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Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter

GOALS in the back of the net are the main objective in a game of football, it is no wonder footballers take off celebrating after they score. Most of these celebrations are soon forgotten, but there are some celebrations that are memorable and attain legendary status.

Think Cristiano Ronaldo’s “Siuuu” spread and his new nap celebration, Peter Crouch’s robot dance, Lionel Messi’s two fingers to the sky, Paul Gascoigne’s dentist chair, Eric Cantona’s boss man stance, Thierry Henry’s stone-cold knee slide and Roger Milla’s corner flag dance.

Zimbabwe has witnessed its own versions of unique goal celebrations, Saturday Chronicle Sports couldn’t help but remember some of the iconic celebrations from local players.

1.Adam Ndlovu remains King of Celebrations

The late Adamski will never be forgotten. Those fans who took time to watch him play do not mince their words in describing Adamski as a very passionate player.

He scored and made sure he celebrated more than anyone in the team.

He is famous for two celebrations, the “machine gun” celebration where he shot his teammates who would go down to the ground much to the appreciation of his fans.

That celebration is also famous for getting Energy Murambadoro injured as he landed awkwardly after “taking a bullet”.

Many will recall the machine gun celebration at the National Sports Stadium when Zimbabwe beat Mauritania on their way to their first Afcon appearance in 2004.

He also pulled the head standing stunt. Adamski, together with his teammates had their hands on the ground with hands up in the air and that celebration is a hit to this day.

2. Dynamos’ Zora Butter celebration

Dynamos and their “7 million” fans are somehow contenders for the accolade of being able to showcase the best celebrations. No doubt the fans are the noisiest.

They brag for a reason so true that even their team’s opponents nod in agreement that Dynamos know how to celebrate.
At the start of their historical four years in a row league triumph from 2011 to 2014, the football giant’s fans turned Alick Macheso’s “Zora Butter” into their own.

Some have dubbed it the national anthem of dances for 2012 as it permeated every sphere, it broke all boundaries from religion, sport, arts and even on the political front. The celebration, even transcended borders

3. Njabulo “Tshiki” Ncube’s train locomotion

In the 2004 season Ncube etched his name on the premier soccer league calendar after scoring 15 goals. What made those goals special was his train locomotion celebration which was befitting as the outfit was under the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ).

4. Edmore Mufema at Dynamos and
Motor Action

Mufema would spread out his arms and mimic an eagle in flight after banging in a goal for Dynamos. Quite a frustrating celebration for opponents, but it surely did make him a famous figure.

He won the Golden Boot with Motor Action in 2005 and was voted among the best players of that year.
In 2007, he was lured by coach Luke Masomere to Botswana’s Gaborone United together with Sageby Sandaka and Itai Gwandu. The three helped the club finish on a credible fourth position after a slow start.

5. Leonard Tsipa at Caps United

At a time around 2005 and 2006 when Caps United was a dominant force under Charles Mhlauri, striker Leonard Tsipa got the nickname “Aghahowa” for imitating the Nigerian Superstars somersaults celebration.

6. Gabriel Nyoni’s moment of madness

Nyoni, making his first start since joining Highlanders during the mid-season transfer-window in 2013, scored his first goal for the Bulawayo giants in the 76th minute of a league game against Monomotapa at Emagumeni having come on as a substitute.

Overwhelmed by emotions after scoring, the Highlanders striker made a high school celebration removing his shorts and running for at least 50m showing off his black and white boxer short which matched his jersey.

Nyoni’s celebrations earned him a yellow card from referee Allan Bhasvi. His unorthodox stunt earned him nicknames such as Mabhurugwe, Skhindi (pants).
— @innocentskizoe