Arsenal's historic Premier League title win after 22 years of hurt has sent shockwaves of joy far beyond north London, with Zimbabwe's passionate Gunners faithful now mobilising to stage their own celebrations as the euphoria of the championship triumph spills gloriously into Africa.
It is a well-documented truth that some of Arsenal's most devoted supporters live not in London but across the African continent, and Zimbabwe is no exception. From Harare to Bulawayo, red and white scarves are being dusted off and the party planning has begun in earnest.
The celebrations were sparked on social media when Twitter user Dr. Solicitor at Large put out a rallying call to Harare's Arsenal community. "Arsenal fans in Harare, can't we meet on Saturday in the afternoon at a central venue in celebration of the title win? Chero takaita kana 5. Tonwa zvedu tichigocha nekufara?" he wrote, adding practical requirements for the ideal venue, free parking, food and drinks. He suggested LongCheng Plaza while acknowledging that drink prices at the popular venue could prove a sticking point.
The call was swiftly answered by the Arsenal FC Zimbabwe Supporters Association, with Fortune Daniel Molokele confirming an organised response was already in motion. "We do have a plan as the Arsenal FC Zimbabwe Supporters Association. We will share recommended venues across the country by Friday," he said, directing fans to their Harare branch WhatsApp group of over 400 members on 071 372 6526.
Tawanda Kamangira threw his support behind the gathering, suggesting Rera along Bulawayo Road as the ideal venue, citing its gochi gochi food offering and ample parking space as perfect ingredients for a title party.
Not everyone, however, could resist the opportunity for rivalry banter. Twitter user @uncleflo cheekily suggested the gathering had a hidden political agenda, writing that "Arsenal" was simply code for "Say no to CAB3", a joke that sent social media into fits of laughter and underlined the warmth and humour that defines Zimbabwean football culture.
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For Arsenal supporters across Zimbabwe, Saturday cannot come soon enough.