Dr Makhomisane’s Journey to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano
I have never been much of a football fanatic. My life is usually measured in clinical consultations, medical conferences, and the quiet intensity of patient care,” writes Dr. MT Makhomisane.
However, on Tuesday, 14 April, I found myself in Madrid, Spain, standing before the Riyadh Air Metropolitano for a UEFA Champions League quarter-final match that would forever shift my perspective on the “beautiful game”.
From Polokwane to the Cockpit
My journey began with the familiar rush of a busy day at my practice in Polokwane. After seeing my final patients, I headed to the airport for the 17h35 flight to OR Tambo, with a connecting flight to Amsterdam via KLM.
On flight KL1505, I witnessed a moment of profound human connection. Our pilot, Senior Pilot Luuk, was flying his final mission on the Airbus A320 after a distinguished 34-year career.
His son was on board to honor his father’s final descent into Amsterdam. I had the privilege of speaking with him, and hearing about his journey reminded me that whether in medicine or aviation, the end of a long career is a sacred milestone. It was an unexpected, grounding start to my trip.
The Contrast of Fandom
Upon arriving in Madrid, I met up with my colleague and friend, Dr. Themba Maluleke. Themba is a Cardiologist and a true student of the game.
He is the kind of fan who can recite the history of every goal and player; by contrast, my interest usually starts and ends with the national team during major tournaments.
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Themba excitedly informed me that he had secured tickets for the clash between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona. Knowing I had no pressing commitments before my medical meeting the next day, which focused on new heart failure treatments, I agreed to go. I knew the name Barcelona, of course, but I had little idea of what to expect from the Atlético faithful.
A Cathedral of Emotion
As our Uber approached the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, the architecture struck me. It looks less like a traditional stadium and more like a futuristic, translucent bowl, a glowing spaceship nestled in the city. Unlike the heavy concrete structures I am used to, this felt light, wrapped in a smooth skin that radiated light into the night.
The atmosphere outside was overwhelming. We were met by a “guard of honor” formed by thousands of Atlético fans lining the road. They were singing in unison, their passion held in check only by police on horseback. For a moment, it felt as though the welcome was for us, but the reality was far more moving: this was a ritual for their team. We stepped out of the car and joined them, walking through the songs and the energy of the local supporters.
Navigating the Language of Football
The evening was not without its challenges. Entering through Gate 35C, we found ourselves surrounded by fans speaking rapid Spanish.
I realized then that I was ill-prepared; I had downloaded a translation app during a previous trip, but when I pulled it out, it failed to work and required an update my roaming data couldn’t handle.
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In a world where I usually rely on precise medical terminology, I was reduced to basic sign language and gestures. Yet, there was a kindness in the chaos. Through nods and pointed fingers, the local fans guided us to our seats.
A New Perspective
Inside the stadium, the design is focused entirely on intensity. The “floating” roof and the steep stands pull all the energy down toward the pitch. Being in those VIP seats, I felt the sheer scale of the emotion.
Watching the match, I began to understand why millions find solace in this sport. It is a machine designed to amplify human feeling. The rhythm of the crowd, the collective gasp at a missed chance, and the unbridled joy of a goal are universal languages.
I went to Madrid for a meeting on the heart, but at the Metropolitano, I experienced the heart of a city. I may have walked in as a casual observer, but after feeling that level of devotion, I suspect I am returning home as a football fan. There is a beauty in the game that medicine cannot explain, it simply has to be felt.
*Dr MT Makhomisane is a distinguished General Practitioner and Diabetes specialist, founder of MetroMed in Polokwane [015 004 2028]
