Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE powerful verses of Zimbabwe’s national anthem are a profound source of national pride.
Yet, this appears lost on the nation’s football stars, for whom the pre-match ritual has become an empty gesture rather than a unifying force.
This glaring disconnect was on full display at the recent COSAFA U-17 tournament.
While opponents from Angola and South Africa delivered their anthems with a fervent, chest-thumping passion, Zimbabwe’s Young Warriors stood in stony silence or mumbled awkwardly.
The scene was a telling metaphor, just as they appeared disoriented on the pitch, they seemed equally lost in the moment meant to define their purpose.
The performance raises a stark question about the cultivation of national pride within the country’s football structures.If the anthem is merely a pre-game formality, the journey towards genuine, heart-led representation remains a distant goal.
But are the Young Warriors, living in an isolated world?
Definitely not!
The Warriors are not excluded from this as well.
It even appears half of them don’t know how to sing the first line.
The new ZIFA executive directed that the local PSL teams should sing the national anthem before kick-off.
ZIFA admits significant work is required.ZIFA vice-president Loveness Mukura confirmed the executive is aware of the tremendous efforts needed to bridge this chasm between symbol and spirit.
“As the newly-elected executive committee, we realised there was a gap in national pride, shown by how people don’t sing along to the national anthem,” said Mukura.
“We would like to thank the president (Nqobile Magwizi) for ensuring that every team sings the national anthem before the start of their match.
“However, we still have more work to do. We have realised we need to properly induct all players.
“Singing the words from the heart creates a connection to your nation. This connection translates to what you want to achieve on the playing field.”
