It’s the 2010 Soccer World Cup, and excitement is definitely mounting in my neck of the woods! South African flags are proudly popping up everywhere, and with just days to go before the kick-off, my fellow countrymen are getting very excited indeed….

Truthfully, I’ve secretly not given the event much thought.

That however changed, when I recently watched ‘Invictus’. It was an impeccably-timed reminder of how fortunate I am to be alive in this amazing country right now. As I critically observed the talented Morgan Freeman do an admirable impersonation of our beloved Madiba, and Matt Damon struggling with his Afrikaans accent, all the feelings of national pride and the sense unity I felt 15 years ago came rushing back. It was uplifting to say the very least.

With happy tears flowing freely, I casted my mind back a little further to the 1994 general elections. There I was, not fully appreciative of my privileged opportunity or the arduous struggle that made it possible. Unlike so many before me, I had the right to vote and was considered an equal to all other South Africans. Drenched in rain, I queued alongside many tearful old people whose difficult lives were written all over their faces. They wanted to make their mark. They wanted to change their lives….

‘Invictus’ was the perfect antidote to my Soccer World Cup spiritless-ness, and a poignant reminder that some things in life are simply just bigger than the individual - bigger than our egos, our needs and our wants.

Unfortunately, I lucked out on match tickets, but that will not deter my heart-felt support and positive spirit. I’m part of something big, something remarkable – and it’s awesome!

Let the games begin!!