adminH-Metro Reporter
THIS was Harare United.
The capital hosted its biggest outdoor party this year at the club which carries its name.
On Saturday, an estimated 15 000 people converged at Harare Sports Club for the biggest outdoor party held in the capital this year.
Organisers believe twice this number could have come if the venue had the capacity to hold more people.
All the races in this country were represented, which made it a truly national event, and thousands of Zimbabwean flags were proudly displayed by the passionate crowd.
On a clear summer day, Zimbabweans partied at Harare Sports Club as they cheered their beloved Chevrons to a series-clinching seven-wicket victory over the Netherlands.
By early morning, the indications were clear that this would be a special day as hundreds of fans, many of them wearing the Chevrons shirt, poured into Harare Sports Club.
By early afternoon, the venue was packed to the rafters as Zimbabweans united for the cause of their national cricket team.
“I expected a big crowd but not something like this,” said Max Manda, a city businessman.
“I can’t describe myself as a cricket fan but I am someone who rallies behind our national teams be it in soccer, netball, rugby, you name it.
“I was surprised but at the same time impressed by the huge turn out today and the joy that was on the faces of the people.
“We have some challenges in our country and now and again it’s nice to see the people smiling and enjoying themselves.
That’s the power of sport, it makes us forget, for a moment the reality that power has been switched off at home and we just proudly support our representatives because they are wearing our jersey and playing for us.
“It’s a pity what is happening in our football which has ensured that we can’t enjoy similar moments at the National Sports Stadium because make no mistake about it, football remains our number one sport.”
Nelson Makoni, who described himself as a dealer, said it was the happiest day of his life this year.
“Friday was my birthday and I can say this was a perfect birthday present for me,” he said.
“I can also say this was the best day for me in a long time because it was an unbelievable atmosphere.
“I was so proud to call myself a Zimbabwean today and this showed that if we are united we can achieve a lot as a country.
We are very proud of our country, despite all the challenges that we face, and we keep showing the world that we are a unique type of human beings.
“This was magical and beautiful and one hell of a good day for us as Zimbabweans.
“This was not sport, this was us as a people proudly displaying our colours.”
Online Reporter