. Not to the TV in some sports bar, but to the Maritzburg United v SuperSport United match at Woodburn Stadium.

What fun we had. Parking was no problem with plenty of secure, well-lit parking available on the rugby fields. The security at the entrance was great. The lady security guard didn’t ask to “search” me — with a big smile she asked if she could “give me a hug”!

After a couple of glasses of sherry in the ‘Kick and Whistle’ bar, for warmth on a cold night of course, we proceeded to the grandstand to watch the match.

A festival atmosphere ruled. A man five or so seats away from me did have a vuvuzela, which he blew occasionally in tune with someone further away, and it was not intrusive at all. When he wasn’t blowing, he and his companions sang Shosholoza — I do admit to preferring the latter, it was lovely.

The game itself was enjoyable, if slightly below the hoped-for standard, being so early in the season. Being part of the crowd was a great experience. I would urge all those white football fans to turn up and support your local team — R30 is a very small price to pay for a good evening’s entertainment and for the privilege of encouraging Maritzburg United in their quest to hit the top of the PSL.

I look forward to your company for the next home match on August 26 against AmaZulu.

Moira Smith
Pietermaritzburg