When Roma unveiled their marquee signing the Argentine superstar Paulo Dybala they did it at the most iconic and historical site in the city of Rome , the palace of Italian civilization , an area of architectural marvels. The Argentine was introduced at what the Roma fans find dear and made them proud in the eternal city. It remains one of the most Spine Chiling football unveilings in history a massive 10000 Roma fans attending the event that was streamed to a world wide audience of millions. https://youtu.be/svYQQGV59mA?si=jkYGJNKzn7nhxIuU
This is a city proud of its rich culture its glorious history, its current and its present and future. Roma wasn’t anywere near its best , not even Realistically close to winning the championship , he wasnt expected to take the team Instantly to the league championship instantly even . However it was a welcome from a proud people from an eternal city , who support their team not because it was winning but because they are Happy because its there and wil support it through eternity.
The Unveiling was so intimate for the Player if ever i have seen a city motivate a player, welcome a player, tell a player you are one of us now using one gesture ,that! Was the monent. Football is more than a Game it cuts way deeper ,its a bond ,a collective expression of aproud culture, it gives hope amd belief
You can tell so much about a people by how they support their football team, normally it translates to how they conduct their other social activities. Even in business or politics ,the genetics transced to that sphere. Ruthless cutthroat do not mess with us especially when we lose fans often exhibit those traits in business and other social spheres. The same is true with chronic cheats , if your team bribes a lot cheats a lot it does manifest in all the other things you be it politics business or in life in General. The team is the fans the fans are reflection of the team.
Taking it back home to Zimbabwe you can identify these characteristics even if you are not observant. For the oldest team Highlanders the club is the city its the fans its the heart of the Matebele Kingdom. Legend has it it was formed by Grankids o the Legendary King Mzilikazi a mighty warrior and statesman. The fans sing songs proudly identifying themselves as a royal team and are as fierece and diplomatic as the great King and kindom .
My main issue with the Highlanders of now is that the team lacks identity and character. Anyone can put on the jersey and trot into Babourfields stadium , no connection with the fans no connection with the badge or the city. Players do not understand what it means to play for Highlanders anymore ,The fans do not even know the players anymore to top it up the top brass has no connection with either section of the club. The disconnect is so obvious and has been the source of the teams misfortunes. To prevail the club has to be one in everything they do. All players and staff have to go through a culture or philosophy class, yes literally desks and chairs , bring in Phathisa Nyathi even! For a university city the team is not tapping enough into its intellectual resources.
The so called the Highlanders of Mzilikazi failed a basic culture test. The day before they Faced their biggest rivals, the city celebrated its founding father, King Mzilikazi. The team camps in the same Parkland where the commemorations where being held. If it was indeed true to its origins a Cameo appearance at the historical site by the players and staff would have galvanized the team and fans . Instead the team is represented by players who do not understand what it means to represent the club , what it means for the fans and no one is willing to stand up and correct that!
Until the club fixes its identity and cohesion it will remain doomed,no amount of herbs and portions or prayers will end the doom. Highlanders will continue playing rubbish, the officials will continue to be biased, the system will choke it. The executive will continue blaming a “Rogue section of fans ” the fans will continue calling out the executive for not being bold enough to call out the unfair treatment of the club by officials and back up their coach. The rest of the people will continue calling the club and its fans violent a gross misrepresentation of the entire situation!
The city is the team the team is the city, they all have to move and believe as one! It is all about belief .
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