Many years ago, my then-boss, Mr Mbingo, told me he needed a feminine commentary for the World Cup, I think it must have been 2014, and I was like, ‘Let’s do it’!
Not because I’m some die-hard football writer or commentary enthusiast, but because wow, do I love the World Cup. I’ve loved it for as long as I can remember. In fact, I even have hazy little memories of the 1998 final. That’s how deep this goes.
I love the excitement hanging in the air, the buzz that seems to pull everyone in. I love that during the World Cup you can find a crowd gathered outside a furniture store window, all glued to the TVs. Or you can walk into just about any place with a screen and find people sitting together, cheering on their teams like old friends.
I love that it becomes the easiest conversation starter in the world because suddenly we all have something to say. Even those of us who aren’t die-hard fans get swept up in it.
Now, wives probably have a complicated relationship with the tournament because, for a few weeks, telenovelas and reality shows must take a back seat.
But honestly, I love that chaos because somehow, in all that, there is joy.
And every time the World Cup rolls around, I think about 2002 when my classmate proudly got the Ronaldo haircut, the one with the whole head shaved except for that odd little patch at the front.
Looking back, it was ridiculous, but at the time? Pure commitment.
That, to me, is the magic of the World Cup.
Speaking of World Cup magic, one of my best friends has spent the past week asking me where we’re watching the opening match.
This girl has never spoken about football before. The only time she has shown any interest was when her employer took her to a match in Durban and if we’re being honest, she was more excited about going to Durban than the actual game.
But that’s my point.
The World Cup does that.
It pulls all of us in.
Football lovers, football haters and people who couldn’t tell you the difference between a corner kick and a free kick.
For a few weeks, we’re all part of the same conversation.
And that’s exactly why I agreed to do this all those years ago when the big boss approached me.
So, my dear readers, I am back.
Back like I never left, just older, wiser and maybe a little more disciplined.
I’m not going to be openly drooling over the hot boys this time because I am officially spoken for now (yes, that happened).
But don’t worry, ladies, we will still have a little chat about them on your behalf.
And while we’re on the subject of football favourites, we also have our babies, like our Starboy, Bukayo Saka, who we would absolutely love to see win the World Cup.
Even though it is no secret that I am a die-hard France fan.
I want Mbappé lifting that trophy and no, don’t say I’m confusing.
Remember, I’m a woman.
I can want multiple things at once.
And please don’t start with the Bafana Bafana lectures about how I should be supporting them above everyone else.
If they do well, I will absolutely be happy for them.
But let’s just say I’m not exactly holding my breath because, well, we all know how this story tends to go.
Anyway, I’m excited for the World Cup to start and to share my two cents on everything that happens along the way.
I might even give you a little peek into how it’s messing with life at home because, as much as I love the World Cup, I still want to watch my telenovelas.
Unfortunately, where I stay, I already know that’s probably not going to happen once the matches begin.
One last thing; where are we watching the first match?
I hear there will be a few fan parks around Mbabane.
Let’s get together, enjoy the atmosphere, and kick off the tournament in style.
Love and Light!
