South Africa (Reuters) – U.S. fans may need to pinch themselves, and smile at the irony when they arrive at the Royal Bafokeng stadium on Saturday — and see Uncle Tom’s Restaurant 500 meters from the main entrance gates.

World | Sports

Amid the newly-erected steel barriers, trimmed grass and freshly-planted shrubs and trees, close to a rural township in the red-soiled savannah landscape, Uncle Tom’s is a symbol that cannot be ignored.

His red-painted sign is emblazoned across his bar, shop and restaurant, an unavoidable reminder of America’s history of enslavement of African Americans, the 1852 novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe and the usage of Uncle Tom as a pejorative term.

In a country where apartheid ended only 16 years ago, it is both surprising and uplifting to see this food cabin surviving across the steel-fenced road from the stadium.

But “Uncle” Tom Molofe, 53, a wiry and humorous man with a twinkle in his eye, has no idea of the significance of his name as he prepares to welcome fans and visitors ahead of Saturday’s opening Group C clash between England and the United States.

“I have no idea what it means for Americans,” he told Reuters. “I just hope we are all blessed by God and I am happy the World Cup is coming here — and the Americans will spend some money. It will be good for business.”

Molofe took over the business, founded in 1963, from his parents.

“My three sisters have 15 children,” he said. “And they all came here one day and shouted to me “Uncle Tom, Uncle Tom” and that is when I named the place after my name. They wanted it.”

Now he sells newspapers, drinks and food to other local Bafokeng people and hopes English and American fans will come to watch games on his prize possession, a flat-screen television in a back room bar.

“Yes, come to me,” he said. “Everyone must come and enjoy themselves. I serve drinks and stay open until 2 a.m.. But remember — no money, no beer!”

(Editing by Jon Bramley)