As Fifa World Cup fever intensified, it was South Africa meets Russia as we were whisked off to some secret rendezvous which turned out to be media personality Somizi Mhlongo’s luxurious Sandhurst mansion.
Somizi has been hosting a group of Russians called NomaRashiya who were here on an exchange programme, with Minnie Dlamini-Jones in Russia for the Fifa World Cup.
The Russians, Veronica, Dima,Tatiana and Slava have been staying in Mhlongo’s home since June 11 and Somgaga cooked a hearty African meal to welcome them.
While milling around on the patio savouring some bubbly and nibbling on some maotwana (chicken feet) and tripe pops, the Fifa World Cup ceremony began and all assembled in front of the TV screens to support the Russian guests.
They clearly didn’t need our support as Russia hammered Saudi Arabia 5-0, much to the visitors’ joy.
Chef Lentswe Bhengu prepared the three-course meal.
The starter was a Russian delicacy, borscht soup. The delicious beetroot, beef and veggie broth was paired with dumplings.
The main course was samp risotto and the dessert was presented by Chocoloza, which specialises in Belgian chocolate with organic South African products.
They brought the Russian tradition to the event by serving two rounds of vodka shots with each chocolate dished up for dessert, and the kick from the vodka left my head spinning.
The night ended off in true Mzansi style with tunes from Mbongeni Ngema, Mafikizolo and the late Joe Mafela’s music.
#NomaRashiya are getting a true sense of South Africa 🇿🇦 this #YouthDay2018! See what they’ve been up to this morning with @somizi as they #ConnectWithGreatness and history in Soweto. ✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 pic.twitter.com/9m7L1gP9uR
— DStv (@DStv) June 16, 2018