Raymond Jaravaza, Sports Reporter
EVER wondered what happens to that famous coffin Highlanders fans parade before big matches at Barbourfields Stadium?
Well, it doesn’t get buried!
The mock coffin, which has become part of the colourful Bosso match-day experience, is simply taken home after the final whistle.
And the man trusted with keeping it safe is none other than the prayerful Doubt “Mfundisi” Dube.
The cardboard coffin comes in different colours depending on who Bosso are playing.
Against Dynamos, for example, it can carry the blue and white colours associated with the Harare giants, while the flag of the opposing team is draped over it with one bold message:
“WE WILL BURY YOU.”
Minutes before kick-off at Barbourfields, Bosso super fans Mayibongwe “Mgijimi” Mkhweli and Mfundisi can be seen parading the coffin around Emagumeni, singing, dancing and performing their trademark “rituals”.
But there is nothing sinister about the coffin.
It is all football banter.
“Mfundisi, as the prayerful man that he is, keeps the coffin at his house when the game is over. He also makes sure it’s safe when the season is over.
“The coffin is just part of the game, nothing supernatural, that we use to taunt our opponents and rally the Bosso players. Football is a mind game and if we can intimidate our opponents through humour and banter but not violence, then we will be doing our boys (Bosso) players a huge favour,” Mgijimi told B-Metro Sport.
Football is arguably the most followed sport in the world and, everywhere, the game has its colourful and passionate characters.
In Bulawayo, Mgijimi and Mfundisi are among the most recognisable Highlanders supporters.
The pair have earned the “super fans” tag through their energetic performances at Barbourfields and away grounds.
Mkhweli inherited the name Mgijimi from the late Mandla “Mgijimi” Sindane, the famous Orlando Pirates super fan who was known across South Africa and beyond.
Our own Mgijimi was fortunate enough to meet Sindane in 2019 when Orlando Pirates travelled to Zimbabwe for a Caf Champions League group match against FC Platinum in Bulawayo.
“I loved Orlando Pirates’ Mgijimi for being the team’s biggest fan. I remember meeting him when Pirates came to Barbourfields and we had a moment to chat.
“After telling him that I also identify myself as Mgijimi, he gave me his blessings and encouraged me to continue with what I had been doing,” Mkhweli said in a previous interview with Zimpapers.
“I was honoured to meet him (Sindane) and when we separated, he gave me some of his white powder that he was using on his face.”
For Mgijimi, supporting Bosso is not a sit-down affair.
He runs throughout matches, something he says dates back to his primary school days.
“I developed a passion for running when I was at primary school, hence I have no problem running throughout the match.
“For as long as I stay healthy and alive, I will not stop running. I will lift the name Mgijimi until my last breath,” he said.
Mgijimi and Mfundisi have known each other since their school days at Fort Usher Primary School in Matopo.
After leaving school, they went their separate ways before eventually reuniting as Highlanders super fans.
The duo also thanked fellow Bosso supporters for backing them throughout their journey.
“There is one fan who paid our entrance fees for all away matches last season and some fans offer us refreshments during home games,” said Mkhweli.
And while the coffin may be their most eye-catching prop, the pair insist their biggest job is supporting the players.
Their energetic running, singing and antics are all aimed at lifting the atmosphere and motivating Bosso on match day.
For Mgijimi and Mfundisi, the coffin is not about death.
It is about football, fun, bragging rights — and giving their beloved Bosso a psychological edge before battle.
