Zimbabwean striker reveals death threats from his own Orlando fans
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 26.06.23. | 21:35
Terrence Dzvukamanja was struggling with his goals, but instead of support he got threats
There is a thin line between love and hate in all aspects of life, and since football is so passionate, those examples are common in this sport. This usually happens when a player from another team scores and then taunts the home fans, or when a favorite player decides to sign to a rival club. But it rarely happens that the football fans hate one player before they being to love him, especially if he plays for their team. Unless it’s South Africa.
AERIAL PROWESS!
— Sahil Ebrahim (@sahil_e) June 7, 2023
No surprises here on Terrence Dzvukamanja being top of this list.🔝🏴☠️
If your club is looking for an aerial attacking threat, then look no further! 🧐
Check out Dzvukamanja's profile here 👇 https://t.co/LnnldnE1zt pic.twitter.com/brolyg4IAW
An interesting story comes from the Orlando Pirates, where their striker Terrence Dzvukamanja was not in form at the beginning of the season, but instead of showing support to their striker, some fans thought that death threads might work better!
“I was receiving death threats because the disgruntled Pirates fans didn't want me here. From September to December 2022, they would invade my inboxes and even call me—somehow they got hold of my number. Even at the mall, someone confronted me, saying, 'If you can't leave, we'll make you leave'" revealed Dzvukamanja in a SuperSport TV documentary.
Terrence Dzvukamanja scored a 95th minute winner to help Orlando Pirates lift the Nedbank Cup yesterday
— the_twelvethman (@the_twelvethman) May 28, 2023
🇿🇼🇿🇼🇿🇼#NedbankCupFinal #NedbankCup2023 #Buccaneers pic.twitter.com/VA8iUbY1vR
The Zimbabwean striker didn’t answer to these threats but couldn’t ignore them.
"I don't respond in such cases. They kept sending messages, claiming they knew I was ignoring them. They threatened to make me leave or even harm me if I didn't express my desire to depart to my agent or bosses. I confided in my parents, agent, and team boss about the situation. I won't deny it—I was scared because anything could have happened. It affected my game as well, as I would come to training with a distracted mind. I suffered from depression, contemplating turning to alcohol to find solace or escape the overwhelming stress. It drained me emotionally. So, yes, I was depressed" admitted Dzvukamanja, who showed great deal of inner strength to overcome the obstacles. In the second part of the season, he scored goals an helped Pirates win Nedbank Cup. With 8 goals overall, he is the second best striker in his team (Monnapule Saleng has 15, but played in more games) and is expected to lead the Orlando attacking line next season, in their push on the title.
