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This is one of those few moments when I comment or write about subjects I don't usually cover. It could be because I'm a new found fan of Barcelona's or the fact that I've always admired both French footballer Thierry Henry and our very own African super-striker Samuel Eto'o, who hails from Cameroon.
On the other hand, maybe it's because Heineken made a huge event out of the screening of the UEFA Champions League final match at INC. last night. I have never been so excited about a soccer game like that in a long time. Barcelona were on fire as they dominated the bulk of the game with excellent, wholesome football. A point that brings me back to my adulation for Henry, ever since his days with Arsenal. He is one of the most revered players in in the world and he showed us just how he garnered that following as he helped his team clinge the most coveted title/championship in European football.
There was also celebrities galore, as supporters from both the teams revelled in a spactacular match that saw Barcelona score a goal in each of the innings. In the house were familiar faces including the likes of Carol Manana, Tebogo Mahlatsi, David Kau, DJ Bongs, Kwela Tebza, Kagiso Lediga, Unathi Nkayi and Bad Boy T, Nhlanhla Nciza, Fistaz and T-Bo Touch and many more. The food was delicious and the drinks flowing smoothly. The company and atmosphere were also grand and jubilant with many familair faces I had brief chats with.
It's a pity I had to rush out just after the game to try and catch Young Nations, Imbube, and F'Eezy perform at the Unrealeased Records showcase, missing the celebrations after the game. Needless to say, the performances were over when I got to the venue. I would have loved to see if what Imbube were saying about their energy and music when I interviewed them earlier this year rings true.
Anyway, INC. rocked last night. Thanks for the invite Raksha, me and my boy Thabiso had an amazing time.
Soccer fans, especially UEFA Champions League fans, are in for a treat. Heineken® today announced it will give its African consumers their first ever chance to hold the UEFA Champions League Trophy aloft when it takes the famous cup on tour in April this year.
After two successful tours in Asia and South America in 2007 and 2008 it is now the turn of African football fans in Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt and South Africa to have the ultimate experience, to be able to see and touch the famous Trophy.
Franco Maria Maggi, Heineken® Marketing Manager in South Africa commented, “South African consumers are passionate about the UEFA Champions League and the Heineken® brand. The Trophy Tour, proudly presented by Heineken® promises to be a fantastic series of events and a truly memorable experience.”
UEFA Marketing Director, Philippe Le Floc’h added, “The UEFA Champions League has a long and distinguished heritage and is the pinnacle of European club football. The Trophy itself represents the ultimate prize of the UEFA Champions League globally. We are happy that by taking the Trophy to Africa with Heineken®, African football fans will have the chance to glimpse the Trophy that so many of their compatriots who are playing in Europe are striving to win. The Trophy Tour with Heineken® is a chance for us to give something back to the football fans in Africa.”
Last season Heineken® took the Trophy to South America for a tour to fans in Sao Paolo, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Santiago (Chile), Mexico City and Monterrey (Mexico). More than 51 500 fans saw the Trophy ‘live’ and a further 247 million viewers tuned in to see it on television.
This year’s African Tour dates are:
February 26 – 28 Lagos (Nigeria)
March 11 – 12 Algiers (Algeria)
March 26 – 28 Cairo (Egypt)
April 11 – 12 Cape Town (South Africa)
April 18 – 19 Johannesburg (South Africa)
South African consumers will be able to visit the trophy at the V&A Waterfront from April 11 – 12, 2009 and in Johannesburg at Montecasino on April 18-19, 2009 and get up close and personal to the icon of club footballs top competition.
In each location, famous players drawn from the history of UEFA Champions League will accompany the Trophy. So, soccer fans, don't miss out on this opportunity.
