The ManicaPost
MOFFAT MUNGAZI’S FOOTY FOOT NOTES
For this one game that has a constituency that follows it religiously, we can unite and save the world from Covid-19.
The world of sport, it goes without saying, has been brought to a standstill owing to the ravaging Covid-19.
And to while up that football inactivity, that energy that we expend rooting for our favourite teams can be exploited for a worthy cause.
We must pray, especially during this Ester period.
The football faithful can intercede and ensure the spread of the disease is stopped by also following WHO recommended guidelines.
We ought to be united in our rivalry against the pandemic. This game commands a huge following in global sport, with billions known to be enslaved to it, and imagine if every soul were to murmur a prayer in earnest faith to that effect.
Because crowds – which have been banned following a blanket blackout on all public gatherings – are the lifeblood which sustains the sport, football is also in limbo and is set to lose billions of dollars in revenue. This is not good for the game.
I believe there is something remarkably striking about Liverpool and Caps United. The Reds tell us that “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, while Makepekepe are identified with their green colours, which denotes life.
He gives both love and life in abundance. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him may not perish, but have eternal life,” (John Chapter 3, Verse 16) lends credence to Liverpool’s assertion.
Tellingly, most among us were eager for a conclusive end to the current English Premier League football season, which was approaching its climax before Covid-19 brought it to a screeching halt.
Let us imagine this for a while.
After Arsenal coach, Mikel Arteta got infected with coronavirus, Liverpool fans probably prayed that Jurgen Klopp be spared so that he could complete what had been in the making for the past three decades.
With several players, among them Juventus’ World Cup winner, Blaise Matuidi and Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi getting infected with the virus, the prayer among the Reds faithful was probably that Jordan Henderson, Virgil van Dijk and Sadio Mane would be spared so that they could finish what they had started.
The Cityzens of Manchester probably also prayed for resumption of the games so that they could see their dream of European glory, which is still alive as they carry a 2-1 advantage over record winners, Real Madrid, from the first leg of the Round of 16 tie.
The United red half of the same city, whose team had hitherto been enjoying an unbeaten mini revival spurred by new acquisition Bruno Fernandes, probably prayed their charge for Uefa qualification would not lose steam.
Closer home, FC Platinum fans probably prayed that their dominance of the local game would linger longer as they chase a record-equalling fourth successive title triumph.
The Dynamos’ prayer, at resumption of all football proceedings, would probably be to restore their lost glamour, while the Highlanders diehards are probably praying for Bosso’s return to the perch.
The Green Machine faithful are probably praying that their juggernaut goes that extra step and come right by clinching the championship they missed out on in the last two games of last season.
Soccer enthusiasts in Mutare have probably joined the prayer so that they get to watch the blockbuster first ever Premiership derby pitting two teams from this city – Manica Diamonds and Tenax – in Sakubva Stadium.
Punters, eager for another fat pay packet so that they can smile all the way to the bank after a “catch” during bets, are probably also praying for a resumption of the football matches.
The ultimate prayer, however, is for football enthusiasts to be spared by Covid-19 so that when the games finally resume, we can cheer our teams in our numbers.
If it is about football that you care about, let us share the cheer because we are made for the game and are mad about the game!
Feedback:
I thoroughly enjoyed the instalment highlighting the talent in our province. However, there are a few more players who graced our stadiums with flair that you left out in that piece. These include Ndega Matsika, Onismor Bhasera, Ford Chitakatira, Webster Kurwaisimba, Amon Chimbalanga, Sam Busywork, Shadreck Mugurasave as well as yesteryear greats like Obadiah Sarupinda, Japhet Muparutsa and Nesbert Saruchera. It will be noble if we honour these stars and seek their assistance in marketing the sporting talent from our province. – Nicholas Kwadzanai Mukundidza.
Thank you for the piece headlined “The future is junior soccer development” published recently. It was a good article. – Silas Chawira, Checheche.
It is disheartening that Zimbabwean coach, Norman Mapeza, threw in the towel at Chippa United. His resignation came as a surprise and it is now clear that the South African club has a bad record with coaches because Mapeza was its 16th mentor in five years. The gaffer has shown what he is capable, his track record of success speaks for itself. Chippa United fans will certainly miss him. – Terrence Mwedzi, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
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