The following report was filed by David “Dread” Hinds of Steel Pulse, the legendary reggae band. SoccerBlog.com asked Steel Pulse to send us their opinions on this, the first World Cup in Africa. Steel Pulse is currently on tour.

Catch Steel Pulse live – and you’ll see why they were Bob Marley’s favorites!

Greetings, SoccerBlog fans –

It’s a great feeling to witness the World Cup for the first time on African soil. South Africa has proven that it can do it in style – vuvuzelas and all. Against all the odds and the Afro-pessimism from so many experts that thought the country lacked the quality that is required
for such an event. And although Spain, Brazil and Argentina are tipped
to be winners, I think African style soccer will be taken a lot
more seriously from now on.  Especially for the players that are not already
internationally known. Let’s go boys – marinate the likes of Maradona!

So far I’ve been impressed with Ghana’s Black Stars and Germany from Group D. They’re going through into the next round.  Ghana has been somewhat impressive despite the absence of their star player Michael Essien, who, as we know, was left out with a cup-ending injury. Same goes for Germany without Ballack.

The host team, South Africa, has also left a mark that is quite promising: drawing 1-1 against Mexico. If His Excellency Nelson Mandela (Madiba) had been present it probably would have been more of an incentive for them to grasp those 3 points. Our condolences to Madiba for his loss, our loss. The world knows he has given everything to South Africa, and that without him there would be no World Cup in Africa.

There are two things that I want when I finally arrive in South Africa: 1. Meet His Excellency Nelson Mandela, and, 2. Buy me a vuvuzela!