As managing editor of If you've watched any of the Confederations Cup soccer matches, you're now familiar with the vuvuzela -- a plastic horn popular among sports fans in South Africa.
The sound of the vuvuzela starts before the opening kick, and drones on for the full 90 minutes.
Some teams and announcers have complained about the noise. Dutch coach Bert Van Marwijk says the vuvuzela makes it almost impossible to communicate with players on the field.
I don't mind the vuvuzela, but my wife finds the noise to be so annoying that she can't watch the games. That's going to be a problem next year when the World Cup comes to South Africa, because I really don't want to miss any of those games.
Despite some cries to ban the vuvzela, it seems to be an important element of the game for South African crowds. According to international soccer organization FIFA, "South Africa's sports minister Makhenkesi Stofile and then-finance minister Trevor Manuel led the chorus of vuvuzelas in the presence of dignitaries and members of the media from across the globe" when South Africa was awarded the World Cup.
Do you enjoy the vuvuzela? Have a listen.
Comments (1)
It is ok for a while, but when it goes on relentlessly for the full 90 minutes, it does get annoying. If they could give it a rhythm or it could flow and ebb with what is happening in the field, then it would be much better. I do see it being a problem though considering the games go on for a month, in the summer.
Posted by Arthur | June 23, 2009 3:02 PM
Posted on June 23, 2009 15:02