The Sunday Mail
Danai Lot Chitakasha
IT’S a truth universally acknowledged that every nation, big or small, has its own heroes.
Heroes come in all forms and shape. There are political heroes, philanthropists, heroes in the arts, educationists, scientists, innovators, health sector workers and last but not least, sporting heroes.
It is also a truth universally accepted that these heroes are held in high esteem and are often used as a rallying point when motivating a nation towards particular goals.
Often, political heroes take precedence.
This, I think, is understandable bearing in mind the protracted struggles that most African nations went through to regain their independence.
Consequently, other categories have been sidelined.
On this fine Sunday I am humbly urging for a rethink, calling for an all-encompassing approach and I use George Shaya as a reference point.
Allow a moment for an example.
Rashid Yekeni was a man who gave everything for Nigeria. He led the Super Eagles with distinction and his crowning moment came in the 1994 World Cup in the United States.
He scored Nigeria’s opening goal, the first by any Nigerian player in the tournament.
What followed was the boundless joy exhibited by this icon. He spent close to a minute in the goal, clutching the nets as if begging the nets to supply more goals.
He was like a midwife gripped by the sheer joy of delivering her first child.
The joy of 80 million Nigerians and, dare me say, that of over one billion Africans, was captured in that moment.
Simply unforgettable!
However, that is only half the story, the good part. What followed was tragic.
Rashid suffered mental health problems soon after retirement. His illness and ultimate death was shrouded in mystery.
The Nigerian government was accused of neglecting him, the FA of abandoning a legend, and former team- mates of not caring.
There are reported moves to posthumously honour Yekini.
But why can’t we honour our heroes whilst they are still alive?
The English honour top sports people by knighting them, while stands in stadia have been named after great players and managers. Clubs have built statues of their legends.
According to researchers at Sheffield University, clubs also do this as part part of a marketing strategy known as branding through nostalgia and authenticity.
In light of the above examples, the case for honouring Shaya becomes pertinent.
His achievements are immense: Soccer Star of the Year 1969, 1972, 1975, 1976 and 1977.
He shaped Dynamos. The Dynamos brand cannot be complete without his contribution.
Shaya represented national aspirations at a time blacks were viewed and treated as second-class citizens.
Shaya deserves a statue just outside Rufaro Stadium, the site of his many scintillating displays.
The Harare City Council, which owns the stadium, can also name the so-called Vietnam Stand, the George Shaya Stand.
A Sporting Hall of Fame place is also guaranteed for the Mastermind.
Apart from visiting the ailing legend with groceries much more needs to be done to show gratitude.
We cannot wait for Shaya to die before purring about how he was a football genius, a man who turned games with one piece of exquisite skills.
The man is alive and should be given his honour whilst he can still give us a “thank you” address.
Ipai mudhara sando dzake veduwe.
The legendary director exits the scene!
Danai Lot Chitakasha is a UK-based football writer and historian who assisted Japhet Mprautsa put together his autobiography. Feedback: [email protected]
