GEORGE NEWS - On Friday George mayor Mercia Draghoender and hundreds of local residents paid tribute to the Japanese team and management at the Lawaaikamp artificial soccer pitch.
The soccer pitch is part of George’s 2010 legacy and was largely sponsored by FNB with support from the municipality.
Avid supporters swarmed around players as they tried to get their favourite star’s autograph and security personnel had to stand firm to prevent the players from being swamped.

Mayor Draghoender thanked the team for choosing George as base camp and said that she was sure that economic, social and tourism ties between George and Japan were well cemented for the future.
"You have put George on the international map. Thank you for all the good things you have said about George and we hope to see you back here soon."
When the proceedings ended the team went straight to Outeniqua Park where they had their second-last practice session before departing for Gauteng on Sunday.

Article and photos: Ilse Schoonraad

View more photos here: http://www.georgeherald.com/gallery.aspx?gpid=107&gid=6


Keisuke Honda was the crowd’s favourite during the autograph session at Lawaaikamp.


Mayor Mercia Draghoender thanking the Japanese on behalf of George. Head of sport André Smith looks on.


Hundreds of fans and journalists crowded onto the Lawaaikamp stands to see their soccer heroes.