SAB | Castle Lager - Super Fans

The Castle Super Fan Camp in Full Swing!

2010-06-15T03:58:00.001-07:00

The Castle Lager Super Fan Camp is in full swing! it started yesterday around 3pm when all the winners arrived.

The evening help some fabulous entertainment, with a locker room session and speeches from some football legends! Neil Tovey, Mark Fish and Steve Kompela where all there to share their footballing experience.

The evening was a huge party with the Castle Lager flowing. The music was provided by TKZEE and he was inspirational!

Lets see what today hold in the Camp!

Inqaba!

Superfans go to Polokwane for Bafana vs Guatamala: - a Super Fan Account

2010-06-07T03:28:00.000-07:00

We were waiting at the parking lot in Mafikeng for the Premier of the North West to arrive to meet us, The Castle Lager Superfans, when we got the call. The question was quite rhetorical in it’s context and considering it was directed at some of the most ardent bafana supporters: “Do you want to go to the bafana game in Polokwane tomorrow?” The answer sounded like bafana had just scored the opening World Cup goal, and this after weeks of arduous traveling around the country spreading the message of uniting behind bafana bafana, giving out supporters gear and generally getting the masses of people we met hyped up for the world cup.

Monday the 31st of May was designated our well-deserved off day but we happily zipped up our bags again in the morning to go back to the people of Polokwane - whom we had “activated” just a few days before! We hopped back into our two beautifully customized superfans combis in our settled formation: This is a 3-3-2-2 system and seems to work best mostly because that’s where the seats in the combi are. We have Jones of Supersport, Siza of Jomo Cosmos and our manager Thami in the back. Myself (Borotho of Wits), Botha (needs no introduction!) and Somi the Vuvuzela Minstrel of Black Aces take up the middle. Umfundisi of Amazulu and Mzekezeke of Sundowns Keep things alive near the front while Lutchman from Maritzburg waves the flag, lowers the volume when an “interview” (normally just a phone call) is received by someone and keeps an eye on Eddy behind the wheel.

We arrived in Polokwane safely with no major travel disruptions (eg. Someone taking too long in the shops or taking too long to take photos with the fans of the fans) and checked into the very architecturally successful (in my point of view) Protea hotel - Polokwane. The Guatamala team walked by while we were checking in and we resisted the temptation to let rip on the vuvuzelas in order to increase the shock when they ran out on the field later! After a very good dinner with Errol Madlala of Castle Sports Marketing we each donned our unique match clothing and lucky charms and headed for the stadium. A supersport cameraman climbed into our van on the way to the game to get a feel for the vibe in our combi on the way to the game. Other local padestrian supporters joined in singing with us in the slow moving traffic and you could feel the intensity build as we approached the glowing stadium. In the traffic the two combis got split up because the individuals in each combis spoke to different “connections” to get us into 2 different levels of VIP parkings!! The superfans got split once more at the ticket scanners where large queues caused dispersal into different lines and we ended up with about 3 groups of superfans in separate parts of the stadium when guatamala emerged from the tunnel to the vuvuzela thunderstorm. It was quite clear in the crowd where the groups of superfans were because of a greater intensity of movement and noise for hundreds of seats around a superfan cluster. I was with Mzion, Ntshebe, Lefu, Rasta2 and Lutchman behind the guatamalan keeper – the place where fans wishing to remain standing traditionally go. We were blessed to witness, up close, first Mphela’s penalty then Yeye Letsholonyane’s clinical finish of Lucas Thwala’s cross and the signature goal of Parreiras Wing-back attack system. Then in the 2nd half in between the superb goals of Moriri, Parker and another Mphela penalty we saw how effective Pienaar’s positioning was in creating width and opportunity for the wing backs, really helping to liven up the whole bafana attacking machine. We also got a close-up of Josephs superb reading of the Guatamalan penalty to keep a clean sheet and further all the supporters confidence in him.

After the game while dancing around the emptying stadium and meeting up with all the other Superfans we got pulled aside by the same Supersport cameraman for an interview for Supersport Blitz. All the superfans had some very insightful views of the game and we were full of energy, carrying on singing and vuvuzelaring long into the night.

Super Fans rock Inkanyezi Tavern on tour!

2010-05-18T04:28:00.000-07:00

The Castle Lager Super Fans rocked out at Inkanyezi Tavern on Sunday, to continue to rally the nation around supporting Bafana Bafana! The vibe from Umlazi Township was fantastic and just goes to show how much support there is for Bafana, from all regions of our beautiful country.

Our boys also came to the party with 4 goals to nil win over Thailand, and they looked in great condition while they did it. Ba-four-na!

The Super Fans where joined by Neil Tovey, SA's African Cup of Nations winning Captain, as well as Clive Barker, former coach of the National Squad. Each of the special guests had some encouraging words for the national team, as well as some words of encouragement for the Super Fans and their country tour to rally the nation.

A fantastic time was had by all, and there is a load more to come!

Inqaba!

Bafana send the Castle Super Fans to rally the Nation!

2010-05-06T08:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome Bafana!

On Wednesday night this week at Sedibeng Tavern in Meadowlands, Soweto Bafana Bafana sent the Castle Lager Super Fans on a mission to rally the Nation. The Castle Super Fans are going to be on a month long road trip around the country, touching areas like Cape Town, East London, Durban, Nelspruit, Tshwane, Mafikeng, Rustenburg, Bloemfontein, Vereeniging and Johannesburg. Their goal is to get as many people supporting and cheering for the national squad as possible.

Mzion gave an inspired call to action to all South Africans to join the Castle Super Fans and get behind the boys as they push themselves into 2010. The Castle Super Fans will be travelling to all areas of SA visiting Taverns and Shebeens, bars and pubs and all the local watering holes on their route. At each and every opportunity they are going to rally the locals to support Bafana.

In a similarly inspiring way Teko Modise promised the Castle Super Fans as well as the rest of the country that they would do nothing but their best in the upcoming games. His sentiment was echoed by the national team coach Carlos Alberto Parreira. Coach Carlos also thanked Castle Lager in the way they have come to the party and created ways in which the nation can become the twelfth player on the field for Bafana.

The evening was a huge success with a great interview with coach and captain managed superbly by Castle’s guest host Tshepo Mabona. Later on in the evening performances by Skwatta Camp and 2010 SAMA award winner Black Coffee which rocked Soweto for hours. The Diski Dancers and DJ’s also strutted their stuff and spun their decks for the National team. A great time was had by all, including special guests from SAFA and other sponsors as well as local celebrities from TV, radio and the social scene.

Good Luck Bafana!

Bafana Bafana provisional squad named

2010-04-30T06:30:00.000-07:00

Bafana Bafana Coach Carlos Parreira has released the names of 29 individuals that will make the provisional squad heading into the next training camp.

The Castle Super Fans are Fully behind the team and are as usual sending their best wishes across to the team! VIVA BAFANA!

The sterling run of form Bafana has been in has been truly inspiring. Goals are coming and Bafana is winning games, the latest a 2-0 victory over Jamaica in a friendly in Germany.

Well done Boys!

Super Fans in the front row at Durban's 100 Day celebration

2010-03-15T07:46:00.000-07:00

The Castle Super Fans where at the head of the line during Durban's 100 day celebration. The excitement in and around the Durban City Hall was illustrative of the vibe that is approaching around World Cup. The Castle Super Fans where very excited about joining in on the festivities. Ricky Baba even got on stage to participate in a "keep Up" competition, but unfortunately the Super Fan's Vuvuzela skills have not moved into his soccer skills. But still, good fun was had by all!

Cheers to Durban for the good time!

Our Castle Super Fans Cheering on the Skillful Philani Massaru

Welcoming the Durban Officials, Castle Super Fan Style...

Have a Happy Festive Season

2009-12-24T00:04:00.001-08:00

The Castle Lager Superfans wish everybody a very joyful and peaceful festive season. 2009 has had its fair share of the lime light, but in a few days it will be 2010!

Viva! Viva 2010! Viva!

Nqaba!

Super Fans make an appearance at Makhaya's 100th Test Match

2009-12-17T04:52:00.000-08:00

The Castle Super Fans attended what is bound to be a phenomenal test match yesterday. Not only was it the opening day of the first test between the Proteas and England, but it was Makhaya Ntini’s 100th Test Match for South Africa.

The Fans where out in full force to support not only Makhaya on his day, but also the rest of the Proteas squad as they took to the field. The songs where sung, the Castles where drunk and a good time was had by all, even if the sun was baking hot on the day.

The Super Fans themselves where very pleased to be able to share in an experience away from what they are used to. They spent much of the mo9rning session debating the rules of the game and whether to cheer or not for particular actions. After the debate, it ended with “anything that goes over the white rope”, the fans took the afternoon by storm and on several occasions instigated a Mexican wave in the stadium, or tried to at least.

On behalf of the Castle Super Fans and Castle Lager Congrats Makhaya! It has been an amazing innings and its not over yet!

Nqaba Makaya!

Super Fans on the down low

2009-12-09T07:07:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since the last Castle Super Fan activity, but you need not worry! The Castle Super Fans will be back very soon with much more to offer than ever before! In the meantime you can purchase your Super Fan Cans and show your support for your favorite Super Fan.

To keep us all going though here are come more Super Fan images...

Castle Lager Penalty Shootout!

2009-11-19T21:31:00.000-08:00

Five lucky Castle Super Fans had the opportunity to shoot for cash at the Bafana vs. Japan game in PE last weekend. Our five fans where up against the legendary Andre Arendse. The competition was one where there would be no losers, for every goal scored against Andre our fans would receive R20 000 while every save that Andre made would allow him to donate R20 000 to a charity of his choice.

The competition was adjudicated by non other than Sylvester Ndaba, himself a retired FIFA official. Under his watchful eye and that of the packed to the rafters Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium our Super Fans attempted to put the ball through Andre.

After a dreadful first kick and a Save by Andre the Castle Fans managed to put three goals past the ex Bafana Bafana Goalkeeper, earning themselves R60 000. But as i said there would be no losers in this competition with the rest of the cash from Andre’s sterling performance going to charity.

Well done all on a fantastic Castle Shoot Out!

Castle Super Fans are in PE for the Bafana Game

2009-11-13T23:59:00.000-08:00

The Castle Super Fans are in PE today. They will be showing their support for Bafana Bafana at the Japan game this evening. See if you can see them on TV.

The call for all those loyal Super Fans out there is to get out and support your team!

VIVA BAFANA! VIVA!

Good Luck Guys!

Our Super Fans out on the town in PE.

Super Fans Collectors Edition Cans

2009-11-09T02:00:00.000-08:00

Castle is pleased to announce the release of the Castle Lager Super Fans Collector Can Series.

Within the next 3 weeks outlets will be filling up with the new Special Edition 440ml Super Fan Cans. There will be 16 different designs, one for each of our Castle Super Fans.

The cans will portray the Castle Super Fans in their Bafana Bafana supporter gear, with a short note on how they support their team.

"I step into the stadium right leg first and from then onwards, I know Bafana will lead the way." - Rasta "Amaswayiwayi" Super Fan (Number 3 of 16)

"I dont need superstitions. All i need is our Captain and my Vuvuzela." - Siza "Ezenkosi" Super Fan (Number 6 of 16)

Check out your nearest Castle Lager outlet to see the Super Fan Cans.

Castle Lager Super Fans DSTV Premier

2009-10-20T07:43:00.000-07:00

The Castle Lager Super Fans will be on DSTV this week in the premier of their "Behind the Scenes" reel.
The show will detail how the Castle Lager Super Fans showed their support for their team, Bafana Bafana, in Germany. There will also be a step by step account of how the Super fans TV Commercial came about.

Check it out on DSTV...

Thursday 22 October

SS3/3A/3N @18:00 (Premier)
SS4 @18:30
SS4 @22:00

Friday 23 October
SS3/3A/3N @02:00
SS3/3A/3N @22:30
SS4 @23:30

Saturday 24 October
SS3/3A/3N @12:00
SS4 @14:30

Sunday 25 October
SS4 @18:00
SS3A @19:00

The Castle Super Fans TV commercial is coming. See below to find out when.

2009-10-14T01:07:00.000-07:00

The New Super Fans TV Commercial is OUT!

2009-10-12T22:55:00.001-07:00

Hey Guys keep watching the Television to catch a glimpse of our Super Fans in action! The Flighting times will be up soon!

"Nqaba!"

There is more to come...

2009-10-08T06:54:00.000-07:00

Just a look at what is to come...

Castle Lager Superfans feature in Kickoff magazine

2009-09-28T04:01:00.000-07:00

Castle Lager invited Zola Doda to observe the Castle Lager Superfans in action in Germany.

A contingent of Bafana Bafana fans, known as the Castle United Superfans, entered Germany ahead of the recent frindly international match and took the country by storm - dancing, singing and blowing vuvuzelas.

To read more check out Kickoff Magazine issue number 361

Completing the Shoot

2009-09-22T00:43:00.000-07:00

Well done to the Castle Lager Superfans!

The Castle Superfans have completed the TVC shoot and what a shoot it was. The first day of shooting started at 6am and only wrapped at 11pm. While the week that followed was just as daunting, all involved are extremely happy with the outcome.

The initial signs are looking good for another great Castle Lager advert. It’s now up to the directors to turn the Superfans into TV superstars!

Cheers!

Our Superfans on the first day of the shoot...

2009-09-15T07:48:00.000-07:00

After an early start Castle is proud to say that the Castle Superfans are once again proving their metal. Today was of course the first day of the television commercial shoot.

There were 2 locations on todays shoot schedule; the first was in a tavern in Turfontein, whilst the other was a discreet location Orlando to be revealed later. Without giving too much away before the advert is launched both locations are going to be very vibrant scenes…

Some pictures from the shoot detail just what the guys got up to.

Resting between scenes

All coming together.

A new week, a new experiance for our Superfans

2009-09-14T01:01:00.000-07:00

As Monday roles around again after and Epic South African sporting weekend our Superfans are once again in the thick of things.

First up, a special welcome to our Golden Arrows Superfan, Vusumuzi Peter Miya. I'm sure you'll fit in very nicely with the rest of our Superfans!

This week brings with it the beginning of a week long television commercial shoot. The process begins today with a still photography shoot and a complete wardrobe call. All 16 of our fans have come to Jozi to join in on the activity. It will be a long and meticulous process, but the outcome will be worth all the long hours this week!

Good luck guys!

Superfans Milestone

2009-09-10T04:14:00.000-07:00

Today marks another milestone in the Castle Lager Superfan’s development, as today plans where put in place to commence with the next part of the Castle Superfan journey, the next level of support you might say.

Without giving away too much insider information, the Superfans will be reuniting after some time at home to once again show their support for Bafana Bafana!

Nqaba!

For those who are interested our Superfans are now on YouTube. Search for “Castle Lager Superfans” on www.YouTube.com and see what the fans got up to in Germany.

You tube video links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liowSDXbAvw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL0zPpKctrc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eY3Vzyc1VkU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIqoayWxu84
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe7Yuq2E1YU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqjCoghrePc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJiyLp0aAf4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROgbS3T9GZE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2MqWLaIQek

The Superfans are back in town...

2009-09-07T23:00:00.000-07:00

Having flown in to Johannesburg International Airport after a long, but rewarding trip to Germany the Castle Superfans where still very upbeat. The excitement and Superfan stardom does not stop here though...

Last night two of our Superfans made the time to appear on Soccer Zone on SABC 1. They told all the viewers about their support for Bafana and how the trip went. It was another great experiance for two of our Superfans. Hopefully more recognition is to follow for our loyal Bafana followers.

The next steps on the Superfan journey...

The superfandom does not stop here of course, there is still a great deal that needs to be done in preparation for 2010. What Castle can say however is that the superfans will be coming together very soon to pull something else together for Bafana. Something to show the unwielding support for the National team. stay tuned for more highlights on the Superfan ride.

Inqaba! Cheers!

About the game, a fans perspective.

2009-09-07T08:34:00.000-07:00

It is always a big thing when South Africa take on the world, and the game between Bafana Bafana and Germany was no exception.

The game was big, bold and beautiful coming from the Bayer Levekusen home ground. It was 90 minutes of great football with both teams playing in their away kits. The Germans in their red kit just managed to outplay our green and gold Bafana team, but the game will prove to be more useful than just a run on the field.

As one superfan put it after the game, "This game is about giving the guys the exposure they need to take part in an event like the world cup", other comments among the group included commentary about giving us a learning platform and providing opportunity for the younger players to get experiance.

All we can say is that when World Cup time runs around Bafana will not be an easy opponenet to beat.

Look out Ireland, here come Bafana!

Vivia Bafana! Viva!

Friday in Cologne...

2009-09-05T00:19:00.000-07:00

Our Friday was very long but ended a few hours ago. We woke up early and had a lovely breakfast at the Hotel, HILTON COLOGNE and left for the Bay Arena to see our team train. The media were so engrossed with the vuvuzelas they even spent time in the stands with our Superfans.

We crossed live to South Africa in the morning to broadcast on Ukhozi FM for all the listeners to hear the atmosphere in the bus and how everyone was singing. It was a truely fantastic moment for all the listners.

We then made our way to the 'Brewhouse' in the centre of Cologne and the city stood still as South African fans brought colour and the vibe. We had a big meal and enjoyed the enjoyed German hospitality and good weather. After a long time and lots of food and drink it was time to head back to the hotel to have a rest.

Most of the fans used this time to bond and get to know one another and walked through town. Mzion was busy recruiting fans for Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates whilst Mzekezeke cannot stop chirping Amazulu's Mfundisi.

It was time for the second Ukhozi FM crossing to Thanda Ndlovu and our Bidvest Wits fan Ricky AKA "Borotho" greeted the listeners in Zulu which amused the group with Mfundisi doing the second interview.

20h00 was dinner time in a nearby Italian Restaurant and later hit the town, where everyone shouts 2010 when they see us which is great and just shows the good feeling about South Africa hosting the 2010 soccer world cup. We ended up at a Kareoke bar where there was a competition "THE VOICE OF COLOGNE" happening and our own Kickoff's Zola Doda got on stage and the Mzansi crown went wild.

We have had a great time with the fans with some funny moment and this morning we are holding our breaths for the Boks before we can talk Bafana Bafana!

I am now off to the city tour and some shopping!

Later!

Dinner with Bafana Bafana

2009-09-03T23:28:00.000-07:00

We had an awesome time last night, with the Captain of Bafana Bafana meeting our Castle United Superfans.
It was an emotional night because earlier in the boat the superfans committted to ensure that the stadiums are going to be vibrant with the music & vuvuzela.

The Captain stressed the importance of supporters particularly when playing away from home.
He then handed labelled Bafana Bafana shirts with the team names at the back.

I am joining the team this morning for breakfast and head to the training session at the newly revamped Bay Arena, home of Bayer Levekusen.

Peace!

Excitement in the air!

2009-09-01T01:13:00.000-07:00

As we get ready to leave tonight the anticipation is running wild. The last minute scramble to get everything sorted out is going well and our 16 fans are assembling with huge excitement.

As we set out on our journey to support Bafana tonight we are starting something greater than just a trip to Germany, we are setting up a standard of support for all South Africans to follow. As the world cup looms closer Castle Lager wants to remind all the people of this great nation that it is time to come together and rally behind the boys and help them on their way to glory.

This super fan trip is just one of many reminders Castle has set up to help Bafana on its way…

Shapa Bafana Bafana Shapa!

It all comes together with a Castle.

Errol Madlala