Even in the ongoing sorry state of on-field affairs, Zimbabwe Cricket Supporters Union have responded angrily at the performance, or lack of it, by the senior national team after their recent series loss to India.
Zimbabwe cricketers always had their ‘Castle Corner’ to look up to. ‘Castle Corner’ at Harare Sports Club is a section in the stands that houses a small but immensely passionate set of fans who came together and formed the Zimbabwe Cricket Supporters Union more than a decade ago.
On a happy day the always bubbly special section of the ground is characterized by songs, dance and strong support for their national team, something that has been trending for over a decade now.
However, when Zimbabwe handed the series to India, Castle Corner was empty. Rather, vacated in protest as it depicted a graveyard. One would mistake it for a graveyard because the silence was deafening
The Union, led by its chairman, Vivian Banhire, occupied the seats on the left of their den, holding up banners and shouting emotional chants to convey their utter displeasure at the turn of events.
Given that they were the only section of fans in the crowd on a working day, it was nearly impossible for the players on the outfield to ignore what they had to say and display.
Being recognized by the board didn’t dilute the strong opinions of the members of the Union.
“They’re not as good as they’re supposed to be, but still we support them. We are not worried about defeats, we just want them to be competitive,” Louie, the Vice chairman of the Union, adding that Monday’s defeat was the last straw of the dice.
Of all the things that fans put into supporting a team or a nation, it’s the emotional investment and hence the constant gratification for it that takes utmost precedence.
“I could be making a living, but I am always there supporting these guys but thank God, I am unemployed,” said one furious fan on Facebook.
Nyasha, another fan but not a member of the Union, condemned their acts and felt they needed to understand the gravity of the situation that the country and its cricket are presently in.
The affiliation with the board allows the Union to forge a healthy relationship with the players but events like these tend to damage them beyond repair.
Vusi Sibanda, who was at the heart of Zimbabwe’s collapse and took the burden of the defeat upon himself, reckoned the personal comments weren’t acceptable.
“You expect them to back you to the hilt,” writes Sibanda said his twitter account.
If the no-show from cricketers has brought out the dark side of these fans, their outburst has also pushed the cricketers to the limit.
“I don’t want to be saying this, but I am almost tempted to ask some of them to come on and do my job. It’s not easy, given the circumstances in the country,” he added.
Zimbabwe cricket finds itself in deep trenches and the fact that even their most loyal fans have openly turned against them only adds to the relentless pressures.
