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Zimbabwe |
SPORT
As the men of wisdom have predicted, change is imminent in Zimbabwe
While the people continue to suffer socially, economically and politically, unfolding events indicate some form of change will one day take place. At the time of writing, the mood of ordinary Zimbabweans had been elated by the unprecedented performance of the Zimbabwe Warriors, the country’s senior soccer team. The Warriors’ qualification for the first time in 22 years for the prestigious African Cup of Nations soccer tournament next year in Tunisia, is a positive development that ordinary Zimbabweans are proud to smile about today. The event, they say, is a morale booster which they believe will gradually inspire other people in other spheres of life, especially in politics.
Soon after the announcement and despite their hunger, thousands of soccer fans of all political persuasions were dancing in the streets, celebrating the Warriors’ historic achievement. The happy mood was still widespread in the country several days after Zimbabwe had beaten Eritrea 2-0. Football is Zimbabwe’s most popular sport and Zimbabwean footballers and their mentors have proved they are more popular than politicians.
A sign of hope? – On 5 July, day of the announcement, President Robert Mugabe, whose favourite sport is cricket, was addressing a political rally in Masvingo, southern Zimbabwe. Only a few thousand people attended this rally while the National Sports Stadium was full to capacity for the Warriors’ match — about 60,000 fans in all. Thousands more were glued to their television screens in the comfort of their homes to support their team.
The Warriors’ progress has been interpreted by some as a «sign of hope for the future». Football fanatics and analysts predicted that Zimbabwe had a chance to improve its game soon after the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) ejected President Mugabe’s nephew, Leo, from his post as their chairman. He was removed from office last year by ZIFA‘s board of directors for mismanagement. Celebrating the dismissal, a cartoon in one newspaper had a caption which read: «One Mugabe out... one more out soon.»
Zimbabweans have likened Mr Mugabe to Kenya’s former President, Daniel arap Moi. «See how he was removed from office in last year’s election». They say that Mugabe will take the same road taken by Liberia’s former president, Charles Taylor, who has now gone into exile. While still celebrating the Warriors’ victory, a few thousand people braved Harare’s chilly weather, to march down the streets denouncing South Africa’s President Thabo Mbeki’s «quiet diplomacy» vis à vis Mr Mugabe. This took place on the eve of the US President’s visit to Southern Africa. Needless to say, they were beaten up by police in riot gear and dispersed.
Just maybe Zimbabwe’s success in qualifying for the African Cup of Nations is a sign of hope for the future!
- Stan Dongo, Zimbabwe, August 2003 — © Reproduction authorised, with usual acknowledgment