adminraise their voices to down those coming from the few boo-boys.
The ageless forward said the Glamour Boys were going through a transition, after losing a number of key players during the off-season, and it was impossible for them to click as a unit from the word go.
Although they are unbeaten so far this season, DeMbare have drawn six of their eight matches, and trail leaders and rivals Highlanders by seven points.
Murape, who has a good relationship with fans who sit in the Vietnam Stand who sing his name before kick-off, appeared to be targeted by some boo-boys, seated in the same stand, during the second half of the league tie against Monomotapa.
The diminutive forward appeared to retaliate but their bond was soon restored as Vietnam exploded shortly afterwards singing the name of their skipper.
Yesterday Murape appealed for patience.
“The fans should, at least, try and give us time than rushing to boo the players who will be trying their best,” said Murape.
“I was not pleased with the way some of the fans treated me (on Sunday). Personally, I can handle the pressure but I will be trying to protect the new and young players at the team.
“Football matches should be a family environment and some of us will be having our families watching and it’s not good to have people insulting you and that’s why I reacted.
“As players, we cannot control and teach the fans what to do or sing because we have our jobs and roles but we would appreciate if they are supportive of the team instead of coming to life only when a goal is scored.
“I came through the system at Dynamos and I knew that supporters would never vent their anger at a player or a coach during the match but after the game they could actually come to your house to demonstrate.”
A battle hardened Glamour Boy who made his debut as a rickety 17-year-old Churchill schoolboy, Murape wants the fans to give the players a chance to work on their mistakes than exert pressure on them.
“Just one mistake and some of our fans boo a player and the coach is then under pressure to make changes yet the match will still be on,” said Murape.
“It’s nice for the fans to create songs for the players and the team but we need to hear the sweet music throughout and they can register their displeasure later.
“Some players are not able to express themselves in fear of a backlash from the fans. We have youngsters who are coming through the system and they need to be encouraged.
“Look at what Abel (Gwatidzo) did. It was his first game and because he did well they warmed up to him.”
Dynamos have been losing key personnel over the last two years including Archford Gutu, Denver Mukamba, Washington Arubi, Takesure Chinyama, Roderick Mutuma, Simba Sithole and Cuthbert Malajila who have all joined foreign clubs.
“People should know that we have a new squad this year after losing people who made the core of the squad over the last two years,” said Murape.
“Some of our fans were booing (Washington) Pakamisa, saying he was coming from CAPS United and he was a spent force.
“But our coach had faith in him and even at training Pakamisa was doing well. It was only the application that was still missing in a game but some fans were already putting pressure on him and our coach.
“Our coach has managed to win two league championships and that’s a positive achievement and he was looking for a kind of striker like Pakamisa.
“As a team we have try and stick together and we should build confidence in each other but we also need the fans to help than whistle.
“Now Pakamisa has proved himself but he maybe off form on another day.”
Murape said the true DeMbare fans will always push their team forward, even in the worst of circumstances, and won’t boo the players.
“They composed a song for me and I salute them even after the game we wave to them but some times they go quiet and whistle at us when we need their support most,” said Murape.
“Some times when we come for warm-up I find the atmosphere very electrifying but once the game starts and we make mistakes players are booed.
“People should now that every Dynamos match is a pressure match for the players.”
The skipper wants his team to maintain their form and take it into the Harare Derby.
“The win was a big morale booster for us and we could have scored more goals in the second half but the pressure began to build up,” said Murape.
“We are happy with the win and now hope to remain focused in the future matches”.
“The team also needs consistency so that we are able to close the gap with the pacesetters.”
Online Reporter