CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Not many people can say that they saw the World Cup draw in the host city. But that’s something Chris Pontius and Rodney Wallace can boast of, spending time in the “Mother City” during the Generation adidas trip to South Africa.Down with other players from MLS, Pontius and Wallace wrapped up a 12-day tour of the 2010 World Cup host, staying in Cape Town and Johannesburg while playing three games against reserve teams from the Premier Soccer League, the nation’s top flight. It’s an experience that have left both in awe.“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to go on a trip like this,” Pontius said from the team’s hotel in downtown Cape Town. “It’s been a very, very eye-opening experience, seeing stuff that we’ve never seen before.”The 22-year-old Yorba Linda native is referring not only to the travel and training experiences, but also to the opportunity to learn more about the complex and tragic history of South Africa’s struggles to overcome apartheid.As part of the trip, the players visited Soweto and Khayelitsha, two townships that closely near major metropolitan cities that are essentially shacktowns. There, they visited with local children and held soccer clinics at both locations, including at the new FIFA Center for Hope near Cape Town.“Going through these neighborhoods, and seeing how these people live is crazy,” Pontius said. “We’re so sheltered in America and just don’t really get to see that very often.”Getting a chance to see the plight of so many South Africans living in shantytowns – an estimated 1.2 million live in Khayelitsha alone – was an educational experience for the rookie duo, opening their eyes to what really goes on in the heart of South Africa.Raising their historical and social awareness was only a small slice of the trip. Defender Rodney Wallace enjoyed the opportunity to play with other up-and-coming MLS athletes like Jeremy Hall, Stefan Frei, Kevin Alston and Roger Espinoza.“We know each other from different soccer settings and it’s always good to come together, make up a team in such a short amount of time, and get out there and play some games,” Wallace said.The players also got a chance to spend time as tourists, heading to the top of Table Mountain that overlooks Cape Town, touring Johannesburg, and visiting Green Point Stadium and Soccer City, where World Cup matches will be held next year. Pontius and Wallace were also right on the ground level in Cape Town when the World Cup Draw was held on December 4.“We went to watch the draw at the waterfront and were surrounded by all the South African fans,” Wallace said. “To be honest, we got the chills. It felt like we were a part of it, the people were so into it, so unified, and had so much pride for their country.”Pontius shared in Wallace’s feeling, saying “It really hit me when we were watching the draw, just seeing that there was people from all over – and when their team was called how big of a deal it was.” As for the actual games themselves, Pontius and Wallace have enjoyed the chance to train in facilities and play against reserve sides Orlando Pirates, Santos and Ajax Cape Town, three strong sides. Different challenges have presented themselves in each match, with bumpy pitches and adjusting to the type of play.“It’s a completely different style of soccer,” Pontius said. “Every country you go to, you find that. A lot of the kids are younger like us, though they’re good players.”The Generation adidas crew ended their trip on a positive note, earning a 2-0 win over Ajax Cape Town on Sunday, as Wallace played 65 minutes and Pontius 62, respectively. A visit to Robben Island, site of Nelson Mandela’s incarceration for 18 years, followed. The long journey home begins Monday, as they head back to enjoy the rest of their off-season.
