AFCON 2015: Dancing to the Beat of the African Drum!

The African sun is setting, the dust is settling, and there is silence....but only for a minute. The national anthems of Equatorial Guinea and the Republic of Congo are on full blast. A little while later, a referee blows the whistle....and so it begins! The singing, the chants and the beating of drums. This is the African Cup of Nations 2015!

The continental showpiece is being held in Equatorial Guinea from the 17th January until the 8th February, when the champions of Africa will be crowned. Initially billed to be held in Morocco, the competition was moved after Morocco pulled out of hosting due to the Ebola outbreak (however, they were still able to host the FIFA Club World Cup in December 2014 - go figure!).

The teams which will be participating have been split into four groups, where the top two teams will advance to the knockout stages.

GROUPS:

Teams to look out for:

Group A: Gabon

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is without a doubt Gabon's golden boy. Plying his trade in the German Bundasliga, the 25 year old has 11 goals in 25 games this season for Borussia Dortmund. All eyes will be on him to push his team into the next round.

Group B: Tunisia

The 2004 winners will be kicking off the competition against an inexperienced Cape Verde (who are participating in only their second AFCON), Tunisia looks to be the outright favourites in the group, scooping 3 points in their first game. However, their group will not be easy, with the 2012 winners Zambia as well as 1968 winners DR Congo.

Group C: Algeria

What is termed the group of death, Group C boasts of the team ranking number 1 in Africa, Algeria. Following their successful run in the 2014 World Cup, they are expected to ease through the group. However, they face stiff competition from former AFCON winners Ghana and South Africa, as well as Senegal who are their highest ranked opponent in the group at 4th.

Group D: Cote d'Ivoire

The Ivory Coast is expected to march out of this group with a tally of goals to their record. Boasting African Footballer of the Year Yaya Toure, and new Manchester City signee Wilfred Bony, the team is expected to be free scoring. Most bets are on Ivory Coast going as far as snatching the competition.

I'm not yet ready to place money on any team as yet - maybe after watching the first round of games, I can then make a more informed decision.

For now, it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beat of the African drum!

Your predictions?

World Cup 2014: Players to Watch Closely....Veeery Closely!

It is finally here!! Four years ago South Africa was abuzz with vuvuzelas, flags and amazing unity…..and now it is Brazil’s turn! Strangely enough however, I have not had much World Cup fever as I usually do – maybe it is because I wish it was in South Africa again, maybe because I wish South Africa was playing….oh I don’t know, but hey….IT IS HERE!!!!

Now this here is my quick guide to the FIFA World Cup 2014. This is aimed at helping ladies with little knowledge or interest in football.

There are 8 groups, each comprising of 4 teams, with the top two of each group moving on to the next round. I have picked some players to watch closely in each group.

GROUP A:

This group comprises of the hosts Brazil, Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon! My pick of the group is the young Brazilian star, Neymar Jnr.

 

Group B:

The defending champions Spain are in this group, along with the Netherlands, Chile, and Australia. I present to you, Sergio Ramos.

 

Group C:

Our African representatives are Cote d’Ivoire, who will be pitted against Colombia, Greece, and Japan. I like Greece because of their long names (I mean, what is there not to love about the name Sokratis Papastathopoulos?) but in the looks department, I will have to go with my African brother, Salomon Kalou. Ladies, hold on to your knickers..... 

Group D:

When I think of Uruguay, my mind always rushes back to that day four years ago when one Luis Suarez robbed Ghana (and the rest of Africa) of our last hope of world cup joy. I won’t get into that…I still bear a grudge. Anyway, also in the group are Costa Rica, England and Italy. Keep your eye out for Jack Wilshere. Why? Abs and tattoos!!

 Group E:

Switzerland, Ecuador, France and Honduras. Okay, let me just cut to the chase….please meet my French everything, Olivier Giroud.  And as they say, if it’s nice, post it twice! ;) 

Or thrice...

 

Group F:

All eyes will be on Argentina to make waves. What with goal-poachers like Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero, the expectation is high. In their way however, stand the African champions Nigeria, as well as Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina. (can’t we just call them Bosnia? I can’t deal with this long surname. Lol!). Look out for this young lad, Sergio Aguero.

 

Group G:

What I term the Group of Death, Group G is comprised of Germany, Portugal, Ghana and the USA. Germany and Portugal are the favourites to come out of this group, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Ghana causes an upset (uhm…to Portugal). And as for USA….uhhh, thanks for Burger King guys, keep up the good work! The obvious player to look out for is Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo. But I couldn’t resist the underdog either….so also keep your eye out for Ghana goalkeeper, Adam Kwarasey!
 

 

Group H:

Belgium have been labelled dark horses so much that the term doesn’t fit anymore. Comprised with an array of stars, the expectation is for them to cause upsets in the later stages of the tournament. But first, they need to get past Algeria, Korea Republic and Russia. (am I the only one who thinks of vodka when the word Russia pops up?). Anyway, check out Belgian midfielder, Moussa Dembele.

 

 

 

There you go.....I hope you enjoyed it! I may have missed some names (I kinda did this in a rush), so if you have suggestions, let me know and I will do a part 2. I might even do one for the guys....because footballers mostly date hot models! Enjoy the world cup!! 

The Day The World Stood Still!

"My fellow South Africans, our beloved Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the founding President of our democratic nation has departed."

 

Those words uttered by President Jacob Zuma froze the world. We knew it was coming, the minute we found out about the emergency family meeting, we started suspecting something was not right. When they said that the president would address the nation at 11.30pm, we started to fear the worst.....and when he came onto our tv sets and told us what we expected, we still were not ready.

 

Mandela had been in and out of hospital for the past 2-3 years; we knew his condition was not getting any better. When he was admitted into hospital in June, we started to mentally prepare ourselves......and then he was discharged. A collective sigh of relief was breathed, but we still knew it was not all clear. Many said "let him go, it is time".....many thought they were ready - I thoought I was ready.

 

Many years ago I went to Robben Isand on a school trip....I was in high school already and thought I knew quite a lot of what there was to know - my trip there inspired me to read Long Walk To Freedom, and that was when my mind was opened. The sacrifices that Mandela and many of his comrades made is indescribable - I often wonder if I would have the willpower to believe in and fight for a cause to that extent, that even when faced with death, I keep at it. Many were killed, thrown out of buildings, tortured, faced the hangman, exiled to other countries leaving their lives and families behind....but they stood for their cause and were willing to take anything.

 

When the president uttered those words, we knew what he was going to say, but still sat and watched silently, listening and grasping every word, almost in slow motion, in hopes that he wouldnt say what we knew he was going to. The world stood still, I became cold. I thought I was ready, but I honestly wasnt . I felt a lump in my throat as I sat there and listened to the rest of his address until "We will always love you Madiba! May your soul rest in peace. God Bless Africa. Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika.". Then it was done, final....done. I was sad, my soul was broken....I didnt realise the impact this would have. A nation was in mourning, the world was weeping.

 

It has been quite a week....with tributes, statues, fake interpreters, and Mandela family squabbles....but the amazing spirit of unity within the country was inspiring. For the first time since the soccer world cup in 2010 people stood together as one, felt the same pain, cried the same tears, celebrated a man's life together....and remembered the journey of this country and its young democracy.

 

There are many lessons to be learnt from this great man....but for me, one shining one is to stand for what you believe in, even when it looks like it wont be achieved. Never give up. Dedicate yourself, fall in love with your cause, be prepared to face anything inorder to see it come to being.

 Love it, Live it, Be it!

 

PS: credit to the owner of this pic...it isnt mine, I repeat, it isnt mine!

 

(Here's a short video of the celebrations outside Madiba's Houghton home)

 

18 July 1918 – 5 December 2013

Rest In Peace

 

We Sing and Dance....Always!

I went to Mandela's Houghton home and maaaan was it fun!! People celebrating the life of a man with song and dance. The reality of his death was there, but the celebratory mood was on another level. Take a look at this short video I managed to take while catching my breath in between the singing and dancing.

Its a wrap!!!

First boot camp completed!!! *runs around hysterically*

 

I did it.....I survived! Although i missed a number of days (not entirely my fault), I still completed it. The last week was particularly tough and demanding....I guess it was a farewell of sorts. I'm gonna be starting the next one in about a weeks time....and I'm actually looking forward to it. I. Kid. You. Not! I, Ms "I'd rather be sleeping", am actually looking forward to exercise! It was, each and everyday, the toughest and most trying hour of my life, but also the most fulfilling. Each time we started to stretch after a session, I'd feel a new burst of energy, and actually wish I would continue. This adrenaline thing is no myth.....I promise! I most of all enjoyed the feeling I would have afterwards - refreshed and renewed - and not as sluggish as I tend to be every other day. And our trainer....well, in a nutshell, she's the best!

 

Okay, I'm gonna stop blabbing now, but peep this picture....yes, that is where I do my boot camp. And no, it's not filtered! Now go ahead, be jealous of me.... I know you want to. :-)

 

 

"To whom much is given, much is required."

 

The bush is on FIRE!!!

I am very happy to report that I have a social life! Yes, I do...and a few weeks back I did what most people with social lives do - I had fun!

The 7th annual Bushfire Festival was happening in Swaziland and maaaan was it a blast! The event in the picturesque mountainous kingdom raises money for charity projects, and provides a blend of African and international musicians of different genres which is a treat to the music connoisseur's palate.

 

 

 

 

To say this was one of the highlights of my year would not be doing it justice. I had my favourite people around me, and a night of music with an atmosphere to match. The venue, open-air and filled with hundreds of people from all over the world set the scene for a thriller! The highlight of my night was watching one of my favourite bands, The Soil. I was staring at them, mouth ajar, in retard mode as they belted out smooth tunes to a raving crowd. This is one acapella band whose music I can sing backwards....yes, I am THAT much of a stan! And to top my night, I got to meet them. I will not get into the details....I choose not to embarrass myself, but let's just say I was completely blown away (read that as, I was in retard mode again)! I'm not sure what time we slept...and quite frankly I dont care!

 

Look, this was not my first Bushfire experience....but I can truly say it was my best. Well, that is, until next year tops it! ;-)

 

Week 1 done!! *and the crowd applaudes*

As mentioned in my previous posts, I am attending boot camp….and if you haven’t read my previous posts, well, you’re a loser! I joke, I joke, I kid! .........kinda.

Okay,  seriously though….I have put my body through the biggest shock ever by exercising, a relatively unknown concept in my world, and here is what I have learnt after my first week (btw, I’m missing today’s session due to other commitments *cough cough*):
 
1. I have a useless left arm. I genuinely thought it was going to fall off when doing a certain dumbbell manoeuver (word purposely used to make it seem complicated when it really isn’t).  Speaking of dumbbells…. 2. Thank God I bought 2kg dumbbells instead of 3kg as I had intended. Lightweight as it seems, when your arms are tired and half-dead, these weights end up feeling like you're carrying overfed piglets.
3. Stairs are not your friend! Well, not mine that is. As previously mentioned, I have an all-new respect for them….me and my thighs! Enough said!
4. Still on thighs, I look like a retard each time I need to sit on the toilet seat. It’s a whole process now….I get there, stare at it, and try to come up with a grand plan of how to get there with the least amount of pain. After formulating the strategy (I kid you not, it’s a whole complex strategy), it is then time for execution….needless to say, it never goes as planned, nor does it look as ladylike as imagined. Particularly when I lose all control and plonk down like a child learning to walk. Standing back up is also as bad….but I won’t go into detail – just know that it has something to do with waving my hands around and desperately trying to find something to grab on for balance. It’s bad.......that bad!
5. I am, and have always been horribly unfit – something I am glad I’m working on. Wheezing and gasping for breath while running a short distance is far from acceptable – and thankfully this is something I’m working towards changing.
6. It actually gets better as the days go by. Don’t get me wrong, it is still gruelling; however it is better than the first 2 days.
7. An hour is shorter than you think. Again, for clarity, it is not easy, and while in the middle of a lunge, the hour feels like a month (exaggerative, but true.)  

I am however slightly sad that I am missing a day mainly because I had started getting into the flow of things – my body is getting used to a routine of sorts and the muscle pains were getting better. But hey...I have 'commitments' that I couldn't bail on.

So that, in a nutshell, is week 1. Been tough on me mainly because of how unfit I am, however I’m happy.  

Bring on week 2!!