Opinion / Columnist
The criticism of the Bosso supporters boycott is myopic
05 Nov 2024 at 10:35hrs | Views
The recent discourse surrounding the Highlanders Football Club supporters' boycott of games has engendered a cacophony of opinions, yet none are as misguided as the assertion that this boycott is orchestrated by "a shadowy group of self-serving individuals" pursuing personal agendas. Such a characterization not only simplifies a multifaceted situation but also dismisses the legitimate concerns of a passionate and deeply invested fan base. It is high time we set the record straight.
First and foremost, the Highlanders FC supporters are not a monolithic entity; they are a heterogeneous collective of individuals united by a profound love for their club. This affection transcends mere allegiance; it is intricately woven into the very fabric of the history, struggles, and triumphs of the team and its community. The decision to boycott is not made lightly; it emerges from a deep-seated frustration with the current referees committee, the PSL management, and the troubling trajectory of Zimbabwean football.
Critics of the boycott often contend that dissent within the fanbase is counterproductive and detrimental to the team. However, this perspective grossly underestimates the power of collective action. Boycotting serves as a form of protest, a crucial tool employed to express discontent and demand accountability. It is a profound response to a perceived failure of leadership—one that has not only jeopardized the team's performance but also its very identity. When fans feel ignored, marginalized, or disrespected, they possess both the right and the responsibility to voice their dissent.
To claim that the boycott is the machination of self-serving individuals overlooks the broader context of systemic issues permeating the Zimbabwean football landscape. Supporters are frustrated by a lack of transparency, inefficiency, corruption, biased officiating, poor management decisions, and a failure to honor the PSL's rich traditions of fairness and accountability. The supporters' movement is not born of personal gain; it is a valiant effort to protect the soul of Highlanders FC and the integrity of football in general. Labeling these passionate advocates as "shadowy" is tantamount to undermining their genuine commitment to the club and the broader football community.
Moreover, the notion that dissent should be silenced in the name of unity is a perilous one. History has repeatedly demonstrated that complacency can lead to stagnation and decline. True loyalty to a club necessitates advocating for its best interests, even when that involves challenging the status quo. Supporters are not merely consumers of a product; they are stakeholders in a storied legacy. They deserve a voice in the decision-making processes that will shape the club's future.
Let us also contemplate the implications of disregarding the supporters' concerns. By dismissing their grievances as the actions of a "shadowy group," one risks alienating the very individuals who form the backbone of the club. Supporters are not mere spectators; they are the lifeblood of football clubs. Their passion ignites the atmosphere in the stadium, drives merchandise sales, and nurtures community engagement. When supporters feel disenfranchised, the repercussions ripple throughout the entire club, adversely affecting the essence of the sport.
It is imperative to recognize that the Bosso supporters' boycott is a clarion call for change, not an act of betrayal. It is a collective response to a series of failures that imperil the very essence of Highlanders FC. Dismissing this movement as the work of self-serving individuals is not only myopic but also detrimental to the club's future. True supporters understand that love for a club entails holding it accountable. It means demanding better—not merely for today, but for generations to come. It is time to heed the voices of the fans, acknowledge their concerns, and collaborate towards a brighter future for Highlanders FC.
It is both disappointing and insulting to see a paper that used to be a standard bearer in qualitative journalism stoop to such transparently mischievous attempts at gaslighting, turning on individuals who have long been the lifeblood of Highlanders FC. The so-called "malcontents" are, in reality, the people who stood by this club in its most dire moments, raising awareness, calling for accountability, and tirelessly pushing for the club's well-being. They are the ones who refused to watch Highlanders wither away when dark forces threatened to dismantle the club from within.
This article reeks of desperation from a washed-up Journalists whose articles are starved of meaningful readership and quality content. With little to contribute to constructive discourse around Highlanders, this blithering buffoon who wrote the editorial is cynically exploiting the traction and credibility of those he now seeks to dismiss. In a club as community-driven as Highlanders, these supporters—the supposed "rabble-rousers"—have always been essential voices, advocating for financial accountability, transparency, and a club that genuinely reflects the passion of its supporters.
The author just like his reporter Jarava are using the poor paper Chronicle in their attempt to label supporters as nuisances. This bootlicking journalists' actions not only show a lack of understanding of Highlanders' values but a severe miscalculation of public sentiment. Instead of denigrating those who have consistently backed the club, perhaps the Chronicle should consider finding real journalists to revamp and rejuvenate the publication with real stories. Fabricated outrage and attempts at silencing dissent won't win back readers; Highlanders fans deserve far better than to have their loyalty twisted and weaponized for clicks.
It is wrong for someone fantasising to be an editor of this publication to insult people using the Chronicle. Nothing wrong with disagreeing but journalism is not about calling people names and insulting them just because you have power to abuse it just to score against those you hate, it's suppose to be for reporting news stories as they are. How low can one be to use the editorial comment for such nonsense ignoring the real issues affecting people. Recently the PSL worker was caught selling match day tickets in discreet, a scandal of unprecedented scale BUT sports journalists and the author of this editorial comment ignored, obviously after being asked not to expose the rot.
According to Jaravaza and some ignorant sports journalists, Highlanders fans snubbed the fundraising event at the club house and went on to pack Barbourfields Stadium. The packed stadium raised US$811 according to the same newspaper. What does it tell you about sports journalism at this publication? Its clear Jaravaza who was off duty lied in his horrible story. He had to force himself to be on duty to lie and attack our fundraising event. Surely there should be a sustainable narrative. Yesterday the newspaper said people boycotted clubhouse, today they are decrying low attendance at BF. In all this, they veer off to talk of a failed boycott. It's clear this sports desk has the least informed yet arrogant people in the whole industry in Zimbabwe. The elevated sense of self-importance is disgusting to readers. Thanks to all the esteemed journalists from Harare mainstream media who called to support us and expressed shock and disbelief at the Chronicle stories. We are deeply humbled.
The fund-raising initiative has never been supported by mainstream media especially Chronicle, because many are in the PSL and some of the board members corner. The Boycott was an operation meant to send a message to authorities that "Asifuni Bumbulu". it was never meant to be a permanent feature. We are glad our message is being heard loud and clear, not only does the pain goes to the powers running football but to the chest of Chronicle Sports reporters and the mischievous author of the editorial comment. The fundraising for Bosso will continue with or without sports reporters from Chronicle. It has succeeded without so called mainstream media support so no matata Nodumo Nyathi Dumile Ncube Tinashe Rufu Moeli Kelebile Chronicle Zimbabwe Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting Services Highlanders F.C
#ezratshisa4life #Bosso4Life #Asilavalo #FakeJournalist #desperateidiots
First and foremost, the Highlanders FC supporters are not a monolithic entity; they are a heterogeneous collective of individuals united by a profound love for their club. This affection transcends mere allegiance; it is intricately woven into the very fabric of the history, struggles, and triumphs of the team and its community. The decision to boycott is not made lightly; it emerges from a deep-seated frustration with the current referees committee, the PSL management, and the troubling trajectory of Zimbabwean football.
Critics of the boycott often contend that dissent within the fanbase is counterproductive and detrimental to the team. However, this perspective grossly underestimates the power of collective action. Boycotting serves as a form of protest, a crucial tool employed to express discontent and demand accountability. It is a profound response to a perceived failure of leadership—one that has not only jeopardized the team's performance but also its very identity. When fans feel ignored, marginalized, or disrespected, they possess both the right and the responsibility to voice their dissent.
To claim that the boycott is the machination of self-serving individuals overlooks the broader context of systemic issues permeating the Zimbabwean football landscape. Supporters are frustrated by a lack of transparency, inefficiency, corruption, biased officiating, poor management decisions, and a failure to honor the PSL's rich traditions of fairness and accountability. The supporters' movement is not born of personal gain; it is a valiant effort to protect the soul of Highlanders FC and the integrity of football in general. Labeling these passionate advocates as "shadowy" is tantamount to undermining their genuine commitment to the club and the broader football community.
Moreover, the notion that dissent should be silenced in the name of unity is a perilous one. History has repeatedly demonstrated that complacency can lead to stagnation and decline. True loyalty to a club necessitates advocating for its best interests, even when that involves challenging the status quo. Supporters are not merely consumers of a product; they are stakeholders in a storied legacy. They deserve a voice in the decision-making processes that will shape the club's future.
Let us also contemplate the implications of disregarding the supporters' concerns. By dismissing their grievances as the actions of a "shadowy group," one risks alienating the very individuals who form the backbone of the club. Supporters are not mere spectators; they are the lifeblood of football clubs. Their passion ignites the atmosphere in the stadium, drives merchandise sales, and nurtures community engagement. When supporters feel disenfranchised, the repercussions ripple throughout the entire club, adversely affecting the essence of the sport.
It is imperative to recognize that the Bosso supporters' boycott is a clarion call for change, not an act of betrayal. It is a collective response to a series of failures that imperil the very essence of Highlanders FC. Dismissing this movement as the work of self-serving individuals is not only myopic but also detrimental to the club's future. True supporters understand that love for a club entails holding it accountable. It means demanding better—not merely for today, but for generations to come. It is time to heed the voices of the fans, acknowledge their concerns, and collaborate towards a brighter future for Highlanders FC.
It is both disappointing and insulting to see a paper that used to be a standard bearer in qualitative journalism stoop to such transparently mischievous attempts at gaslighting, turning on individuals who have long been the lifeblood of Highlanders FC. The so-called "malcontents" are, in reality, the people who stood by this club in its most dire moments, raising awareness, calling for accountability, and tirelessly pushing for the club's well-being. They are the ones who refused to watch Highlanders wither away when dark forces threatened to dismantle the club from within.
This article reeks of desperation from a washed-up Journalists whose articles are starved of meaningful readership and quality content. With little to contribute to constructive discourse around Highlanders, this blithering buffoon who wrote the editorial is cynically exploiting the traction and credibility of those he now seeks to dismiss. In a club as community-driven as Highlanders, these supporters—the supposed "rabble-rousers"—have always been essential voices, advocating for financial accountability, transparency, and a club that genuinely reflects the passion of its supporters.
The author just like his reporter Jarava are using the poor paper Chronicle in their attempt to label supporters as nuisances. This bootlicking journalists' actions not only show a lack of understanding of Highlanders' values but a severe miscalculation of public sentiment. Instead of denigrating those who have consistently backed the club, perhaps the Chronicle should consider finding real journalists to revamp and rejuvenate the publication with real stories. Fabricated outrage and attempts at silencing dissent won't win back readers; Highlanders fans deserve far better than to have their loyalty twisted and weaponized for clicks.
It is wrong for someone fantasising to be an editor of this publication to insult people using the Chronicle. Nothing wrong with disagreeing but journalism is not about calling people names and insulting them just because you have power to abuse it just to score against those you hate, it's suppose to be for reporting news stories as they are. How low can one be to use the editorial comment for such nonsense ignoring the real issues affecting people. Recently the PSL worker was caught selling match day tickets in discreet, a scandal of unprecedented scale BUT sports journalists and the author of this editorial comment ignored, obviously after being asked not to expose the rot.
According to Jaravaza and some ignorant sports journalists, Highlanders fans snubbed the fundraising event at the club house and went on to pack Barbourfields Stadium. The packed stadium raised US$811 according to the same newspaper. What does it tell you about sports journalism at this publication? Its clear Jaravaza who was off duty lied in his horrible story. He had to force himself to be on duty to lie and attack our fundraising event. Surely there should be a sustainable narrative. Yesterday the newspaper said people boycotted clubhouse, today they are decrying low attendance at BF. In all this, they veer off to talk of a failed boycott. It's clear this sports desk has the least informed yet arrogant people in the whole industry in Zimbabwe. The elevated sense of self-importance is disgusting to readers. Thanks to all the esteemed journalists from Harare mainstream media who called to support us and expressed shock and disbelief at the Chronicle stories. We are deeply humbled.
The fund-raising initiative has never been supported by mainstream media especially Chronicle, because many are in the PSL and some of the board members corner. The Boycott was an operation meant to send a message to authorities that "Asifuni Bumbulu". it was never meant to be a permanent feature. We are glad our message is being heard loud and clear, not only does the pain goes to the powers running football but to the chest of Chronicle Sports reporters and the mischievous author of the editorial comment. The fundraising for Bosso will continue with or without sports reporters from Chronicle. It has succeeded without so called mainstream media support so no matata Nodumo Nyathi Dumile Ncube Tinashe Rufu Moeli Kelebile Chronicle Zimbabwe Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting Services Highlanders F.C
#ezratshisa4life #Bosso4Life #Asilavalo #FakeJournalist #desperateidiots
Source - Ezra Tshisa Sibanda
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