Punters besiege madzibabas’ shrines
SOME desperate punters in Manicaland are now flocking self-styled prophets’ shrines to acquire “spiritual luck”for them to win sporting bets, The Weekender has established.
As numerous local and international sports betting operators continue to sprout, seeking spiritual guidance has become one of the most popular ways of seeking to win a quick buck.
So consistent has been the punters that they have set aside dates, especially those close to the weekend, to visit various prophets’ shrines as they search for luck.
Most punters demand privacy and they often visit the prophets’ shrines under the cover of darkness.
While protecting his clients’privacy, one of the most sought after prophets, Madzibaba Nzira, confirmed the development saying in most cases, failing to win in the multi-billion-dollar industry is a case of bad luck (munyama) caused by spirits working round the clock to ensure that individuals wallow in poverty.
“Almost on a daily basis, people are flocking my shrine to seek deliverance on several spiritual problems such as failing to conceive, marriage issues, chronic illnesses, divorces, unemployment and many others.
“However, of late, some are visiting my shrine specifically to seek assistance to win sporting bets. I am gladly assisting them. In most cases, they will be facing financial misfortunes (minyama).
“They claim that they are not winning anything despite consistently placing bets. As a prophet, I will diagnose the real cause of the misfortune before assisting them.
“That is why you see others constantly winning, while others continue on a losing streak. I have been helping a lot of people, but most of them — if not all — demand privacy as they either seek private consultations or come under the cover of darkness when most people are enjoying the comfort of their homes,” said Madzibaba Nzira who leads the Zvakazarurwa Zvevapostori Apostolic Sect.
Madzibaba Nzira added: “There is nothing wrong or evil about sports betting. No one will be stealing from anyone. In fact, one will actually be forking out his or her money for gains. It is more like an investment, but not all investments are profitable.”
Some punters and gamers interviewed recently confirmed that the spiritual luck has been working for them, while others continue to bite the dust.
“The prophets have been assisting me and my friend. It is beyond punting. It is about a misfortune haunting someone. Some people do not know that they harbour spirits that do not want them to prosper financially.
“Seeking assistance to win in sports betting has worked for me. Ndakabatsirwa ndikajekeserwa (Prophets assisted me and I scored big. I am now a regular at their shrines),” said a punter who preferred to call himself Jimmy or Jimogo from Dangamvura.
“After getting spiritual assistance, I prayed for my win before placing my bets. I don’t share with anyone or mix and mingle with anyone before submitting my bets,” said the punter.
Said another punter after receiving spiritual assistance at a shrine: “Yes, I have been spiritually assisted and it has been working well for me. However, I realised that sometimes it fails, especially when I mix and mingle with others and share my betting details with them.”
Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (Zinatha) national president, George Kandiero said: “It is very possible for one to get spiritual assistance from faith healers to win bets. The prophet will redeem the individual from spiritual bondage, especially the spirit that hinders one from making money.
“Who knows maybe betting will be your bridge to prosperity. However, punters should avoid over-depending on spiritual assistance from faith healers as it can be too addictive and they will become slaves of their actions.”