‘JUJU SOCCER’ ROARS BACK ON STAGE AT THEATRE IN THE PARK

Zimpapers Entertainment Hub

SEVEN years after his death, legendary playwright, Stephen Chifunyise, is still pulling the strings and, this time, he is shaking Zimbabwean football to its core.

His controversial play “Juju Soccer” has roared back onto the stage at Theatre in the Park, running from today until Saturday.

Originally staged in 2014 by Daves Guzha, Mandla Moyo and Teddy Mangawa, the production returns with a completely new cast — Tendai “Tendex” Madzviti, Bekithemba Phiri and Newman “Trindad” Gondwe.

Sources say this version is bolder, sharper and more explosive. Directed by Kelvin Chikonzo, and produced by Guzha, the play dives headfirst into football’s most controversial and often denied secret — the use of juju to influence matches.

And, if anyone thinks this is just fiction, think again. In an interview, Dr Chikonzo did not hold back in praising the man behind the powerful script.

“To me, he (Chifunyise) remains the founding father of storytelling and theatre in Zimbabwe post-1980,” Dr Chikonzo said.

“I will find a way of acknowledging him at the venue, he had an iconic way of storytelling, and I also actually used some of his works in my studies at the University of Zimbabwe.

“I have been working on this new play for the past month.” The level of talent is good, considering their different backgrounds.

Tendex has worked with Baba Harare, and some of her works are on YouTube, while the other two — Phiri and Gondwe — are part of Asante Mo and formerly Iyasa.

‘Juju Soccer” is hitting a nerve because it mirrors what many in football quietly believe — but rarely dare to say out loud.

The story centres on a powerful football club owner, a loud and boastful sangoma, and a principled European-trained coach who believes in science, discipline and professionalism — not superstition.

The clash of these three worlds creates tension, drama and uncomfortable truths.

At the centre is Godknows Zidhumburemombe, a wealthy and ambitious club chairman who is deeply rooted in traditional beliefs and convinced that juju can deliver trophies.

Opposite him stands Godobori Musanawenzou, a larger-than-life sangoma who is confident, commanding and unapologetic about his role in influencing outcomes.

Then there is Extratime Chigumbo, the educated coach who has worked in Europe and believes success comes from tactics, fitness and preparation — not rituals. But, in a shocking twist, the coach is pushed to consider doing the unthinkable — all in the name of winning.

And that is where the play cuts deepest.

Chifunyise’s research, which inspired the production, lays bare a reality that many fans, players and officials have witnessed over the years.

“It’s a practice or belief passed down from football generation to generation. People do not want to talk about it openly, but it’s quite rampant in soccer.”

The revelations are startling.

“Daily we hear about teams refusing to use dressing rooms, and some not using the designated entry points into the stadium. We all know for sure that it is fear of juju.”

It doesn’t stop there.

“We have seen even supporters reacting angrily when team managers approach the centre circle or the opposition team’s goalpost, pretending to be setting or sprinkling some water within that area.”Behind the scenes, the situation is even more bizarre.

“We have seen some soccer players urinating in the field of play and even sprinkling water, all in the name of juju.”

Groundsmen, too, have their own chilling stories.

“His research revealed that it was common for groundsmen, during maintenance, to remove animal bones, hair, feathers, and suspicious objects.”

These are not just stage props — they are echoes of real-life incidents that have fueled rumours and controversy in Zimbabwean football for decades.

Now, through this revived production, those whispers are being dragged into the spotlight.

With theatre slowly finding its feet again in Zimbabwe, this play is more than just entertainment — it is a bold cultural statement.

It challenges beliefs, sparks conversation and forces audiences to confront a question that refuses to go away:Is juju really part of the game?

As audiences flock to Theatre in the Park, one thing is certain — Stephen Chifunyise may be gone, but his voice is louder than ever.