Understanding the processes of becoming a football team fan in an African context: the case of Dynamos Football Club fans in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This article seeks to analyse the process of becoming a football fan within a Zimbabwean context. It is based on the study of fandom, on fans of a team called Dynamos Football Club based in Zimbabwe. It seeks to analyse the process of becoming a fan, noting the different reasons why people become attached to football teams. It provides a sociological analysis of the different processes involved in turning one from a mere spectator of sport to becoming a fan. The article argues that becoming a fan is complex process which often includes various processes. Whilst fans often highlight significant events that made them decide to become a fan, the process is rarely an overnight event, but rather a lengthy one. Studies on fandom have tended to concentrate on Western nations. There is thus a huge gap in understanding fan processes in Africa with only limited studies in big footballing nations such as Nigeria and South Africa. This article tries to redress this imbalance as well.