Online Reporter
The Herald, 16 May 1981
IT will take a long time for Dynamos soccer players to forget the rousing reception they received yesterday evening when they arrived back at Salisbury airport after their successful trip to Nigeria.
As the players emerged from the Air Zimbabwe plane, bells were rung. The womenfolk ululated, the male supporters pierced the air with shrieking whistles and in no time the fans had broken into song while clapping hands.
The emotional welcome from the crowd was a tribute to the Dynamos team who defeated Shooting Stars of Nigeria in Ibadan two weeks ago. As the players made their way slowly towards the airport building some of them started dancing to the music provided by their fans.
The jubilation reached fever pitch after the players had cleared customs. As the team emerged into the foyer, were about 200 fans were jam-packed each was showered with kisses.
But the biggest surprise came when supporters, who had cleverly concealed a tin of paint, started smearing the white paint on to the players faces and clothes.
“It is a way of congratulating our heroes and wishing them good luck,” one of the fans explained as the players who were greatly amused by this gesture, were trying to rub off the paint.
Team coach Shepherd Murape, who got the biggest ovation (and the worst of the white paint) was almost speechless.
“What can one say, it’s just fantastic, I tell you,” he said? From the airport Dynamos who were scheduled to go straight into their hotel in town, deviated from their route to pass through Harare. There was a long fleet of cars which followed their bus and Harare residents responded by waving frantically at their heroes.
Lessons for today
- Dynamos had a memorable and triumphant return from their successful trip to Nigeria, where they defeated Shooting Stars of Nigeria. The enthusiastic reception they received at Salisbury airport, with fans celebrating and showing their support, must have been incredibly uplifting for the team.
- The act of splashing white paint on the Dynamos players was a symbolic gesture of celebration and good luck. In many cultures, such gestures are used to honor and congratulate individuals for their achievements.
- As of the latest updates, Dynamos have been facing some challenges in the league, which has raised concerns about their position. The team will need to focus on improving their performance in upcoming matches to avoid relegation.
- It’s always inspiring to see such strong support from fans, and hopefully, this will motivate the team to turn things around.
