Soccer was the winner at the weekend when Orlando Pirates took on English opponents Tottenham Hotspur at Loftus Versfeld, losing 3-0.
There were a few minor traffic snarl-ups but the organisers of the match seem to have learned from the chaos which characterised the previous international friendly match - between Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns and Spanish club Barcelona - at the same venue two months ago.
The Tshwane Metro Police were out in full force ensuring that motorists did not park their vehicles illegally.
The SAPS, with some members on horseback, and a private security company ensured that things ran smoothly outside and inside the stadium.
Those without tickets were not allowed near the stadium and the security officers ensured the fans occupied their rightful places in the stands. Free shuttle buses were provided by the Tshwane Metro Council but few people used them.
Free parking was provided at the Pretoria Rugby Club in Totius Street, Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria West, Pretoria Showgrounds and Holiday Inn.
Metro Police spokesperson William Baloyi said yesterday they were happy with the way things turned out on Saturday.
"We had a 70 percent success rate. We still have challenges and one of these is the fact that soccer fans always arrive late at matches," said Baloyi. He said soccer fans should learn to arrive early to avoid congestion at the gates and the frustration of struggling to find parking.
"Soccer fans should also get used to the idea of using the shuttle bus service. Very few people used the shuttle buses provided for them.
"What we need to do is to get our people used to the idea because it ensures that there in no congestion in the area around the stadium," Baloyi said.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was subdued and this could be attributed to the fact that the usually happy, vuvuzela-blowing Pirates supporters - who are popularly known as "The Ghost" - were silenced very early in the game by a Tottenham strike force which put three goals past goalkeeper Isaac Chansa in the first 20 minutes of the match.
The Pirates supporters, who occupied the eastern side of the stadium, were frustrated by Darren Bent and his strike partner Dimitar Berbatov who ran rings around their players.
While the Pirates fans were left wondering what happened to their heroes, the few Tottenham fans on the western side of the stadium flew their flags high and applauded every good move by their team.
"This is one of the worst performances ever by Pirates," said soccer lover Peter Morapedi.
He said that although he was disappointed with Pirates' performance, he was impressed with the overall organisation of the match.
"The organisers must be applauded for ensuring that things ran smoothly during and after the match. There was minor traffic congestion but it was nothing serious," said Morapedi.