The 2010 World Cup in South Africa is probably one of the most entertaining football tournaments in years. Many people across the world travelled to the Rainbow Nation for the tournament.
It was a unique experience for most, including one Ugandan football fan as CGTN’s Leon Ssenyange now reports.
2010 was a football world cup year to remember for Jackson Ssewanyana.
Unable to pay for his trip, Jackson also known as “Uncle Money’ earned a slot to go to South Africa.
It was an unexpected reward.
Ugandan football fan Jackson Ssewanyana: “I was chosen by a telecommunication company..they loved the way I support our national team, Uganda. I was very happy…
The next few days were quite a ride from the food, the travels around to the camaraderie at the stadium.
It was a rare but exciting time.
“I don’t remember ever seating down while at the stadium. I was always chanting and moving about the police at the stadium returned me to my seat number at least twelve times?”
The quarterfinal match between Uruguay and Ghana remains Jackson’s most memorable game.
He was campaigning for Ghana, Africa’s only team at that stage of the competition.
His way of supporting the African side earned him space in the post-world cup photo magazine.
“Every fan that did something extraordinary is in the book..the mascots..those that wore the makarapas was also different can’t get rid of this book.”
Three matches and ten days is the time Jackson spent in South Africa.
A good enough time to even learn the local languages and pick some prized items.
“I love this vuvuzela..it has the words South Africa written on it. It is always by my bedside. I also like the book with their local languages. It helped me a lot,” says Ssewanyana.
Jackson’s love for football has not waned.
And looking back, every page here still tickles the memories from ten years ago.
Ssewanyana says he fulfilled his dream of being at the 2010 world cup – one of African football’s biggest moments.He hopes to attend at least one more tournament in his life.
