Harare’s football powerhouse, Dynamos, known for its storied history and fervent fan base, made headlines recently for a decision that raised eyebrows both within and outside the club.
In preparation for a highly anticipated match against perennial rivals Highlanders, the team reportedly allocated a substantial sum of US$1000 to engage the services of a traditional healer, commonly known as a sangoma.
This move, aimed at ‘cleansing’ the club amidst internal turmoil and financial woes, ultimately sparked debate and criticism after Dynamos suffered a disappointing 0-2 defeat.
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The lead-up to the clash against Highlanders was marred by financial constraints, which had led to a player boycott of training sessions for much of the preceding week. Despite these challenges, the club’s leadership chose to prioritize the traditional rituals performed by the sangoma, as reported by lifestyle tabloid H-Metro.
This decision, according to sources close to the club, was rooted in a longstanding tradition at Dynamos, where such rituals are believed to bring luck and spiritual alignment to the team.
“There was a feeling among some that allocating funds to the sangoma at this critical juncture was not prudent,” an insider revealed to H-Metro. “Especially considering the ongoing issues with player participation in training sessions. However, the club’s owners emphasized that this ritual was integral to the club’s culture and should not be forsaken due to temporary disruptions.”
The sentiment within the club was divided. Some felt that the emphasis on traditional rituals over practical training may have impacted the team’s performance on match day. “It seemed as though satisfying the sangoma was prioritized over addressing the underlying issues affecting the team,” remarked one source. “Unfortunately, the result against Highlanders reflected the disjointed preparation.”
Dynamos’ defeat, compounded by the goals conceded to McKinnon Mushore and Godfrey Makaruse, highlighted the repercussions of the club’s decision. Critics argued that while traditional beliefs hold cultural significance, in the context of modern football, investing in sports science and rigorous training methods might yield more tangible results.
“There’s a broader question here about our club’s priorities,” lamented another club insider. “While other clubs are investing in advanced training techniques and sports analytics, we’re still relying on age-old rituals. If these traditional practices were truly effective, why haven’t we won the league in over a decade?”
The aftermath of the match has prompted introspection within Dynamos and sparked a larger debate within Zimbabwean football circles about the intersection of tradition and modernity in sports management.
