Rahman Gumbo caught in tribal storm

A visibly drunk Zimbabwe national soccer team caretaker coach Rahman Gumbo went berserk last Saturday night at Zimcafe in Harare, declaring that Ndebeles were better than Shonas and it was now time for him to show them that the Southern Region is ruling Zimbabwe’s football.

According to the Realsoccer.co.zw website, the FC Platinum coach was reacting to “a mere greeting by a reveler at the same drinking spot.” According to eyewitnesses “Gumbo was visibly inebriated to the marrow and was in the company of two ladies who painstakingly tried to contain his tirades.”

The equally disturbed ladies ended up pocking Gumbo saying that his misbehavior was due to little education. “Rahman created a nauseating scene here wherein he tried to turn this bar into a tribal ground. He said that Ndebeles were better than Shonas at the peak of his voice.”

“Many people, including some high-profile figures in society tried to cool him down but he could not listen. He eventually dashed out, reversed his white Isuzu K B truck from a parallel park and blocked some vehicles. When a security guard advised him to remove his car, he flatly refused,” a witness said.

“I tried to drive over a concrete slab as he was also blocking me and the guard warned me that I might damage my car. Gumbo again lashed out that even if the car got damaged, he had the money to replace it with even a better brand than the one that I had,” said a renowned engineer who fell victim to the rowdy behaviour .

Realsoccer.co.zw said they tried to contact Gumbo for comment but the coach “who seemed to be snoozing said that the mishap indeed took place but we should not worry because his security (sic) was taking care of the matter. He eventually switched off his cell phone to avoid further probing.”

Phil Muvengwa, F C Platinum secretary general who appeared shocked by the news said: “It is difficult for us to take action against him because his misbehavior took place at social scene. If it had taken place at Morris Depot, we could have done something.”

A sports journalist with a renowned mainstream media organization lashed out at Gumbo: “I am also Ndebele and my half parent is Shona. I do not have a buy-in to his uncalled for sentiments. He should be exposed for his sins. Moreso, such behavior is not expected for a national team coach.”

Another football critic said that such elements that still thrive on tribalism should be dealt with accordingly. “In this day and age, we cannot be taken back to stone age by elements like Gumbo. He wants to turn Zimcafe into a Hotel Rwanda. It is unfortunate, there is no place for that in Zimbabwe,” said the critic.

Bar ladies and men at Zimcafe have vowed never to serve Gumbo should he ever pitch there as his tribals slurs offended them. RealSoccer.co.zw