Zim Now Writer
In football fans are the 12th man on the field of play due to the support they give to their team whenever it is playing.
However, it is the opposite for the Zimbabwean born striker Terrence Dzukamanja who plays for Orlando Pirates in the South Africa DSTV Premiership as he became an enemy to the fans whenever he was thrown onto the pitch.
Numerous injuries at the start of the just ended 2022/2023 season made the former Bidvest Wits forward lose the trust and love of Orlando Pirates fans who booed him while some even went to the extent of threatening to kill him. In a three-part Documentary Series named Bucs Camp: Sailing the seas of victory, which premiered on DSTV channel 202 on 19 June, Orlando Pirates players got the opportunity to open up about their experience in the team and sacrifices they make for the badge.
“I went through a very difficult time, the fans started to boo me when I was not performing well. Others would inbox me and swear at me. I would get calls and death threats from people telling me to leave their club, or else if I don’t leave they will make me leave by force,” said the striker.
Dzukamanja said that he went to a point where he started drinking alcohol to relieve the stress and pressure he got from fans.
As much as footballers are expected to deliver every time they get the opportunity, fans must also consider the fact that they are also humans as they may go through a rough patch that may affect their form.
In a glorious turn of events, Dzukamanja became a hero for Orlando Pirates as he saved the team on several occasions, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in 19 outings, not forgetting his extra-time goal in the Nedbank Cup final win in which Pirates beat Sekhukhune United 2-1. After watching the Docu-Series fans were divided on social media, with a majority apologising to the players.
Orlando Pirates supporter Anthony Mocumi reacted: “On behalf of all those fans that doubted you, booed you and threatened you, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely apologize to you, Lord Dzuka.”
Moosa Jabulani sent love to Dzukamanja for saving the team: “To be honest this guy has been there whenever we need him let’s not lie.”
Dzukamanja looks content at Orlando Pirates and he is set to extend his stay when his contract expires at the end of this month. Coached by the Spanish Jose Riveiro, Orlando Pirates will travel to Spain for a pre-season in July.
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