2010 FIFA’s Loudest Vuvuzela World Cup
The football world cup has got off to a cracking start as some exciting games provide tremendous on-field action that has impressed fans and critics of the game around the world.
The tournament the first ever to be staged in Africa, has captured the imagination of all and sundry, with the world cup fever reaching its peak in the host nation South Africa.
One feature at the stadiums during the matches has caught the attention of the spectators as well as broadcasters for varying reasons.
The feature is the musical instrument Vuvuzela that is a great source of entertainment for the fans gathered to see top class football action, besides having their own fun during the game.
But on the other side the broadcasters of the tournament feel that the instrument generates too much noise that is disconcerting for millions of fans that are watching the games around the world on their TV screens.
The football fans in South Africa defended the noisy vuvuzelas following reports that it could be banned.
Interestingly many of the players besides the commentators have complained that the trumpets are noisy and a distraction for them.
Cristiano Ronaldo captain of Portugal and one of the star attractions of the tournament has joined the group of players that have complained at the noise being generated through the vuvuzelas, yet the magical striker thinks that the players need to accept it and adapt.
But the people of Cape Town think that the instrument has given the event a unique look, making people realise that this was indeed an African tournament, which has all the colours and attributes of life in the poorest continent in the world.
The sentiments were echoed by many other fans who claim their love for the trumpet, and see the instrument as a representation of South African culture.Many fans, who have the stamina and determination, keep blowing the trumpets during the entire duration of a match which leaves a constant buzzing sound throughout the match.
This is not the first time that the instrument has been crticised; complaints over the Vuvuzela first began at last year's Confederations Cup.The broadcasters of the event who hailed from Europe said viewers complained the instrument takes over totally, and as a result the commentary on television is some times lost in the background noise.
Meanwhile some fans from around the world have similar views to the ones by the broadcasters, one English fan said that it was hard to fathom why the instrument is not banned as it is a major distraction for the players, referees and linesmen.
Besides it becomes difficult for the players on the pitch to communicate with their managers and officials during a match.
Interestingly the governing body of the game Federation of International Football Association has consistently rejected the complaints, yet some of the broadcasters claim that the body was mulling over a ban on the instrument.
Many foreigners who have gathered in the host nation to attend world cup matches have taken a liking to the unique sound, blowing them in matches and in fan parks, the organisers of the event need to ensure that they strike a balance as a ban could spark anger amongst Africans who feel their World Cup atmosphere is being dictated by outside influence.
The coming few days are set to determine the future of the instrument, and if the trumpet stops blowing in the stadiums then a vey unique element of football matches in Africa would die a premature death, let us hope that the Vuvuzelas continue to entertain, but come down a decibel or two.
Tags: