Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium came alive on Sunday in a mix of South African and Indian style. Both countries’ national flags were waved frantically and the latest mainstream music chart-toppers alternating with popular Indian songs.
The vibe matched that present during last year’s World Cup and spirits were high even in the hot and humid conditions.
Many of the thousands of cricket supporters had come to pay tribute to Makhaya Ntini, who played his last game in the green and gold of the Proteas, and Indian maestro Sachin Tendulkar, who was honoured for his continued contribution to the game.
The match also formed part of the celebrations of the arrival of Indians in South Africa in 1860.
Songezo Mabece came to Durban specifically for the match to honour his hero, Ntini.
He told The Mercury how, in 2002, the South African bowler drove him to his matric dance at Selbourne College.
“I remember he was still driving a maroon (Mercedes-Benz) C180. I asked him if he would drive me and he said ‘yes’. I knew he would because he is a people’s person... I have since met him on various occasions and at games, and he has never failed to stop and have a minute for me.
“Going into this game, I had to pay tribute to him, the nation’s hero.”
Thousands of others shared that sentiment. When it was announced that the bowling would be opened by Ntini for the last time, the cheers and roars from the crowd was enough to cause goose-bumps. Whether it was Springbok, Bafana Bafana or Proteas jerseys, South African supporters made their presence known in the crowd.
Ashley Tisdale’s Crank It Up aptly blared through the stadium’s sound system just minutes before India lost their first wicket.
And when the last ball was bowled, any disappointment South Africans may have felt at their team’s loss quickly dissipated as the entertainment moved into high gear with The New Age Friendship Concert featuring Bollywood stars Priyanka Chopra, Shahid Kapoor and Mallika Arora. Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan also took to the stage, teaching Proteas cricketers how to sledge in Hindi.
The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa’s regional chairman, Gerhard Patzer, said the match had had a significant impact on the local hospitality sector.
Philip Sithole, CEO of Durban Tourism, said the match was broadcast to the world and would result in further marketing spin-offs for the city. It was the biggest event to be held at the new stadium since the World Cup. - The Mercury