Bundi: Tanzanian football’s feathered frenzy of big guns Simba and Yanga

TANZANIA: ONCE upon a football field in Tanzania, where the grass is greener than envy and fans are perpetualy at the edge of their seats, two mighty soccer clubs, Yanga and Simba, battle it out for ultimate supremacy.

Their obsession with outdoing each other has not only captivated hearts but also attracted the unlikeliest of spectators: a Bundi, or as we mere mortals call it, an owl.

Now, you might be scratching your head thinking, “Why in the name of all that’s football-related would an owl be in the spotlight?” Ah, if you are that naive, then you’ve just stumbled upon a tale where African folklore meets the absurdities of the beautiful game.

When the Bundi hoots, the hegemony goes kaput! And that’s every Simba or Yanga fan’s nightmare.

For a whiff of history, both clubs were founded in the early 20th century during the colonial era.

Yanga was established in 1935 by young men who wanted their football club for Africans.

That’s why its official name is Young Africans Football Club, with Yanga as its moniker.

Simba Sports Club was founded in 1936 by Dar es Salaam residents loyal to society’s affluent members.

Initially named Sunderland, it was later changed to Simba following a divine advisory to adopt local names.

Yanga was the favourite of the working-class crowd known as ‘Wananchi’ (Citizens), while Simba was associated with the affluent class, proudly calling them- selves ‘Wenye nchi’ (Owners of the land).

This class divide has fuelled the rivalry, with each side vying for dominance on the field and beyond.

Their competitive spirit has led to unforgettable matches and moments in Tanzanian football history, especially in the Kariakoo Derby.

The derby is not only a paradox but unpredictable despite any struggles.

It’s also the decider of the Bundi’s destiny.

The intense rivalry has become a seesaw affair, with each club’s misfortune becoming comedy gold for the other.

In the last three glorious years, Yanga banked victory after victory, their fans sing- ing chants that could make angels blush.

Simba, on the other hand, gnawed at their knuckles waiting for their turn to tri- umph.

Suddenly, an apparition in feathers, a bird known for its wisdom or perhaps its wick- ed sense of humour started hovering over Jangwani skies.

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Its dark shadow seems to have cast a spell over Yanga’s success, threatening to end their honeymoon with a court case. Yes, it’s the Bundi, the redoubtable owl, with the power to plunge any club into chaos faster than you can say “offside.”

It’s the wackiest, most unmissable tale in Tanzanian football lore.

Yanga fans, once jubilant and noisy, are now whispering in hushed tones about this dreaded bird.

Some swear to have seen it perched ominously atop Jangwani Club floodlights, eyes glowing like freshly pol- ished football boots.

It’s as if the owl signed up for a reality TV drama but swapped the roses for red cards.

Meanwhile, across town, Simba fans are laughing so hard they’re in danger of pull- ing a muscle or two.

Their rivals’ misfortune is their comedy gold, and the Bundi’s tale is barber- shop legend material.

It’s not just schadenfreude; it’s a full blown Bundi bonanza! Some suggest that Simba should offer the mischievous owl a permanent VIP seat, complete with a mini perch and an unlimited supply of field mice, just to keep Yanga’s streak of misfortune going.

Imagine that a full fledged Bundi supporter section with tiny scarlet scarves proclaiming, “Ubaya Ubwela,” whatever that means.

But let’s not forget the players caught in this surreal circus.

Yanga’s squad must be feeling more pressure than a penalty shootout in a World Cup final.

As we speak, they are in South Africa for an invitational tournament, to ‘test’ their new signings.

Now, who can blame them for glancing skyward, half-expecting the Bundi to swoop down for a feathery pep talk?

Even the esteemed presi- dent of Yanga might be con- sidering an emergency summit to debate the Bundi situation.

They might soon be holding meetings on Bundi-watch strategies imagine the agen- da: “Item One: Deploy decoy owls to Jangwani Street.”

We can only hope the powers do have a sense of humour because even the most meticulously arranged football operations can’t anticipate such an avian intervention.

Should they hire an exorcist or perhaps the local ornithology club?

On the pitch, the she- nanigans continue. During matches, Yanga players might sometimes appear to be chasing shadows or the mere spectre of the Bundi.

As they trip over imaginary hurdles and miss open goals, you might hear a distant “hoot” carried by the wind, an avian laugh track for the spectacle below.

Even seasoned sports commentators are left scratching their heads, pondering if they should switch careers to birdwatching instead.

And just when you think it can’t get better Bundi merchandise at your service! Simba fans are cashing in on the craze, with owl themed banners and T-shirts inscribed “Ubaya Ubwela” selling like hotcakes.

Yanga supporters are reluctantly buying them too, albeit to use as effigies to hopefully ‘curse the curse’ away.

Their proponents have turned into amateur bird watchers, squinting at every flapping silhouette against the Tanzanian sunset.

Simba’s supporters, not one to miss out on a good laugh, are preparing inflatable owls for matches, each one a cheeky nod to their rivals’ feathered nemesis.

The Mkapa Stadium might soon turn into a theatre of comedy, each game more unpredictable and outrageous than the last.

Perhaps the Tanzania Soccer Academy (if it existed) could have introduced “Bundi Tactics” as part of their curriculum.

Young players could practice dribbles while inflatable owls descend from above a perfect drill for those unexpected pitch twists.

And with the academy’s efforts in providing education scholarships, a few courses on “Superstitions and Sports” wouldn’t go amiss either.

Anyway, as the drama unfolds, let’s cherish every hooting moment of it.

Will the Bundi eventually take flight, leaving Yanga to relish their threatened glory? Or will it continue to be the silent, winged witness to their trials and tribulations?

One thing’s for sure: with the Bundi in the picture, Tanzanian football has never been more wildly entertaining.

Next time you’re at a match and you hear that distinctive hoot, look up!

Our feathery friend is just getting started. What about the hapless Yanga fans? Bless their boot clad hearts.

Some might resort to ancient rituals, waving feathers like confetti at a New Year’s Eve party to shoo away their avian adversary.

Others might suggest investing in a battalion of scarecrows or recruiting a squad of rival owls for a nocturnal siege. Desperate times call for feathery measures!

Simba supporters are loving every second of this feath- ered farce.

They’ve concocted a catchy new terrace chant, “Bundi juu ya Jangwani,” which translates to “Owl above Jangwani,” quickly becoming a crowd favourite.

Revelry is the order of the day, with Simba fans grinning ear to ear as they witness their rivals’ misadventures.

But they keep an eye on their rooftops too just in case the Bundi decides to stir things up on their side of the coin.

As this feathery melodrama plays out, one undeniable truth emerges: the Bundi has taken centre stage in Tanzanian football.

Whether it’s genuinely an emissary of misfortune or merely a convenient scape- goat, its presence adds a layer of side-splitting intrigue unmatched by any other sea- son.

So, next time you’re serenaded by an eerie hoot in the dead of night, remember it’s not just any owl; it’s the infamous Bundi.

It has the best seat in the house, feathers fluffed with anticipation, as it watches Yanga and Simba navigate their drama of footballing fortunes.

For Yanga, maybe it’s time to break out the heavy artillery or at least a pair of those fantasy-age goggles to keep an eye on their new feathery nemesis.

In the zany world of Tanzanian football, you never know what will swoop in next.

Keep your binoculars handy and your sense of humour even handier; dear reader, you’re in for one heck of a ride!

The Bundi seem to have now become the invisible mascot of the two Tanzanian football giants.

And with its unblinking eyes firmly set on the pitch, every match is a blend of skill, suspense, and side splitting humour.

So, keep those binoculars handy and your laughter ready the Bundi’s show is far from over, and who knows what winged wonders await!