Well, it ended up being as close to a red carpet affair as I’d ever be I reckon, with many of South Africa’s leading sports personalities attending a relaxed night of socializing around poker tables. In between trying to appear casual in the presence of guys I take inspiration from, I stole as much sushi as I could and conned my way to a near win in a round of bluffing. No formalities, just a brilliant night of laughs and connecting athletes and business associates linked with EA Sports in South Africa.
(Niel McKenzie, South African cricketer, poker dealer, and Bryan Habana, IRB rugby player of the year)
A section of My Grill My Bar near Fourways in Joburg was curtained off for the 50 invites, and divine fingers foods were served through the night. Was sort of strange having no formalities at all, bar the poker… But it created a great atmosphere. Really enjoyed meeting some of SA’s top cyclists. A great group.
(Robbie Hunter and his wife, Doug Ryder, Candice(Manager), poker dealer, myself, Ben-Melt Swannepoel, Malcolm Lange and his wife, and future cycling great Daryl Impey)
EA Sports is a sponsor of the 201o Soccer World Cup in South Africa, and a media liaison officer representing FIFA was with one of the main organizers for 2010. Twas great hearing pure positivity and regarding the progress and planning around the event. I also mentioned to him that Ruth has been doing a thesis called: Sex Tourism and the 2010 Soccer World Cup, Case Study Cape Town. He was adamant that prostitution would in fact be legalised for the duration of the tournament, but was uncertain for the long term.
(Myself with the two delegates)
Star of the night was Bryan Habana. What a class act and what an inspiration. He probably was the one having the most fun on the night, and had such an amazing aura around him. Man of the World Cup, rugby player of the year, hot property I’d say, and yet such down to earth humility.
(Habana, Kevin Fine from 5fm and Chris Gatherer from EA)
I got to style away with a few new EA games for my PSP – The Simpsons and FIFA08. But I am still hooked on Medal of Honour at the moment. I got dvd compression software this weekend as well, and will soon be watching movies on my flights and travel. EA Sports have made a world to escape to when trapped or just not keen for reality, and I’m loving it.
EA Sports – It’s in the game.
