Late last evening Gomo Tong FC representing Uganda, arrived Cape Town International Airport. Though the endured nearly 6 hours of travel, 3 airports, and the first time flying for the entire group the arrived wide-eyed and happy to be in South Africa.

Upon arrival to their accommodations at Rafalgar High School the team learned that they drew Group L, with Russia, Switzerland, and Estonia. Tomorrow evening, September 24, Gomo Tong FC faces off against Estonia at 6pm. Stay tuned for blog posts tomorrow.

This morning all of 48 teams participating in the Homeless World Cup filled the stands at the Main Pitch Opening at the Grand Parade in Cape Town. The Grand Parade was the site of major anti-apartheid protests and Nelson Mandela's first speech after his release from prison. To read the text of Mandela's inauguration speech at the Grand Parade click here: http://www.anc.org.za/ancdocs/history/mandela/1994/inaugct.html

The wave of colors and flags adorned the bodies and stands of participating players from Finland, Cameroon, United States, Chile, Mexico -- and the chants in native languages sent a wave of positive energy though the crowd. Like the feel of the World Cup, the crowed danced, hollered, shook hands and bridged the regional, national and global divides through the idea the "A Ball Can Change the World." It was a beautiful spectacle at the historic site that stands for freedom, peace and brotherhood.

Gomo Tong FCs friend and generous donor, Kevin Carroll, provided an inspirational presentation on the main pitch follwed by giving every player a copy of his critically acclaimed book "Rules of the Red Rubber Ball."

In the afternoon, all coaches attended the Anti-Racism Conference organized by the international players union, FIFPro and Euseblo Ferreira Da Silva one of the greatest soccer players of all time.

Finally a beautiful day (did I mention the weather was a perfect 75 degrees) was capped off by an event hosted by the Mayor of Cape Town at the Cape Town Civic Center. And, again, was followed by more dancing -- the Ugandan team stole the dance floor -- dance, another universal language, was shared. The vibrant young Ugandan women (Sara, Auma and Carol) taught players from Hong Kong, Europe and the US how to shake your hips like only Ugandans do.

Good Night from Cape Town,
Jeremy