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THE Premier Soccer League (PSL) this week took a commendable step towards eradicating the archaic beliefs of “juju” in modern-day football.
Dynamos welfare manager Richard Chihoro was in the spotlight after he was suspended for the superstitious rituals he conducted during their match against Hwange at Barbourfields last Saturday.
The incident in question occurred during the half-time break as Chihoro was seen running onto the pitch and sprinkling an unknown liquid at the Mpilo End goal that Dynamos were to attack in the second half.
This was after his team had encountered disappointments in the opening 45 minutes when they created numerous scoring opportunities at the Soweto End but the goal remained elusive.
With the frustrations boiling up, DeMbare were convinced there was “juju” on Hwange’s goal, and the belief was fuelled by the hosts’ goalkeeper Nedrick Madeya, who kept a big white towel spread behind his goal, which he also appeared to invoke prayers on.
This did not go down well with Dynamos and their superstitious fans, who were increasingly getting agitated every passing minute of the game.
Chihoro, not new to the “juju” controversies, was seen sprinkling some white stuff at the goal in an alleged act of unlocking the “juju” at the Hwange goal.
The Dynamos fans, most of whom are also entangled in the beliefs, cheered on as the “exorcism” was conducted.
The video of the incident has been doing rounds on various social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. With technology these days, it did not take time to cross continents and sadly it was not something to bring positive light on our game.
If anything, it showed the world that Zimbabwean football is still stuck in ancient beliefs that at worst are “anti-football” development.
Why in 2023 would a big club like Dynamos, which turns 60-years-old this year, still be interested in black magic to win matches?
Understandably so, the Premier Soccer League were not amused by this act of misconduct, which was deemed to bring the game into “disrepute”.
This coming in the opening match of the season was just a tip of the iceberg for what could have been coming our way this season.
It is important to note that this is not a problem confined to Dynamos only. Several local football clubs, including the lower divisions, schools and amateur football also hold on to these beliefs.
It is a common understanding among many local players who dream of playing at the highest level that it is not possible to succeed in the game without seeking charms.
The administrators and some of the spectators prescribe to that belief as well.
That is why in the local Premiership there is always side dramas — players scaling fences and using undesignated entrances, bouncers fighting for control of territory, ball boys sprinkling course salt or urine on opponents’ goal areas and rituals are conducted in changing rooms, teams refusing to leave the pitch until the last of their opponents has left, coaches refusing to greet or speak to each other until the end of the match.
All this usually happens in broad day light and sometimes in front of television cameras. So many things happen to footballers and the teams they play for, some of them too graphic to mention.
For many years, this problem has plagued not only Zimbabwean football, but the whole continent of Africa.
”Juju” beliefs are so prevalent among African footballers and administrators. But whether that works or not, is a subject for another day.
But if indeed “juju” had the power to win games, then Africa, where it is widespread, should have won many international tournaments, including the World Cup and the Olympics.
But what impact does this have on our football? One might ask.
The beliefs in “juju” have a direct impact on football development and principles of hard work.
Why would one bother to prepare and work hard when the charm can do it for them? Yet football is about preparation and planning.
In the long-run the league loses its professional outlook, the brand is tarnished and sponsors and serious business will not want to be associated with such.
The PSL should be commended for taking the bold stance against the Dynamos welfare manager.
What lessons do those antics give to the players under his wings and aspiring footballers who may be watching?
The league should punish, without favour, all those who do such things as that kills the spirit of football and brings the game into disrepute. Spectators and the league’s business partners want to watch competitive football, free from the archaic blemishes.
Hats off to the PSL for taking swift action and we hope to see deterrent punishments.
Online Reporter