ATTENDING a football match is more than just enjoying the main game, it is an experience that involves a lot of things, including the journey to the stadium, the unique friendships built with fellow fans, and bonding with the players.
From the initial roar of the crowd to the collective emotion of a near goal, the sounds of chanting and the shared feeling of being part of something bigger drive fans to come from far and beyond to watch that clash between their favourite teams.
But sometimes it is not just about the match but an opportunity for entrepreneurs to make a profit. Off the pitch, foodies make their way to a cuisine that has somehow become popular at football matches, ‘gango,’ a mixture of all sorts of meats.
“It is always exciting for us because this is our chance to make money. It is brisk business for us at football matches, which is why we always come,” a soccer fan said.
Others take advantage of the diverse group to close business deals.
“I always go to football matches because I find that there are different people, and so I take time to share and promote my business,” another soccer fan noted.
The children have their own worth of fun as Ajigija paints the names of their favourite teams on their faces.
“I always come where the children are because they have a different kind of fun than adults. So, it is not just about the match,” a soccer fan added.
Some always look forward to the end of the match, not because of the scoreline, but because it is their only chance to meet their favourite players and, of course, take selfies to keep the memories alive.
This is why I come to matches to meet the players, because this is the only place I get to meet them. It is always exciting for me to come because I know at the end of the match, I get to see all the players up close and personal,” a soccer fan said.
After the match is over, a new struggle begins, traffic, as football fans find their way home.
But anyway, one has got to love the world’s most beautiful game!
