England's World Cup begins in Rustenburg
Updated on 03 June 2010
As the England World Cup squad arrive at their base in Rustenburg, Keme Nzerem reports that fans may have to search hard for post-match entertainment - although the local bars have all been mobilised.
England's drive from Johannesburg to Rustenburg took them through uninspiring flat veld before descending into the splendid vista that is Phokeng, home to the Royal Bafokeng tribe, their hosts for the next three weeks.
Their King Kgosi Leruo sped in through the gates of the Bafokeng sports complex shortly before team England's luxury coach, its windows darkened, but Frank Lampard acknowledging the waiting gaggle of British press with a wry smile.
The highlight of England's welcome party - an introduction to "diski dancing" from a troupe of local schoolkids. If Fabio's 23 ever get any time off, they'll be able to practise the latest dance moves to enthral this music and football crazy nation of nearly 50 million.
But captain Rio Ferdinand says they will not be left twiddling their thumbs out here in the bush, insisting boredom is not going to be a problem - the five-star hotel complex is the envy of the world cup, with tennis courts, swimming facilities and world class training pitches.
The fans, however, may find themselves searching somewhat harder for entertainment. And on match days, queuing a fair while for refreshments - Lucky's bar is the only official watering hole within stumbling distance of the stadium - although the manager of the "fan fest" a few miles away in Rustenberg shrugs off fearsome English reputations for prodigious beer consumption.
Every tavern has been mobilised, every bar warned, he says - and they are ready for 30,000 thirsty fans.
"We have the biggest, biggest beer tent" in the World Cup, insists Mpho Khunu. "We have the consideration of the English people coming in - so we have stocked more than enough. There will be enough for everyone coming through".
England fans probably won't be in town for the game most people are talking about now: an informal kick-up with the local team, the Platinum Stars, scheduled for Monday in a nearby village.
“It's really just a sparring match,” according to George Khnou, the Stars director and manager of the Rustenberg world cup stadium, explaining that the ref will halt the action if anyone get too excited.
Khunou was the architect of the Bafokeng's shrewd wooing of the FA - the promise that sealed the deal, that England's training pitch would be top notch. In so many ways England are a very long way from Wembley.
King Leruo, naturally, told Channel 4 News he will be supporting Bafana Bafana - South Africa - all the way to the World Cup final on 11 July.
Asked who he would back instead if some misfortune befell his team and they were knocked out early – one might have thought his new visitors might attract his assent. But he paused before offering a curious response. “Australia,” he said.
