daniel chigunwe
Timothy Pemba
I was at a local beerhall this past Sunday, watching my beloved Chelsea take on Liverpool.
The room was buzzing with excitement, the kind that defines any major football match. As I sat there, soaking in the intensity of the crowd and the game, I was reminded of something from my childhood.
Growing up, they used to call me Peter Ndlovu, after the Zimbabwean football legend who took the world by storm.
It was not just a nickname, it reflected the pride I felt in Zimbabwean football. My uncle, Henry Chisepo, was the one who named me, and our family has always been passionate about the beautiful game.
In fact, my brother is named Saka by my friends hence our deep connection with football and the EPL.
The familiar sounds of banter, analysis, and even frustration echoed as fans yelled, “Ma Chele imi hamugoni bhora!” It struck me how personal the English Premier League (EPL) has become for us here in Zimbabwe. Sometimes it feels more local than our own Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
This experience made me reflect on how much the football landscape has changed in Zimbabwe. While my childhood heroes were local legends like Ndlovu, today, most young Zimbabweans idolise players from the English Premier League (EPL).
The EPL has become more than just a popular sports league, it is a cultural phenomenon that has completely captivated Zimbabwe.
Across Zimbabwe, the love for the EPL is undeniable.
Every weekend, beerhalls, homes, and public spaces are filled with fans passionately debating and cheering for teams like Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal.
Fans are fully invested, often knowing more about these teams than about their own communities. I saw this first-hand during the Chelsea vs. Liverpool match. The intensity was palpable; you would have thought it was a local derby, not a match played thousands of miles away.
This obsession with the EPL speaks to a larger trend in Zimbabwe, where foreign football seems to have overtaken our love for local football.
When I was growing up, Peter Ndlovu was the talk of every young football fan. Today, children dream of being like Mohamed Salah, Kevin De Bruyne, or Bukayo Saka. It is as if the EPL has become a more personal part of our identity than our own Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL).
What makes the EPL so magnetic?
Part of it is the sheer quality of the football world-class players, cutting-edge facilities, and marketing that spans the globe. The league’s presence in Zimbabwe is significant, thanks to the media coverage, TV deals and social media which keeps fans constantly connected to the action.
When I reflect on my brother’s name, Saka, it reminds me how even names have been influenced by this global football phenomenon. The emotional connection runs deep.
Economically, Zimbabweans are investing heavily in the EPL. Whether it is through pay-TV subscriptions, buying jerseys, or engaging in football betting, we are contributing to the global football economy. Meanwhile, our own local league struggles to capture even a fraction of that enthusiasm.
The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, with all its talent and history, is often overlooked.
Yet the EPL has managed to transcend football and become part of the social fabric. It is more than just a game; it is about identity, escape, and for many, a way to belong to something bigger. The question is, how can we take this immense passion for football and direct it toward the local game?
Zimbabwe has a deep love for football, but we need to channel that love into supporting our local league.
There is a rich history and immense potential within the PSL, and it is up to us to give it the attention and support it deserves.
First, we need to rethink how we present our local football. Clubs in Zimbabwe can take inspiration from the EPL in terms of professionalism and fan engagement. It’s not just about the matches, it’s about creating an experience for fans, giving them a reason to feel proud of their local teams.
Second, talent development is key. Peter Ndlovu’s success didn’t happen in isolation, he was part of a system that nurtured his talent. Today, we need more investment in grassroots football.
School leagues, youth academies, and community football programmes are critical for developing the next generation of Zimbabwean stars. The passion is already there, we just need the infrastructure and support to bring out the best in our young players.
Lastly, media coverage is crucial. Right now, the EPL dominates the airwaves and headlines, but our local football needs to be part of that conversation. The media has the power to shape perceptions, and with more coverage, we can rekindle national pride in the PSL.
While we cheer for Liverpool, Chelsea, or Manchester United, let us not forget our roots. Zimbabwean football needs us now more than ever. Supporting the PSL is not just about watching a match; it’s about investing in our own identity, our communities and our future.
Our local teams, players, and fans are the heart of Zimbabwean football. They represent who we are and where we come from. If we do not support them, who will? It is time to pack our stadiums, wear the jerseys of our local clubs, and celebrate the talent we have right here at home.
I will always be a die-hard Chelsea fan, but at the end of the day, it is Zimbabwean football that holds a special place in my heart. Let us take the passion we have for the EPL and use it to build a brighter future for our own football. After all, football is more than just a sport, it reflects who we are.
Timothy Pemba is a student of the Decolonisation of Africa with a deep interest in the continent’s socio-economic transformation and its role in the global landscape. He writes in his capacity; that opinions expressed do not reflect the views of any organisations he may be associated with. He can be contacted via email at [email protected]
Bongani Ndlovu