It was not the same as it probably would have been had I been sitting at Soccer City in Johannesburg huddling together with other soccer fans braving the cold.
I was instead in a bar-cum-restaurant in Bastille called Le Lounge Bar in Paris, which is great for watching the traffic go by, the cocktails, the free wi-fi and the food which is definitely value for money.
I was intensely home sick at that moment; watching the 2010 Soccer World Cup surrounded by French people who seemed mildly interested in the game – in between the more interesting commentary on statistics, South African trivia and which celebrities and politicians alike were at the game – more importantly, Madiba’s presence – TFI which was broadcasting the game was switching to commercial and other local commentary.
We were supporting the Netherlands, for no reason other than they had beaten Uruguay -which had helped eliminate Ghana from the semi-finals; Africa's last hope…even though as reported by the New York Times , they had played a part in South Africa’s oppression, therefore it was unexpected that South Africans were behind the Oranje Team.
When the fireworks and the full-fledged World Cup Final celebrations were on full display, I missed the camaraderie I had been watching throughout the past four weeks, I wanted to be jostled and hugged by complete strangers when the team I was supporting won – even though that may have been difficult according to the varied media reports on attendance of the matches. If one were to take them literally, I would have had a hard enough time getting a hug from even a couple of seats away from me.
It felt great therefore when I read this morning that the South African Soccer World Cup was the third highest attended World Cup ever; after the US in '94 and Germany in '98 – now there’s a statistic I will hold dear to me for the next couple of years. Feeling proudly South African at the moment; we not only managed to host a successful World Cup but did so quite brilliantly.
Accra, however also opened my eyes to the myriad of Bars and Pubs that one can always find a football game to watch or pub food to get into, the list goes something like this, definitely not exhaustive…and if it’s not on the list, it will make its way one day – when I have paid it a visit.
- Ryan’s Irish Pub in Osu– an institution in Accra…purported to serve the best burgers in Accra; a very Irish Pub (0302) 762 334.
- The Honeysuckle off Ring Road – small and intimate, English Premier League matches are very popular here.
- Champs Sports Bar off Ring Road – very, very popular, holds soccer nights, game nights and the best part is that they are now catered to by Stellar Food Catering- which imports meat from South Africa...0240 959 406/0244 773 403.
- Rhapsody's – which is proudly South African did their fair share during the World Cup, but are also known to screen some Premier League matches, if anything it s a good place for a quick meal before or after a movie when at Accra Mall 0244 337 825.
- Don’s Place – as I have been told is the ultimate male-bonding, beer-swigging, jazz-listening and sport-watching pub…been there only once admittedly and found it small but as equated to small; intimate.
Now that the Soccer World Cup is over, one wonders whether some of the following places will keep the TV screens they had installed during the week of the World Cup– if anything one can always get a quick drink or dinner on a night out in Accra.
- Pazzo (Il Cavaliere) – Great Italian food and a good view to the Polo fields on those Polo weekends; wonderful ambiance 0246 767 777.
- Citizen Kofi – decent food, the dining room is a bit stark; it definitely has the best view in Accra of Osu; the Skyye Bar.
- Bella Roma – bar, restaurant and deli; great pizzas; they make a decent Mojito; although you have to request they crush the ice; lounge and electronic music for those early drinks and meeting beautiful people atmosphere. 024 747 4007
- Mamma Mia – the pizza’s never disappoint and great if you are taking the kids out - (0302) 786 199.
For the next couple of weeks I am going to make nice in Nice and upon my return I am in search of the best place for a good steak in Accra.
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