As the FIFA World Cup kicks off, Zimbabwean football supporters have swapped their traditional support for South Africa and are instead rallying behind Mexico in the tournament opener, with growing anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa being the cause for the dramatic shift in loyalties.
For decades, Bafana Bafana enjoyed overwhelming support from Zimbabweans and other Africans whenever their own nations failed to qualify for major tournaments. But that brotherhood appears to be fading, with many supporters now openly cheering for whoever lines up against South Africa.
The change comes amid renewed tensions over anti-immigrant campaigns in South Africa, where foreign nationals, including Zimbabweans, have faced hostility and accusations of taking jobs from locals.
An online and physical survey conducted by ZimNow revealed that many Zimbabweans no longer feel obliged to support Bafana Bafana, with some saying the football pitch has become an opportunity to send a message.
"Um, backing South Africa? I want them to go back home fast without a single point so that they can keep their jobs which they claim foreigners are taking from them," said Arthur Tauzen.
The anti-Bafana mood was not confined to Zimbabwe, with football followers from Zambia, Malawi, Kenya and Nigeria also declaring themselves temporary Mexicans for the night.
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"Every African today will be supporting Mexico. No one is behind the xenophobia movement football club," said Bless Zvirambiri.
"If South Africa was playing alone, I was going to support the stadium," quipped Clever Chindudzi.
"I'm a Nigerian but today I'm Nigerian-Mexican. I have been rehearsing the Mexican national anthem since last week," said Alfred Red Ash.
Another supporter using the name Osimhanil said: "Trump could have restricted those xenophobic players from entering America."
From Kenya, Gathure John wrote "Here in Kenya, we support Mexico tonight. Not because we know the players. Not because we understand the tactics. But because Mexico once gave us maize, and we don't forget acts of kindness. Also, any opportunity to remind our South African friends about xenophobia is a civic duty."
Ironically, South Africa and Mexico share history on football's biggest stage. The two nations met in the opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Johannesburg, where Bafana Bafana held Mexico to a 1-1 draw, in a game where Siphiwe Tshabalala's goal went viral after his memorable strike.
Sixteen years later, the rivalry has taken on a new dimension. While South Africa's players prepare for battle on the pitch, many of their once loyal supporters across the continent appear to have switched camps, turning Mexico
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