Win or lose, [post-match] celebrations create a strong bond between us and the fans
Kekana and Mabunda choreograph unity between players, supporters
Mamelodi Sundowns players’ engagement with the club’s followers long after matches have ended has become a feature at their matches.
The Brazilians have reignited the tradition once upheld by Bloemfontein Celtic and SuperSport United, but the Siwelele and Matsatsantsa shows have since died down.
It has emerged that midfielders Hlompho Kekana and Tiyani Mabunda are the masters behind Sundowns’ choreographed post-match act that has attracted a horde of admirers lately.
Internationally, the sea of yellow and black of Borussia Dortmund followers serenading their team after games is something of a phenomenon in the Bundesliga.
Kekana and Mabunda told Sowetan that the intimate relationship with their followers is something they believe would power coach Pitso Mosimane’s side to glory.
“Win or lose, the celebration creates a strong bond between us and the fans,” said Kekana.
“I remember telling Shugga [Mabunda] after our game against Baroka in Atteridgeville [last year] that ‘let’s go join the fans and play along even if it’s for just one song’,” said the skipper.
It was the day his side dethroned the then PSL log leaders with a 4-0 hammering at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in December.
“As much as football is our full-time job, we were fans before we became footballers, so we know the emotions that the fans go through. Sometimes they feel we don’t appreciate them, but this is to show that we have the same feelings as them,” he added.
Mabunda added: “It’s very special because, throughout our travels during the continental competition [CAF Champions League], we saw opposition fans chanting with their team, and it was really beautiful.
“It’s really great to see our fans responding and, regardless of the result, they find joy in coming to the stadium. It’s a great sign and it gives us motivation.”
Club spokesman Thulani Thuswa said they have seen improvement in attendance at their games, with “some just coming to experience the atmosphere”.
“Once we are united we are unstoppable,” warned Mabunda.
Only time will tell if the song and dance will stand the test of a fickle South African fan who easily get annoyed when silverware is not forthcoming.