As Zimbabweans we need to choose integrity over crookedness, reason over foolishness and peace over violence.
These are the ideals that every society aspires towards and we should be no exception. There may be some people that are beginning to find deviant behaviour fashionable to a point where they are ready to bequeath such an undesirable state of affairs to the next generation.
Just recently, the Government had to step in to try and stabilise the local currency following suspected unsavoury dealings that had reportedly found loopholes in the loan book and started gnawing at the stability of our economy.
Before the whip had even been put down from the bankers and depositors’ backs, on the sporting field there were signs of indiscipline, with violence rocking PSL games, especially those involving Dynamos and Highlanders football clubs.
And to think that fans had gone for two years without access to football stadiums due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and then you witness such scenes from people that one would have expected to be hungry for games.
Granted, there could be other factors at play but we cannot turn our soccer stadiums into hard hat areas due to the selfishness that comes with wanting all decisions to go your way in a football game, wanting to win all the games, by hook or crook.
The younger generation is learning from watching what the elders are doing, be it in sporting venues, in various institutions and even on the economic front.
Now that the soccer matches have been suspended by the PSL to allow for consultations and probably pacts on how such incidents can be avoided and dealt with in future, it is our hope that all those concerned shall make useful contributions so that all that have a stake in soccer shape policy for the beautiful game.
The beauty does not only lie in the skills on the field of play but in the unity and jovial atmosphere created by rival fans that learn to differ peacefully while cheering their teams on.
We cannot legislate morality but we should ensure that our behaviour at stadiums is regulated, and acceptable.
When our football teams go begging due to a lack of sponsorship we will have no one but ourselves to blame since no reputable brand would want their reputation soiled through their association with hooliganism. We surely can do better as a people.
We say no to hooliganism and hope the meetings to resolve sticking issues before resumption of games shall recommend and adopt stringent penalties on offending parties to deter similar occurrences in future. Football, ultimately, should be the winner.
