As the FIFA World Cup continues to grip audiences across the globe, football fever naturally took centre stage at the latest Gilbey’s Hangout, where revellers gathered on Friday evening at Old Tymerz in Ntinda to unwind after a long week.
From the moment guests settled in, the atmosphere was lively, relaxed and full of anticipation. First-time Gilbey’s tasters were introduced to the brand in a warm social setting, with drinks flowing and conversations quickly finding common ground. It did not take long before the topic of the night became clear: football.
Much of the banter revolved around the tournament’s opening-day action, particularly South Africa’s clash against Mexico. The match sparked animated debate, playful rivalry and plenty of teasing among attendees.
Several revellers jokingly declared themselves loyal Mexico supporters, drawing laughter from those around them. Others cheekily insisted they could not support South Africa, citing the country’s widely discussed anti-migrant sentiments. Despite the differing opinions, the exchanges remained light-hearted—exactly the kind of spirited banter major football tournaments are known for.
Speaking during the event, Gilbey’s brand manager Raymond Karama said football creates a unique social energy that naturally brings people together.
“Football creates conversations that people naturally connect through. The banter, the predictions, the friendly rivalries and the shared emotions all create memorable social moments. It gives people a chance to relax, laugh and connect with others, which aligns perfectly with what Gilbey’s Hangouts is all about,” Karama said.
The football excitement intensified when host Ronnie McVex took the microphone and turned the gathering into a mini football arena, challenging revellers with trivia questions about World Cup teams and tournament history.
The trivia segment quickly became one of the night’s highlights, drawing enthusiastic participation from football lovers eager to prove their knowledge. Winners walked away with Gilbey’s branded merchandise, adding a competitive edge to the evening.
But as conversations deepened, the topic shifted from football results to something many attendees found even more relatable—the realities of following the World Cup while maintaining relationships.
With some matches kicking off late into the night, several revellers admitted balancing football and personal relationships can be challenging, especially for couples trying to spend quality time together.
One football enthusiast, speaking humorously, made a playful appeal to women everywhere.
“We know some of these matches end very late, and it can feel like football is taking all our attention. We are just asking the ladies to bear with us for a few weeks. The World Cup only comes around once in a while, and after that we shall return to normal programming,” he joked.
The comment drew loud laughter and nods of agreement from fellow football fans.
Beyond football, the evening took another interesting turn when discussions shifted to friendship and accountability—specifically, what happens when a friend borrows something valuable and returns it damaged.
The scenario of lending out a car only for it to come back with dents, scratches or worse sparked passionate debate.
Some attendees argued that true friendship should be able to survive material loss, insisting that relationships matter more than possessions. Others strongly disagreed, saying accountability should never be sacrificed in the name of friendship.
Several revellers shared personal experiences, including one attendee who revealed that a long-standing friendship nearly collapsed after a borrowed car was damaged and disagreements over repair costs followed.
Another attendee observed that situations involving money, property and responsibility often expose the true strength—or weakness—of friendships.
As the night progressed, one thing stood out: the growing number of new faces embracing the Gilbey’s Hangout experience. First-time attendees blended effortlessly into the crowd, quickly warming to the interactive and easygoing atmosphere that has become a hallmark of the weekly event.
