WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SUPPORTER AND A FAN?

Siyakudvumisa Thixo siyakuvuma ukuba unguJehova Our football is in a state where individualism will not help us in anyway but we need to be united to transform our game to the next level. Last week I brought to the fore the essence of football marketing especially focusing on the supporters.

I received enormous messages from some people who were asking if this is a Manzini Wanderers column or what. Some were asking the difference between a fan and a supporter.
Today I will answer the latter question. The major difference between the two, which is often mistaken as the same thing, is how much a person actually concerns themselves about learning the legacies, rivalries, the traditions and, most importantly, the history of that particular club. People will refute this by saying it is just a different terminology, and, to be honest, that is just it, but it is learning the appropriate ways, or words to describe the club you support.

Words that are often used to describe a supporter are, passionate, dedicated and loyal, and, most importantly, embodying everything that the club is all about. Supporting a club does not only demand unconditional love, but it requires that person to also honour and respect traditions, which is something a lot of fans this days do not take into consideration.
A fan, which is short for fanatics, is simply someone who casually watches a match but does not have the club’s best interest at heart – no matter the results. If the club falters a portion of the fan base start ridiculing either the manager or the players. While it is okay to critique or call out a certain player for not performing  to their ability, these fans, if they were supporters, would have already learned that they must take the good with the bad. Another glaring difference between the two is that a supporter values the colour of the shirt and crest on the front of it, while a fan values the name on the back more.

The one thing a supporter wants in return of all the hard work they do off the field is for the players on the field to understand and appreciate it. We may not be physically talented to play the game. We most likely could not sing well or play the drums properly. What they do is to give 100 per cent and they want the team to give 100 per cent back. We feel a loss just as bad; we get excited for a win just as much.

The twelfth man

Football fans describe themselves as ‘the twelfth man’ – as essential to the success of the team as the players and the coaching staff. It is the actions performed by fans during the game, the ritual chants, and songs, banner waving etc that motivates the team, intimidate the opposition players and perhaps even influences referees’ decision. The fans truly believe they must attend the game to help the team to win, not just to observe the event. Well I am not saying that one is better than the other but there is that important difference.
What do supporters do differently?
Take a club like Bayern Munich for example. They have by far the most fans in Germany, but only a group of supporters. The fans buy lots of merchandise and attend home matches, and usually refer to the team not the club. The fan idolises players, but often knows little about the club’s history. When a club does not do well, more and more seats will be empty, whereas the section of the supporters is as full as ever.

The mindset

A supporter loves the club, not the team and its players. Those are mercenaries who do not identify with the club and will transfer as soon as more money is offered. To a supporter it is always about the club not the team. No matter where or when the club plays, or how important the match is, the supporter is always there. A lot of times this means sacrificing other aspects of his life because words like loyalty and honour still mean something. The supporter will defend the club’s name if necessary without getting it into trouble. To the supporters the club is a lifestyle.
The supporter supports the team throughout the entire match, regardless of the score or the performance.  Because the team needs the support the most when things are not going well. Even if the players on the field do not care, supporters will sing for the club’s honour.
It is a pity clubs want to replace supporters with customers who will shell out money without asking questions. The clubs’ identities are slowly taken away.
May the heavens smile upon you.

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