Sundaymail EditorLangton Nyakwenda
Sports Reporter
THE video went viral on social media platforms.
It even generated interest from the Diaspora.
The main actor in that video became an instant celebrity, although most still do not know his name up to now.
Unlike Alvin Zhakata, the famous Dynamos and Warriors supporter, the name Simon Zhakata doesn’t ring a bell, but he is the man who was captured in that video blasting CAPS United coach Darlington Dodo for his team selection.
When title-chasing Makepekepe appeared to be losing it all, with FC Platinum leading 1-0 in the final game of the Premiership season at the National Sports Stadium on December 14, 2019, Zhakata exploded in anger.
“Dominic panze, Zhuwawo panze, Chitiyo panze — chibva warova pasi! . . . Ibhora ripi iroro? Huh? Ibhora ripi? Motipa BP ma supporters isusu kunoku, iwee,” fumes Zhakata in that video, which was shot at the stadium by a lady who usually sits in the same bay with Zhakata.
FC Platinum won that game 1-0 and, with it, the league title with 62 points, while CAPS United, who went into that duel as favourites, ended up finishing third behind Chicken Inn and four points behind the champions.
To this day, the video remains a memorable, nostalgic reference for the Premier Soccer League, which was last played on December 15, 2019 when Black Rhinos lost 0-1 against Manica Diamonds.
Since then, Zhakata, who stays in Mufakose, has graduated into a CAPS United superfan.
He has become a poster boy of those quaint fans who always create that stadium vibe that will, however, be missing when football finally returns on Saturday.
The top-flight game returns with a cup competition — believed to be the Chibuku Super Cup — which will be played in a cluster format over eight weeks.
The league is now expected to kick off in July.
“We are happy the game is finally returning, but the sad part is that fans will not be allowed because of the coronavirus. Nonetheless, it’s a great feeling,” said the 63-year-old Zhakata.
He is a father of four.
His eldest child, Serebia, is now 37 and she, too, was amused by her father’s outburst in that viral video.
“At home they saw that video. I also got a lot of calls from friends and relatives. A lot of people now know me and I can say I have become an instant celebrity,” Zhakata said.
When he is not at the stadium supporting CAPS United, Zhakata sells car seat covers at Belgravia Shopping Centre in Harare.
“Some people even stop me in the streets of Harare wanting to confirm if I am the man in that video.”
He explained the cause of the outburst.
“What angered me most was that we only needed a win at home and us being a big team I was confident we would beat FC Platinum and clinch the title.
“Historically, CAPS United players are known for their ability to rise to the occasion. The CAPS United that I know is not the one that turned up on that day when we played Platinum.
“I was also shocked by the coach’s team selection. Ronald Chitiyo was our star player that season but he started on the bench. John (Zhuwawo) and Chungwa were also left out.
“So I was letting out my feelings as a die-hard supporter. Ma coach aya vanotipa BP mhani isu ma fans,” he said with a chuckle.
Zhakata fell in love with CAPS United in 1974, a year after the five-time champions were founded.
“Back then, I was a temporary worker at CAPS Holdings, who were still the team’s owners. So it was natural for most of the employees there to support the team.”
He was staying in Chitungwiza’s oldest suburb of St Mary’s back then, but Zhakata now stays in Mufakose where he has become famous.
His wife, Matron, is now used to her husband’s sulking, especially when CAPS United lose a match.
“She now understands me.
“Sometimes I drink a lot when CAPS United lose as a way of dealing with stress. My wife knows I don’t eat supper when we lose.”
Zhakata also revealed that some CAPS United players, including Chitiyo and Zhuwawo, “formally” apologised to him after the video went viral.
“Some players like Chungwa, Chitiyo, Zhuwawo and Ngodzo came to me and apologised for failing to win that league title. Vakandikwidza BP mhani vafana ivava.”
And he has a message for Premiership players ahead of this weekend’s return to action.
“When they (players) take to the field, they should know they are carrying hopes of millions of people on their shoulders. They should not take fans for granted.
“Sometimes you sacrifice your family’s welfare – unotonyima mukadzi mari yenyama – because you want to go and support your team. So the players should know that there are people who suffer when they lose matches.”
Zhakata is now one of the most renowned football fans in the local Premiership.
Dynamos have Chris “Romario” Musekiwa and the energetic “Michael “Chuchu” Chindowa, who is famous for running up and down the stands, ringing his popular blue bell.
Highlanders have the likes of Sidumisile Ntini and Mgcini Mafu, who are members of Bosso’s Team Away, a group that travels for all Highlanders’ games.
Chicken Inn have their number fan McCloud Moyo, Ngezi Platinum Stars have the colourful lady Rue Mugwagwa, while Makepekepe’s ensemble also includes Zisupa Re Green Machine.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter