A sense of disillusionment hangs heavy in the air at Dynamos Football Club, a direct contrast to the usual pre-match buzz that typically surrounds the “Glamour Boys.” The club, once a beacon of footballing prowess, is now facing a crisis of faith, both on and off the field. While the team grapples with a string of disappointing performances, a controversial decision to pay a sangoma US$1,000 ahead of their crucial clash against arch-rivals Highlanders has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the club’s priorities.
The incident, reported by H-Metro, unfolded amidst a backdrop of player unrest, with the team’s stars downing tools in protest over unpaid dues. Despite this internal turmoil, the club’s leadership, in a move that has left many scratching their heads, opted to prioritize the payment of a sangoma.
“Given the issues that were happening with the boys (the players), who were boycotting training, there was a feeling that such a payment was not the right thing to do for the club at the moment,” revealed a source close to the club. “However, the owners of the club said that this was a tradition at Dynamos and it was not going to be changed simply because the players were boycotting training.”
The club’s decision to appease the sangoma, despite the players’ grievances, has been met with widespread criticism. “It was like they were saying that paying the sangoma was more important, in terms of getting the result which we wanted from the game against Highlanders, than the training itself,” lamented the source. “The message was like as long as we satisfied the sangoma then we did not need to worry about the issues that had happened at training because the club would still be in a position to compete against Highlanders.”
The irony, of course, is that the Glamour Boys lost the game 2-0, a result that many believe was a direct consequence of the players’ demoralized state. “Of course, it didn’t happen like that because we lost that game 2-0 and the performance of the boys showed that they had been affected by the issues which had happened on the training field,” said the source.
The source went on to express a sense of bewilderment at the club’s continued reliance on mystical intervention. “We don’t know what the sangoma said about the result because we never get to meet him given he is only known to a few people at the club,” they explained. “The sangoma got his dues and, maybe, if you were going to ask him how did we end up losing he will say that without his intervention, we were going to lose maybe 5-0, I don’t know. But what we cannot hide is the fact that we are concentrating on things which don’t matter in this age and era when other clubs, of our magnitude, are investing in sports science.”
The source’s words echo a growing sentiment among fans and observers of Zimbabwean football. “We are still stuck in the old ways of doing business instead of asking ourselves why we have not won the league in 10 years if the so-called powers of these sangomas really work,” they added. “It’s a reflection of where we are today as a club and maybe we deserve the result that we got on Sunday.”
Adding insult to injury, the sangoma is now demanding another US$2,000 to cleanse the Dynamos house, a request that, according to sources, is likely to be granted. “The sangoma is saying that team yedu yakasungwa and he needs to come and cleanse our house and that will cost us US$2 000 if we want him to do a perfect job,” revealed the source. “I think that money will be paid because they are saying this is how we do our business at our club.”
If the sangoma has been paid for every game this season, it means he has pocketed a cool US$18,000, a figure that dwarfs the monthly salary of the highest-paid player at Dynamos, who earns US$1,800. Even the club’s strongman, Bernard Marriot, who receives a monthly salary of US$1,090, including a US$90 DStv subscription, pales in comparison to the sangoma’s earnings.
The reliance on sangomas and juju, while prevalent in Zimbabwean football, is a phenomenon that extends across the African continent. Many teams, driven by a belief in the supernatural, turn to traditional healers and rituals to gain an edge over their opponents. From burying charms near the pitch to using animal sacrifices, the practices are as diverse as the cultures they originate from. Some even believe in the power of urine, using it to expose any evil charms the opponents may have used to supernaturally control the game’s outcome.
However, despite the widespread belief in juju’s power, African teams consistently struggle to make a significant impact on the global stage, particularly at the FIFA World Cup. The continent’s best teams, often boasting talented and skilled players, consistently fall short of expectations, leaving many to question the effectiveness of these mystical practices. While some argue that juju can provide a psychological advantage, giving players a sense of confidence and invincibility, critics point out that relying on such practices can be detrimental to a team’s long-term success.
The reliance on juju often overshadows the importance of fundamental aspects of football development, such as youth training, infrastructure, and strategic planning. Instead of investing in these areas, teams often prioritize appeasing the spirits, diverting valuable resources and attention away from the core elements of the game. This misplaced focus can ultimately hinder a team’s ability to compete at the highest level.
Moreover, the belief in juju can create a culture of fear and superstition, hindering the development of a team’s true potential. Players may become overly reliant on the supernatural, neglecting their own skills and dedication to the game. This can lead to a lack of mental resilience and a susceptibility to pressure when faced with tough competition.
Ultimately, the true path to success in football, as in any other field, lies in hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. While cultural beliefs and traditions play a significant role in African societies, relying solely on juju as a means to achieve sporting success is a recipe for disappointment. African teams need to embrace a more holistic approach, prioritizing the development of their players and the game itself, if they truly aspire to compete with the best in the world.
