Greatest commentary ever? Peter Drury’s epic reaction to Tshabalala’s goal at 2010 World Cup
Siphiwe Tshabalala got the 2010 FIFA World Cup underway in the first most perfect way imaginable.In the first World Cup finals game to ever be played in Africa, Tshabalala marked the occasion with one of those special goals where everyone remembers where they were when it hit the net.Bursting down the left wing with Johannesburg’s Soccer City blowing into their vuvuzelas, the South African hero took aim with a stunning strike that thundered its way into the top corner.
Tshabalala’s iconic goal vs Mexico
Cue scenes of delirium amongst the home fans, an iconic celebration from the South Africa players and the perfect curtain raiser to an admittedly under-appreciated iteration of the World Cup.
And while, yes, Rafael Marquez ultimately dampened the fun with an equaliser to level the scores for Mexico at 1-1, Tshabalala’s goal still rightfully took its place amongst football history.
However, if there’s one crucial detail that made Tshabalala’s goal for the ages even more special then you can bet that it was the iconic commentary from Peter Drury.
Drury’s legendary commentary of Tshabalala’s goal
The British footballing broadcaster is one of the most loved commentators in the beautiful game and regularly goes viral for his wonderfully dramatic and poetic reactions to key moments.
And his calling of Tshabalala finding the top corner against Mexico was absolutely no different with his wonderful command of the English language elevating the stunning strike to the next level.
In a truly spine-tingling moment that you can relive below, Drury famously and brilliantly declared: “Goal Bafana Bafana, goal for South Africa, goal for all Africa.†Incredible.
If that’s not some of the greatest footballing commentary of all time, then we don’t know what is, because Drury managed to capture the emotion of the moment to perfection.
Drury’s favourite ever game
There was a real feeling that African football was taking its overdue place in the spotlight on that historic day in 2010 – and Drury put the icing on the cake with his commentary when the party truly got started.
In fact, so special was the whole occasion that Drury revealed in a 2020 interview with South African broadcaster Robert Marawa that Tshabalala is his favourite player and South Africa 1-1 Mexico is his favourite game.
“That was an idyllic day before a ball was even kicked,†Drury reminisced. “That a guy (Tshabalala) from humble beginnings from Soweto should score that goal for the world said everything you needed to know what sport could do.
Football – South Africa v Mexico – FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010 – Group A – Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa – 11/6/10
Siphiwe Tshabalala – South Africa applauds fans at full time
Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Jason Cairnduff
“And to look around that stadium and yeah probably it is idealised in my head now, but you know the way black and white (people) was together was so, so important for football, for sport and for the world.
“It is what I would think South Africa would have wanted for that occasion.
“If the world cup had stopped then, it almost would have ticked the boxes because it had proved that we are capable of doing this together and smiling together.
“People say what’s your favourite game. That is my favourite game.”
“Mikel Arteta is OUT of Excuses!” (Football Terrace)
No doubt it’s many other fans’ favourite game, too, and we wouldn’t be surprised if Drury’s incredible commentary helped to make it feel even more special for them.
