Has the nation abandoned Zebras?

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Friday July 2, 2010 00:00

 

Only a handful of people were at hand to wave off the Zebras. Rewind to 2004, when the team left for a similar assignment against the same side, thousands of supporters clad in Zebras' colours saw them off at the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport.

In the wake of a mazy run during the 2006 AFCON qualifiers, Zebras supporters' clubs sprouted all over the country. Football support reached new heights and interest in the local game was re-defined. Colourful characters were created, crazy dance styles associated with the Zebras mushroomed in all corners of the country. Songs were composed in honour of the national team.

It was a Zebras-mania. The nation had been gripped by a fever and few people were left out.

Jelusic Veselin, the revered Serbian coach, was transformed into an overnight hero, and so were his players. The team was enjoying unparalleled support. But the Zebras have watched support in the stands dry; their fixtures no longer elicit the frenzied reaction of the Veselin era.

Briton, Colwyn Rowe probably supervised the initial decline of the Zebras and it has continued unabated under Stanley Tshosane. The spark has not been re-ignited and the Botswana Football Association (BFA) should be searching for answers how the shine can be brought back.

As the Zebras touched down in Tunis for a vital encounter that could have a huge bearing on their qualification, few fans seemed bothered.

Extension Gunners' coach, Daniel 'Chicco' Nare, believes all stakeholders should play their part in resuscitating the Zebras. He said Tshosane faces a tough task as preparations are insufficient. 'If we look at the friendly matches leading to the Tunisia game, you will see that it would have been ideal to get tough opposition. Stan has to make do with what he has,' Nare said.

He believes there is no longer hype around the Zebras due to lack of publicity.

'All stakeholders should up their act. Zebras should be a product that can be sold,' he said.

Nare added that there is need for extra effort in mobilising fans. He said there must be introspection and explanations why structures such as the supporters' clubs are dysfunctional.

'[The] supporters' club should be worried about dwindling numbers,' he said.

Yarona FM sports anchor, MacDonald 'Chilliboy' Rakgare, said the single contributing factor to declining interest and attendance in the Zebras is poor performance. 'The team is not doing well. People are sick and tired of Stan's tactics. What weight does Tshosane carry?' quizzed Rakgare. He said the Zebras have got good players who need a good coach. Rakgare said there is need to mobilise support in order to bring back the vibe.