adminThe Herald, 21 September 1989
MANY people have dismissed the use of “juju” in soccer as a weapon to weaken the performance of the opposition in a match, with some saying it was just a tactic to threaten the opposition.
Some said “juju” had a psychological impact on the players in the opposing side who often played badly after “juju” ceremonies by the other side.
Cde Joshua Mawite said the belief in “juju” was used by many teams to frighten their opponents and take advantage of their panic. He said no magic could improve the performance of any team.
On players who were seen urinating on soccer pitches before a soccer match, he said police should act against these players, and should charge them with indecent exposure.
He said the practice was insulting to the fans and should be stopped.
Cde Paradzai Nyamukondiwa said no “juju” could make anyone a soccer star and those who believed in magic were just wasting their time.
He said if magic worked, then teams should not waste money hiring coaches because the “juju” would be enough.
He said teams should concentrate on paying their players enough money and stop wasting money on superstitious beliefs which have no proof of existence.
As for players and coaches who conducted superstitious practices on the field of play before a soccer match, Cde Nyamukondiwa said the Zimbabwe Football Association should strongly reprimand the culprits.
Cde Mashoko Hwara said players should not degrade the status of soccer by doing obscene things in front of fans.
He said the tactics to panic the opposition should be within limit. Cde Hwara said in some cases “juju” gave players confidence of winning while frightening the opposition.
Cde Tapiwa Chifeya said players who used “juju” were cheating soccer fans and should stop playing the game if they cannot do so using their skills and training.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Soccer fans critical of the use of “juju” are right because if magic was as powerful as its proponents argue, the majority of players would be playing top flight football in the English Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and Bundesliga.
Instead, a large number of them, whether they used “juju” or not, live in abject poverty, and their legacies end as soon as they hang their boots.
The importance of “juju” is an overrated superstition, and its use should be discouraged, since it has yet to produce millionaires in soccer.
If “juju” was also that useful, how is it that local teams perform so dismally against other African teams in the COSAFA, AFCON and CAF Champions League championships?
Upcoming players must be taught that the only route to a successful professional career is hard work, and that talent has its limitations.
Players must also understand that soccer is not only competitive, but is big business for them and their teams.
Online Reporter