As the Confederation Cup is drawing to a close, we can sit back and reflect on the organisation of this tournament. People have complained about the park and ride system. This is fairly new in South Africa, and we will adapt. Some had the cheek to call for the banning of vuvuzelas.

What really upset me most was the exclusion of the vendors and hawkers who have been feeding the soccer followers since time immemorial. One would have thought the Local Organising Committee would have created space for these women and men to benefit from this soccer jamboree. Hungry fans have been forced to buy a hot dog at R25.00. That is too steep if you asked me. Either you pay cash or you use a Visa credit card. Holders of other credit cards are not accomodated.

The Pharoahs, the Egyptian soccer team, provided the spark that was missing from this tournament. After their famous win against the Azzurri, they went on a partying spree that lasted for two days, we are told. They invited the hardworking ladies in Jozi, who not only went into their pants but also got into their pockets. An amount of R19 000 is being bandied about. This is what any clever gal in Jozi would do, given the recession.

With 2010 World Cup on its way, one hopes that these gals make more that what they did during this jamboree.