The unsung legends of the terraces

Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
ICONIC football stadium songs, often featuring high-energy beats, simple chants, brass bands or anthemic rock riffs, are simply designed to unify fans and intimidate opponents.
Followers of the game of football at a global scale will attest to top stadium staples that include: ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ which is an anthem whenever Liverpool, Celtic or Borussia Dortmund are on home turf.
In fact, ‘You will Never Walk Alone’ is widely regarded as one of the best football action soundtrack, creating a deeply emotional, shared, and iconic experience.
Far from the state-of-the-art match venues of Europe and their electric ambience, back home in Zimbabwe, there are numerous songs such as the CAPS United’s Kepe-Kepe Bhora, Buffaloes FC anthem, Ndombolo, Manica Diamonds’ Kwese Kwese Gem Boys, Dynamos’ Zora Butter and many more.
In the City of Kings and Queens, Into oyenzayo, siyayizonda or Highlander ithimu yezwe lonke, wakhalu mantengwane, wakhala kwaze kwasa, are anthems whenever Bosso are playing at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.
Individually, there are terrace legends who used the power of music in coining up with songs that have helped entertain crowds and motivate players on the field of play.
Jairos Mutambikwa is one of them!
For those who never knew, apart from a number of songs he did for Manica Diamonds, Agama FC, Mutare City Rovers FC and others, it is Mutambikwa’s song that instantly became Scottland’s FC Northern Region Division One championship celebrations soundtrack.
In fact, the song is heard loud and clear in a video clip taken at Rufaro Stadium as the Mbare Chimurenga choir danced to it when Mabviravira celebrated their title, and the song played all the way to the State House, where Pedzisai Sakupwanya, the Scottland FC owner and president, took the Northern Region Division One championship trophy to President Mnangagwa.
Asked whether he derives any benefit from his football musical productions, Mutambikwa said: “All those songs are played regularly, but I got nothing from it except for Agama FC, which paid for their jingle. As for Gusha Bhora (Mutare City Rovers), it is understandable because that is my workplace (Mutare City Council). I got nothing from Manica Diamonds FC and Scottland FC, but as well, you know the songs are played at Sakubva Stadium and Rufaro Stadium, week in, week out.
“I am just responding to your questions, and I am not forcing them to pay or reward. However, in the spirit of hunhu/ubuntu, just a verbal acknowledgement will make the artiste more recognised. I was not asked to do those songs, but did so out of the love of the beautiful game of football. As creative artistes, we are always inspired by what we see every day, and feel that if I add my voice, it will be a morale booster. Sometimes I travel to Harare to watch Scottland FC at Rufaro Stadium. I travel with Manica Diamonds FC fans following their away fixtures. It shows how much I love football, because I do this at my own expense.”
Since time immemorial, songs have been integral to football.
They function as the sport’s emotional soundtrack, a tool for cultural expression, and a mechanism for creating a shared, immersive experience for fans and players alike.
They foster a sense of community, build an electric atmosphere, and no doubt, songs can influence the momentum of a match. Songs act as a sonic fuel to pump up energy, boost confidence, and inspire players, especially during tense moments.
Who does not know those anthems that can create a special atmosphere, such as ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ at Anfield Stadium, whenever English Premiership giants Liverpool are at home.
Songs have a psychological and emotional impact.
Music influences mood, focus, and performance for both players and spectators. It helps fans feel part of a larger community, enhancing the emotional experience of the game.
Passionate Manica Diamonds supporter, Calvin Mapangisana, noted that there is magic and rituals in songs sung at football stadia.
“Fans often believe that their collective, loud singing can actively change the course of a match, acting as a touch of magic that influences the players and the result. There is also the aspect of commemoration and tradition in most of the songs sung in football stadiums. Songs are used for tributes and honouring club legends, adding a layer of nostalgia and emotional connection to the sport,” said Mapangisana.