Popular gear for South African football supporters

VUVUZELA

Vuvuzela is a brightly coloured, plastic and metre long horn/trumpet, which weighs about 100 grams, and is used by most South African soccer fans during football matches. The sound that this horn emits is something like a deep foghorn or an elephant and for one to blow it it requires some serious lip and lung strength. Originally Vuvuzela was made from the horn of a Kudu, and used to summon villagers to gatherings, but nowadays it is made of plastic and used to encourage players to do well in the football pitch. The meaning of the word "vuvuzela" seems varied: some say it could mean 'making a noise’; others describe it as a 'shower of music'. Locally produced by Masincedane Sport CC, Vuvuzela seems geared to remain a symbol of Africa’s passion for football during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. In response to some critics of the Vuvuzela who wanted the instrument to be banned during the 2010 World Cup matches due to its ‘noisy sound’ FIFA President, Sepp Blatter said the following, “Vuvuzelas, drums and singing are part of African football culture. It is part of their celebration; it is part of their culture and let them blow it.”

MAKARABA

This helmet has been largely used in the South Africa by workers in the gold or diamond mines, but today this hat has made its irresistible presence in the football stadiums of South Africa. The hat is usually worn by most passionate South African football supporters during football matches and, like Vuvuzela, it is usually available in varied bright colours. As such, Makaraba usually adds visual excitement in the South African stadiums during soccer matches. The interesting thing about Makaraba is that it was originally used by supporters during soccer matches as prevention from being hit in the head by bottles that supporters of the losing soccer team used to hurl at the supporters of the winning side as a sign of not accepting the loss. However, that is something of the past and Makaraba has evolved to be more than just for protection but to symbolise the unique features of a South African football fan.

For more information please visit Makoya Makaraba