Namibian student shares French joy
A Namibian student in France gives an account of his experience in France, after the nation won the 2018 Russia World Cup on Sunday.
Gawie Kanjemba, who is studying for double masters in international energy at the Paris Institute of Political Studies, commonly referred as Sciences Po, says the atmosphere in the city has been crazy, after Le Bleus beat Croatia 4-2 to lift the World Cup trophy in Russia.
Speaking from Paris, Kanjemba said there have been parties in the streets, parks and in the bars since Sunday.
“People are just screaming 'viva Le Bleus' in the streets. I have never experienced anything like this before.
“On Sunday close to 90 000 people gathered in the Champ de Mars gardens five hours ahead of time. It was clear that we were all not going to fit into the park. Supermarkets set up TVs, people opened up their homes for friends and neighbours to watch with them.
“A feeling of togetherness filled the streets as Parisians for the first time became accommodating in the name of football,” Kanjemba narrated in awe.
He said the city was and is still decorated in white, blue and red, and when the final whistle was blown, he could hear the whole city screaming in excitement and chanting: “Viva Les Bleus.”
“Cars honked throughout the night. Metro stations were closed. People were celebrating all the players. I did not see segregation racism or elitism. We were all part of the Les Bleus family.
He added since being in Paris he got to see a side of the French people which one does not normally witness.
“During times like this I have come to realise the value of sport and culture, because it has the power to bring a community together.
“People were not celebrating because they are French nationals; they celebrated because of the association to the country, whether as a student or a mere tourist.
“Paris is probably the most beautiful city in the world and winning the World Cup has opened up a whole new outlook to the city. I will never forget this,” Kanjemba said.
He continued to say his French has improved because of him hanging around with football fans.
The French football team had a World Cup victory parade on an open-top bus down the Champs Elysees Avenue, before a reception with President Emmanuel Macron on Monday. Reports in France media states several Paris Métro stations had their names temporarily changed to honour the team.
Champs-Élysées Clemenceau station became the Deschamps-Élysées Clemenceau, after national team coach Didier Deschamps and Victor Hugo station became Victor Hugo Lloris, after France's goalkeeper and team captain.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
Speaking from Paris, Kanjemba said there have been parties in the streets, parks and in the bars since Sunday.
“People are just screaming 'viva Le Bleus' in the streets. I have never experienced anything like this before.
“On Sunday close to 90 000 people gathered in the Champ de Mars gardens five hours ahead of time. It was clear that we were all not going to fit into the park. Supermarkets set up TVs, people opened up their homes for friends and neighbours to watch with them.
“A feeling of togetherness filled the streets as Parisians for the first time became accommodating in the name of football,” Kanjemba narrated in awe.
He said the city was and is still decorated in white, blue and red, and when the final whistle was blown, he could hear the whole city screaming in excitement and chanting: “Viva Les Bleus.”
“Cars honked throughout the night. Metro stations were closed. People were celebrating all the players. I did not see segregation racism or elitism. We were all part of the Les Bleus family.
He added since being in Paris he got to see a side of the French people which one does not normally witness.
“During times like this I have come to realise the value of sport and culture, because it has the power to bring a community together.
“People were not celebrating because they are French nationals; they celebrated because of the association to the country, whether as a student or a mere tourist.
“Paris is probably the most beautiful city in the world and winning the World Cup has opened up a whole new outlook to the city. I will never forget this,” Kanjemba said.
He continued to say his French has improved because of him hanging around with football fans.
The French football team had a World Cup victory parade on an open-top bus down the Champs Elysees Avenue, before a reception with President Emmanuel Macron on Monday. Reports in France media states several Paris Métro stations had their names temporarily changed to honour the team.
Champs-Élysées Clemenceau station became the Deschamps-Élysées Clemenceau, after national team coach Didier Deschamps and Victor Hugo station became Victor Hugo Lloris, after France's goalkeeper and team captain.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
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