POLOKWANE – But on the contrary; the folks who reside on this very northern border of the Limpopo River are actually grateful for the generous contribution the South African football fraternity has done for their country.
During those bar conversations; taking gulps from unfamiliar beers; there was no need to discuss useless topics like the xenophobic attacks my country unleashed on their fellow countrymen and women.
For the sake of congruence and relevance; we decided to talk about football. Like in Mzansi; football here is not just a game – it’s a religion. The sporting multitudes here worship at the altar of football conviction and that is one of the common things between the two sporting nations.
During this fruitful conversation; it became apparent that something special is happening in the Zimbabwean national football side and the great man who appreciates this kindness is erstwhile Mamelodi Sundowns skipper; Esrom Nyandoro. He sees the future of Zimbabwean football blossoming; thanks – in a bigger part – to South African football for allowing him and his fellow countrymen to ply their trade here.
Ironically; while Bafana Bafana have failed to qualify for the 2017 African Cup of Nations (Afcon); their northern neighbours have booked a spot in Gabon for next year with the bulk of the squad comprising players who play in the Absa Premiership.
The Zimbabwean national team; the Warriors, include the likes of the Downs duo of Khama Billiat and Cuthbert Malatjila; Onismor Bhasera of Bidvest Wits; Kaizer Chiefs’ Willard Katsande; Evans Rusike of Maritzburg United; Tendai Ndoro of Orlando Pirates and Golden Arrows’ Kudakwashe Machachi.
The star-studded squad; which has a local flavour; also features ex-Chiefs players, target man Knowledge Musona, and Mathew Rusike.
So, when you take a critical look at this list of players, you will see how both countries have benefitted in this regard.
I’ve long acknowledged that sport unites people from unfamiliar backgrounds and my encounter with the amiable Zimbabweans bears testimony to this.
It is because of football fanaticism that, for now, my safety here in the land of Uncle Bob is safe.
