Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
TWO years ago, on a cool Sunday afternoon at Sakubva Stadium, vulgar songs that were being spewed by CAPS United supporters, depicted a bad advert for the beautiful game of football, then crying for better attention from all and sundry.
The football season had just started, and Mutare had three teams using Sakubva Stadium as their home ground.
Caps United fans on that afternoon chanted songs, whose lyrics are unprintable due to their graphic obscenity undertones, much to the chagrin of local fans, some of whom had turned up for the match with their children and close relatives.
Conveniently seated on the bay next to the not-so-important VIP shade, from the onset to the end of the scintillating encounter, Green Machine supporters chanted songs whose lyrics cannot be printed in this family newspaper.
Armed with their vuvuzelas and drums, it was not possible to ignore the rapturous Caps United fans, who had the audacity to heighten the tempo in churning out discourteous songs.
Fast forward to August 2024, and on Saturday, clad in their trademark green and white regalia, CAPS United fans were back at the same venue, and committing the same evil of singing dirty songs to cheer up their boys!
The cancer of vulgar songs at football matches is not only peculiar to CAPS United fans.
Most of the clubs in the domestic top-flight league as well as lower leagues have become synonymous with chanting lyrics that leave those in attendance with their families unable to stand the humiliation.
Ideally football matches are supposed to be perfect for a family outing, but the vulgar songs spewed by Caps United fans last Sunday, as well as other teams elsewhere, are one of the reasons friends of the game of football from decent backgrounds will never bring their children and loved ones to the stadia.
Die hard Manica Diamonds fan, Calvin Justice Mapangisana, who hardly misses the Gem Boys home matches said: “The use of vulgar lyrics by some soccer fans during local premier league matches at Sakubva Stadium, or any sporting event, is a complex issue that does not have easy answers.
“Some perspectives to consider, especially the negative impacts, include the creation of a hostile environment. Vulgar language makes the atmosphere in the stadium unsafe and uncomfortable for families, children, and those who are sensitive to such language. It damages the reputation of the game.
“It gives the impression that associates soccer with aggression and disrespect, resultantly discouraging, both other potential fans and sponsors. It also undermines the spirit of sportsmanship. Sport is meant to be about fair play, respect for opponents, and celebrating athletic achievements. Vulgar language contradicts these values. It is also imperative to note that it can also escalate into violence. In some cases, vulgar language can lead to verbal abuse, physical altercations, and even more serious incidents.”
On the possible causes and root of use of vulgar language in songs, Mapangisana said: “Passion and excitement have a role to play. Supporters are often passionate about their teams, and may get carried away in the heat of the moment. It also has something to do with peer pressure. Some individuals may feel pressured to conform to the behaviour of the crowd, even if they personally disapprove of it.
“Lack of awareness is also another factor. Some supporters may not be aware of the negative impact their language has on others. Cultural factors also come into play. In some cultures, using strong language is more common and accepted, even in public settings.”
Mapangisana said educational and awareness campaigns are vital solutions to nip the problem in the bud.
“Stadium management, and football associations can launch campaigns to educate supporters about the importance of respectful behaviour. Stricter enforcement of rules can also help. Stadia should have clear rules against vulgar language, and enforce them consistently. This could include warnings, ejection from the stadium, or even bans. We also need positive role models. Players, coaches, and officials can set a positive example by demonstrating respectful behaviour and condemning the use of vulgar language. Creating designated family sections or offering family-friendly events can help to create a more welcoming atmosphere.
“Overall, while passion and excitement are part of the appeal of sports, it is crucial to ensure that it is expressed in a respectful and appropriate manner. Addressing the use of vulgar language in sport requires a multi-faceted approach involving education, enforcement, and positive role modelling,” he said.
Renowned Mutare player manager and football enthusiast, Donald ‘Azurie’ Manhende echoed similar sentiments.
“People should distance themselves from this yesteryear behaviour since football is now considered a big industry whereby people with dignity are gracing the sector. We should feel very comfortable to bring our families to stadia as a way of spending our free time, but with this ancient behaviour of singing vulgar, it becomes very difficult,” he said.
Staunch Dynamos supporter, Munyaradzi Zinomwe described such behaviour as disgusting, uncouth and immoral.
“It is a very bad advert for local football. At a time when numbers are dwindling at our stadia due to the English premiership games, which recently begun, the singing of vulgar songs must be stopped once and for all. Surely football is a family sport where kids and the whole family should be free to enjoy, but this singing of obscenities is a big turn off. I used to take my whole family to the stadium, but I have since stopped. Imagine how many numbers have been affected. We are shooting ourselves in the foot. Club marshals have a big job to educate supporters,” he said.
