MEXICAN fans yesterday brought the arrivals terminal at OR Tambo International Airport to a standstill. Just after 11am, the Mexicans added the razzmatazz to an atmosphere thick with anticipation.
Dressed in traditional tenachos (feather hats) and sombreros, the new arrivals punched the air and burst into song as they walked past a human chain formed by airport staff and visitors.
Tour operators and other airport visitors had become agitated by delayed arrivals, only to be calmed down by the beat of a Mexican drum when the South Americans staged a surprise show.
Martin Hernandez, who has been in the country for the past three weeks, was on hand to welcome his countrymen. He told journalists not to go because there was going to be a great "show".
"They will play right here, please do not go," said Hernandez confidently.
Those who had waited in anticipation for their people were alerted to the Mexicans coming through the immigration gates, shouting, and thus adding more flavour to the spirit of the World Cup that kicks off on Friday.
They soon opened big bags and took out their drums, trumpets and violins. They played and broke into a traditional dance, much to the delight of onlookers.
Loud cheers complemented by the sounds of vuvuzelas resonated from the airport.
In no time, police had their hands full as they battled to maintain order when throngs of the fascinated "audience" surged forward to take cellphones pictures of performing Mexicans and also to pose with "band members" for photographs.
Hernandez said: "This is Mexican style. I have been to South Africa four times before. It is a beautiful feeling to be here. We are here to enjoy the country and the continent. I am happy and everybody is going to be happy."
The Mexicans were later joined by Argentinians. They sang and danced in a unified South American spirit.
Carlos Diaz, a first-time visitor who came with his family of five, said Bafana Bafana would be beaten 2-0 when they lock horns with Mexico in the opening match on Friday. He was confident the Mexicans would go through to the quarterfinals.
Mexican threat to vuvuzelas
MEXICAN fans yesterday brought the arrivals terminal at OR Tambo International Airport to a standstill. Just after 11am, the Mexicans added the razzmatazz to an atmosphere thick with anticipation.
Dressed in traditional tenachos (feather hats) and sombreros, the new arrivals punched the air and burst into song as they walked past a human chain formed by airport staff and visitors.
Tour operators and other airport visitors had become agitated by delayed arrivals, only to be calmed down by the beat of a Mexican drum when the South Americans staged a surprise show.
Martin Hernandez, who has been in the country for the past three weeks, was on hand to welcome his countrymen. He told journalists not to go because there was going to be a great "show".
"They will play right here, please do not go," said Hernandez confidently.
Those who had waited in anticipation for their people were alerted to the Mexicans coming through the immigration gates, shouting, and thus adding more flavour to the spirit of the World Cup that kicks off on Friday.
They soon opened big bags and took out their drums, trumpets and violins. They played and broke into a traditional dance, much to the delight of onlookers.
Loud cheers complemented by the sounds of vuvuzelas resonated from the airport.
In no time, police had their hands full as they battled to maintain order when throngs of the fascinated "audience" surged forward to take cellphones pictures of performing Mexicans and also to pose with "band members" for photographs.
Hernandez said: "This is Mexican style. I have been to South Africa four times before. It is a beautiful feeling to be here. We are here to enjoy the country and the continent. I am happy and everybody is going to be happy."
The Mexicans were later joined by Argentinians. They sang and danced in a unified South American spirit.
Carlos Diaz, a first-time visitor who came with his family of five, said Bafana Bafana would be beaten 2-0 when they lock horns with Mexico in the opening match on Friday. He was confident the Mexicans would go through to the quarterfinals.
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