When soccer fans embrace diversity
FOOTBALL is by far the world’s most popular sport and without doubt affects people in a number of ways, socially, emotionally, economically and physically.
Brazilian football legend Pele went on to christen it “the world’s most beautiful game”.
Football authorities locally and internationally have repeatedly called upon soccer fans to be peaceful during matches regardless of the final result so that at the end of the day football is the winner!
Soccer fans who thronged the Colliery Stadium and filled it to the rafters last Sunday when Hwange hosted Harare giants Dynamos in a blockbuster Castle Lager Premier league encounter raised a white flag on the need to make soccer a family sport which is enjoyed by all regardless of age, race, creed or colour.
They joined hands and moved around the stadium before and after the match preaching unity in a refreshing scene which certainly attracts sponsors to the game. The match commissioner for the day David Sibanda said fans’ behaviour in the terraces was commendable.
“For the duration of the match I personally didn’t witness any skirmishes and it is something which we expect in the game of football.” he said.
Hwange Colliery head of security for the match Kedrick Sithole praised the fans for good sportsmanship.
“As someone who was in charge of security at this game, I would like to commend both sets of fans for good sportsmanship before and during the game. We worked well with my fellow counterparts from the ZRP and at the end of the day it was not the result that counted but football which was the winner,” said Sithole.
Hwange FC chairman Butholezwe Dube was also elated at the home fans’ calmness even after conceding a last minute goal.
“The supporters of Hwange took the painful loss maturely and never resorted to any form of hooliganism to vent their frustration at the manner they lost a game they clearly dominated. It is good for our name,” he said.
The Hwange supporters’ chair Maybin Dizomba said soccer fans have to learn to socialise and interact.
“The stadiums should be safe places to go for everyone and it is the duty of home fans to show visiting supporters that they are welcome. Violence and hooliganism have no place in football,” said Dizomba.
Wellington Mandishona, the DeMbare Hwange chapter chairman praised his fellow supporters.
“As a chapter we call for total eradication and an end to all violent and uncouth behaviour and tendencies at soccer matches across the country so that soccer fans can enjoy the beautiful game,” he said.
In a telephone interview, PSL communications and media liaison officer Kudzai Bare also reiterated the call for peace in football.
“Football is a family sport. Everyone deserves to enjoy the game in a peaceful environment and its important fans maintain peace at matches. We are working with clubs to curb violence and maintain order at matches.” she said.
DeMbare won the match 1-0 deep into injury time thanks to an Emmanuel Mandiranga header in a duel the coalminers deserved at a least point for their sweat.