A memorable Sunday at Battery Park
Cape Town had its moment with football’s most iconic prize on Sunday, 1 February, when the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour set up its final African stop at the vibrant Battery Park in the V&A Waterfront. Warm weather, excited crowds and a fully immersive fan zone made it feel like the spirit of the global game had landed right on the waterfront.
Just the day before, Johannesburg had welcomed the trophy in grand fashion, with Cyril Ramaphosa, Ronwen Williams, Siphiwe Tshabalala and Marcel Desailly presenting it to fans. Cape Town’s instalment kept the same energy but added its own flavour, turning the tour’s farewell to Africa into a festive local celebration.
A fan experience that felt bigger than football
For many people queueing along the water, this was not just another event. It was a once in a lifetime chance to get up close to the real FIFA World Cup Trophy, something most only ever see behind glass on TV.
Fans could pose for photos with the original trophy, test their skills in interactive games and soak in the atmosphere of a global tour stopping right in their city. Parents lifted kids onto their shoulders, groups of friends took endless selfies and older football lovers spoke about memories from 2010 with real emotion.
Legends and leaders take the stage
Special guests kept the energy high throughout the day. Gayton McKenzie, Siphiwe Tshabalala and Marcel Desailly personally presented the trophy to the Cape Town crowd, drawing loud cheers with every appearance.
Tshabalala’s presence held deep cultural power. Many fans still recall where they were when his historic opening goal at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa hit the net. Seeing him standing next to the same trophy felt like a full circle moment for locals who lived through that unforgettable month.
VIP hospitality and star powered performances
While the general crowd enjoyed the full fan zone, the VIP area hosted invited guests with refreshments and an elevated viewing deck over the entertainment stage.
And because no Cape Town event is complete without music, DBN Gogo and DJ Zinhle lit up the park with high energy sets that had the audience dancing long after sunset.
A moment of nostalgia and national pride
What stood out most on social media was the emotion. Cape Town residents posted long captions about how surreal it felt to see the trophy in person. Many shared throwbacks to 2010, remembering giant screens in fan parks, vuvuzelas echoing through the streets and the unity that filled South Africa that winter.
Comments poured in about gratitude, pride and disbelief from those who said they never imagined they would ever stand a few steps away from the world’s most coveted sporting prize.
The tour leaves Africa with a Cape Town flourish
The Battery Park event wrapped up the African leg of the global Coca Cola FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour before it headed toward its next international destination. And if yesterday proved anything, it is that South Africans still carry a deep love for the global game and a special connection to the trophy that once passed through their stadiums back in 2010.
Cape Town gave it a proper send off. Joyful, loud, warm and proudly local.
Source: Nikita. M
Featured Image Source: Nikita. M
