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World Cup fever continues to grip the nation ... and the sounds of this year's tournament may continue to reverberate across the kingdom long after the final whistle is blown.
Thousands of the plastic blow horn vuvuzelas have been snapped up at Geant Hypermarket, the sole merchants selling the product at its kiosk in the centre of the store featuring football paraphernalia.
Football's governing body FIFA has given its backing to the vuvuzela but there have been widespread complaints that the incessant noise is both irritating and a distraction to players, spectators and TV viewers during matches.
That sound has been unflatteringly compared to a swarm of wasps, even an elephant passing wind. But that has not deterred football fans from flocking to join in the fun.
Naushad Ahmed, a division manager of Geant, said: "We bought the stock from a local dealer and the response we have received has been tremendous - we have already sold around 900 pieces."
The vuvuzela plastic blowing horns, measuring around 65cm, produces a loud, distinctive monotone note and sell for just under BD3.
The intensity of the sound depends on the blowing technique and pressure exerted. Traditionally made and inspired from a kudu horn, the vuvuzela was originally used to summon distant villagers to attend community and religious gatherings.
The vuvuzela started to be used during local soccer matches in South Africa and soon became a symbol of the World Cup Finals as the stadiums were filled with its loud and raucous sound reflecting the exhilaration of supporters.
The intensity of the sound first caught the attention of the global soccer community during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in anticipation of South Africa hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup event.
The vuvuzela has since been the subject of controversy. Its high sound pressure levels at close range can lead to permanent hearing loss for unprotected ears after extensive exposure, with a sound pressure of 120 dB (the threshold of pain) at one metre from the horn opening.
In response to the controversy, a new model has a modified mouthpiece that reduces the volume.
