Rugby may be the main topic of conversation in South Africa at the moment but local sports fans in the Mother City were given a rare insight into gridiron action when the NFL Experience touched down in Cape Town this weekend.
Also read: NFL Experience is coming to Cape Town in September
The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) was a hive of activity yesterday as American football enthusiasts got a rare glimpse of the game on African soil.
Apart from the ample merchandise on offer and plenty of activities to choose from, one of the sport’s most sought-after pieces of silverware, the Vince Lombardi Trophy, handed to the winner of each year’s Super Bowl, was also on display with the NFL aiming to garner global support for the popular game.
Fans could participate in various events, such as the 40-yard dash and throwing drills. Additionally, virtual reality headsets were available, giving fans a front-row view of the locker rooms and the chance to immerse themselves in everything NFL.
There are currently 125 players of African descent from 15 countries across the continent competing in the league, including South Africa’s own Dieter Eiselen, who signed with the Houston Texans practice squad after two years with the Chicago Bears.
Parys-born Gary Anderson, who spent more than 20 years as a kicker for various teams in the league, was also part of the experience and was pleasantly surprised by yesterday’s impressive turnout.
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Before switching to football, Anderson played soccer, and he expressed his happiness at seeing more players from his native continent succeed in the NFL.
‘There’s something like 135 players that are active in the NFL, so that is very exciting. I come from a soccer background and the big European soccer teams have been on to that for many years, recruiting African talent, so it’s exciting to see now that the NFL is starting to do the same thing,’ he added.
The event, which will take place on September 16 and 17, is a component of the NFL Africa programme and aims to expand the game on the continent at all levels.
The fan experience will culminate at the V&A Waterfront, where an NFL match will be screened at the amphitheatre.
‘NFL Experience Viewing Party’
- Location: V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre
- Date: Sunday 17 September
- Time: Starts 5pm
- Tickets: No tickets required.
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Fans encouraged to bring the ‘gees’ as CoCT backs NFL Experience
Pictures: Murray Swart / Cape{town}Etc