25 August 2010
I have, through the years, developed a passion for a few things in life. Two of them stand out above the rest, the first being rugby (the Lions in particular), and the second motor cars. Growing up, my father loved most sport, and would rather spend a Sunday afternoon watching the Indian community playing soccer on a grassless and dusty field in Boksburg’s industrial area than doing the traditional Sunday afternoon thing.
Through the years we watched any sport on offer (live). Whether it was Friday night amateur boxing in the town hall, track cycling at the old Hector Norris Park, or supporting Germiston Callies on a Saturday afternoon, we were always there.
There was a time I supported the Germiston Simmer Rugby club as I do the Lions now. We also did the motor racing things, and were regulars at the Hot Rods, Drag Racing and Kyalami events. Weekends were filled with non-stop sport (without a remote control).
Through the years my brother developed a love for motor sport, whereas I was drawn towards rugby. A sport I played, watched, coached, refereed and supported. My interest in the other sports never dwindled, but rugby takes preference above all the others.
Back to cars – whilst growing up, my dad (up until a ripe old age) was always a boy racer – the family always referred to him as ‘Kyalami Swart’. He loved being behind the wheel of his GTI. He polished and cleaned for hours...and would take on any keen racer.
I have inherited some of this passion when it comes to cars. I had a connection with all of the 20 odd cars I have owned through my driving lifetime – from the 1974 Beetle which I cherished and still have fond memories of to my present Beaut.
When making a decision to upgrade, there is always nostalgia in the decision, as if the car has become part of you. There is almost a feeling of being unfaithful...as if I owe part of me to the car, after all it has been a significant part of my life.
Though the years I have witnessed change all over – no more major racing at Kyalami, no more Hector Norris Park, we don’t see the Indian soccer, amateur boxing does not really feature, Germiston Callies soccer is dead and buried..
Now after my long winded parable – the actual point – Ellis Park. Or should I say Coca Cola Park? But what’s in a name anyway?
I have spent many hours at the Park. Reaching my ½ century this year, I have been a regular there for almost 45 seasons. My support and passion for the Lions started there – grass growing between the wooden stands, the white fences around the field, the posts sporting the same paint job as they still have today, naartjies flying, rugby ball shaped season tickets (50 Cents per season)...and so I can elaborate for quite a while.
Then came the time for progress – the union decided to demolish the history filled stadium, where I had watched my team share the Currie Cup, witnessed the Boks beating the All Blacks and young players coming through from primary school level to become Boks.
A day at the Park was just that – a day at the park. My mom used to pack a basket for the game, frikkedelle, boerewors, sandwiches, biltong, and a packet of naartjies.
At a provincial match the rugby usually started mid morning, with the primary schools provincial side, then the high schools, U/20’s and the Rooi Bokke (Tvl B) doing the curtain raiser.
During the period between the B side game and the Currie cup game, spectators’ usually took to the field and several played their own brand of rugby - no refs, no rules...pure entertainment, and usually depending on the number of balls available, there would be more than a single game going at any time...
So came the end of the 1st Ellis Park, great rugby memories and a history second to no other stadium...and after spending a year or few, playing at the Wanderers Cricket Stadium, we returned to our new fortress.
The new Park, by any measure was one of the best in the world, and in a period of about 30 years, has built its own history. Who will ever forget our Captain François Pienaar lifting the world cup...?
It has also become South Africa’s happiest hunting ground, where international opponents have enjoyed little success. It’s also a fact that most of the Boks say it’s their favourite test venue.
The park is probably one of my favourite places ever. A place where I have jumped for joy, hugged strangers, made great friends, met superstars, felt like crying, been disappointed – I’m sure the regular can relate.
After many good times in Doornfontein, there are rumors of moving from the Park to the newly built FNB stadium on the outskirts of Soweto...a proposed new home base for Lions Rugby.
Many a traditionalist must be outraged at this proposal. Why would the Union walk away from the park... Leaving it to be demolished or maybe becoming a ruin in Jhb?
So much history and tradition lost, players sweated and bled for their jerseys, and just think how many heroes played there. We witnessed golf, boxing, Michael Jackson, the concert in the park, a world cup victory... Few places can boast a similar history as our Ellis Park can.
Unfortunately, the Ellis Park precinct has developed a bad reputation regarding crime and violence, this despite statistics showing that the area is one of the safest in Jhb on match days. Another factor affecting bums on seats is the parking situation, which has been a nightmare for most fans.
Despite both these issues, the match attendance remains low. The British & Irish Lions tour is testimony to this, and I would have bet my bottom dollar that if the test against the All Blacks had not been moved to the FNB Stadium, there would not have been a sell out crowd.
Being a bit of a traditionalist myself, it would have been difficult for me to swallow the fact that the Park will no longer be our home. That was until the Saturday when the Boks played their historic match against the All Blacks...and I came through the tunnel leading to the seating area...gobsmacking jaw hanging awesomeness...what a stadium.
Brand spanking new, a world class design, accessible and guaranteed to impress the hardest and meanest of critics. Close parking for thousands of cars, highways close by, and the outskirts appear as safe as anywhere.
Financially it would be a no brainer to stay put. Parking, accessibility & safety cannot be compared, and excuses for not being there on match day, will be blown out the window...
No matter how much I loved and cherished my first beetle, no matter how many fond memories I have of my 1st love, no matter how much fun it gave me... my Beaut beats it any day.
It’s the same with comparing the beloved Park with FNB...THERE JUST ISN’T ANYTHING TO COMPARE... |
Add comment
Supporters club
Error: Any articles to show
Felions
Error: Any articles to show
Inside the players lounge
|
Comments
Ek dink dit is maligheid om EP te wil verlaat. Baie ondersteuners kan dalk net besluit dit is nou die laaste strooi. FNB sal net so leeg soos EP wees as die Leeus nie 'n wen kultuur kan skêp nie, en dit vat meer as een seisoen.
Wally jy sal altyd "outnumbered" wees want die ander spanne het meer ondersteuners, hoeveel Leeu ondersteuners dink jy is daar oor as die span vir 10 jaar verloor. Hulle sal moet begin werk aan die jong mense, kinders, die meeste Leeus is sekerlik tussen 35 en 45, mense wat dalk nog 'n wen hier en daar kan onthou.
RSS feed for comments to this post.