It was difficult to tell just what was more annoying; enduring Kalac's attempt at snark or the 2 45min marathons of vuvuzelas. Resembling something of an aural locust swarm, the sound is emitted by a 1-1.3m plastic tube, at the end of which noise levels of up to 127dB have been measured, although more recent models have been designed to reduce this by 20dB (Lord be praised).
Concerns about the constant noise level have led to calls for the banning of vuvuzelas from remaining world cup games. To appease the locals, FIFA have refrained from this ban, and so the noise will continue. French left back Patrice Evra has blamed the vuvu for the poor French performance. The noise levels around some hotels has led to a massive run on earplugs, with no tangible effect.
Perhaps if we win the 2022 games there could be a resident quorum of local Aboriginal tribes playing didgeridoos to flatten coachs' hairpieces. Or the sound of bogans revving their 358s in the car park. In the end, local colour, even at 127dB, adds to not detracts from the spectacle.
As much as I hate the noise, I see the appeal. It is an African world cup and if the games were meant to be held in a sterile, quiet, neutral environment, they would be in Sepp Blatter's backyard every 4 years, and no one wants that.
GP
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