eBusiness Weekly
Chipo Sabeta
No one made so much noise like Zimbabweans fans as the Zimbabwe senior netball team took part in their debut Netball World Cup (NWC) in Liverpool, England last month where they finished on eighth position out of 16 teams.
Despite struggling to pull resources, Zimbabweans from all walks of life in England showed a lot of interest in the team and made lots of noise in times of wins and defeat.
The Gems’ opening game felt like a celebration party; fans with drums and dance moves and outrageously tight harmonies cheered the very first goal as if it were the match-winner, and from then on the decibel level inside the stadium never dropped lower than 110 until the final game.
“That’s all we wanted — to feel at home. From the first day, they have been supporting us, came with gifts, cheering us on the court while some gave us money that we shared among us, just to motivate us. The players felt challenged to go an extra-mile. They drove us from the onset to the end,” the Gems captain Perpetua Siyachitema paid tribute.
In football, supporters are called 12th player or man as term for fans of teams in eleven-a-side sports games.
Africa was the most represented continent at this tournament and fans have flown from all over the world as netball is slowly gaining international ground fast.
Zimbabweans based in the England took it upon themselves with all sorts of financial and on the pitch support.
Fans thronged Manchester Airport to receive fans before an official welcome dinner hosted by Retired Colonel Christian Katsande, Zimbabwean Ambassador to Britain the following day.
The Zimbabwean community in Manchester organised a barbeque where the Gem were showered with toiletries and money.
After matches, the Zimbabwe players leapt up to the stands to high-five their new friends.
Sky Sports said the Zimbabwean supporters had set the bar very high, “for the most enthusiastic fans”.
Netball World Cup Twitter “What a crowd, what an atmosphere created by Zimbabweans fan#ThisIsNetball.
“The world, it appears, has fallen in love with the Gems and their singing fans.”
Durani Rapozo who specialises in complex cases in his role as Complex Needs Co-ordinator for Asylum Link Merseyside, and running the biggest charity in Liverpool supporting asylum seekers, also came on board to share food stuffs and support during matches.
“I am so happy with these girls and they have raised the nation’s flag high. It’s very rare when we see our teams doing well at this stage. It’s world cup level and every Zimbabwean and Africa at large have a role to play. I am so humbled by Zimbabweans in UK who came from all over the world to sing and dance for the girls. That simple cheering made a difference,” he said.
A Qualified Immigration Adviser (OISC Accredited) and supervising Complex Needs Co-ordinator Razopo said despite failing to host them due to a last minute cancellation, they went all out to make sure that food and drinks were at the team’s reach.
“Initially we had planned to host the team. We supervise the social work team at Revive, a charity that supports refugees and asylum seekers in Manchester. Unfortunately the gesture was met with mixed feelings. It was cancelled at last minute but we managed to carry the food stuff and drinks to the hotel so that they share among themselves. I am humbled that support came from everyone and that we also played our part,” he added.
Besides his professional duties, Razopo is Director for Caboom Consultancy that supports Zimbabwean Manchester Warriors team involved in football activities to improve health and reduce isolation.
