"Please make sure you sanitise your hands," the metallic voice reminded the 2,000 spectators lucky enough to get their hands on the first tickets sold since coronavirus hit. The match, a World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Ethiopia, sold out in two hours. "It has been a long journey, we have all been waiting for this for a long time," said Bafana Bafana supporters.
"When I managed to grab a ticket I thought: Jesus, I'm so lucky," one of them exclaimed, clutching a gold papier-mache trophy, eyes tearing with emotion. Inside the stadium rules are strict: no booze, no hugging. Keep a seat between your neighbour and a face mask on at all times. Vuvuzela horns, a hallmark of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, were also banned to avoid droplets spraying.