Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE world football governing body FIFA, might have upped the ante in their fight against racism in the sport but the scourge continues to haunt hundreds of black footballers, especially in Europe which has become the game’s global hub.
According to BBC Sport, Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger complained of a racist incident during a Club World Cup match against Mexican side Pachuca on June 23.
Rudiger clashed with Pachuca player Gustavo Cabral who is now facing disciplinary action from FIFA.
His teammate Vinicius Jr has also been a constant victim of racism in the Spanish La Liga.
But there was a time when racism in football was worse, particularly in the early 1990s, when African footballers began the trek to Europe.
Former Zimbabwe captain, Peter Ndlovu, was the first black African player to ply his trade in the English Premier League when he signed for Coventry City from Highlanders in 1992.
Two years later, Stewart “Shutto” Murisa went to Poland, following in the footsteps of the likes of John Phiri and Norman Mapeza who also moved to the same country courtesy of Polish coach Wieslaw Grabowski.
Murisa suffered from racism in Poland to an extent that he only lasted six months in the Eastern European country.
The former Darryn T star was probably the only black person in the town of Pniewy when he joined Sokol Pniewy in 1994.
So disgraceful was the situation that Murisa ended up beating a 12-year-old boy who had called him “bambus” Polish slang for monkey.
Murisa reveals this ordeal in his explosive autobiography “Shutto 15: The Untold Story” which will be launched in Birmingham City, United Kingdom Friday evening.
Warriors captain, Marvelous Nakamba, will be the guest of honour at a function that will also be attended by yesteryear stars who include ex-Dynamos captain like Memory Mucherahowa, Muzondiwa Mugadza, Timothy Chirozvani, Frank “Dealer” Nyamukuta, Leonard Tsipa and Douglas Zimbango.
The autobiography also reveals how Murisa got his nickname “Shutto” thanks to a mispronunciation by Passion Java’s late father Charles Java.
The book chronicles Murisa’s football journey from the dusty streets of St Mary’s in Chitungwiza.
There is a chapter dedicated to Polish mentor Grabowski, a man described by Murisa as a father.
Grabowski plucked Murisa from Chitungwiza’s dusty fields and nurtured him into a star that he became before arranging a stint for the footballer in Poland.
In Poland Murisa suffered from racism.
“A life of ridicule; subjected to feelings of inferiority only because of the colour of your skin, is not worth living,” says Murisa in the book.
“This is a matter which makes my heart sink because I was a victim of this ignominy in its most raw form.
“Since that time, I do note that there have been strides taken by FIFA, UEFA and other European Leagues to raise awareness and stem racism out of the game.
“These are anti-racism initiatives such as UEFA’s No To Racism – Respect, the Kick It Out Campaign led by a charity in the English Premier League and Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network, among others.
“It is only right that UEFA, being the controlling mother body in Europe, be at the forefront. The continent has maintained its position as the cultural and financial hub of football as a result of its head-start in developing infrastructure, professionalising the sport, cultivating talent, and amassing global audiences.
“This revered position in the industry attracts fans and players from diverse backgrounds across the globe, making it the central point where perceived differences can be celebrated or used as a divisive tool.”
At some point in Poland, Murisa was denigrated by a 12-year-old on the street and he reacted by punching the boy.
It turned out that the boy was the son of one of the financiers of Murisa’s club.
“I would later have another encounter, this time with an old woman in her eighties.
“She came up to me while I relaxed on the beach and touched my hand, rubbing it and looking at her palm to ascertain if at all my skin shed its colour,” adds Murisa in the book.
Former Chronicle Sports Editor Clemence Marijeni penned the book, which also pays tribute to Murisa’s late mother and former netballer Gladys and late brother Ngonidzashe.
The book also touches on age-cheating, foreign players who graced the local stage and Murisa’s love for beautiful women.
dyton mupawaenda