Grasshopper mentality versus yes, we can

“WE were like grasshoppers in our sight and so we were in their sight.” This was the account given by 10 out of 12 spies whom Moses had sent to spy the land of Canaan.

“WE were like grasshoppers in our sight and so we were in their sight.” This was the account given by 10 out of 12 spies whom Moses had sent to spy the land of Canaan.

The story is narrated in Numbers 13:27-33. The report was accurate, indeed. The land flowed with milk and honey.

However, the inhabitants therein were strong, their cities were fortified. Anak’s sons, the giants, terrified the 10 spies.

On the other hand, Caleb encouraged the Israelites to go up at once and take possession of the land.

Both groups of spies, Joshua and Caleb and the frightened 10 brought clusters of heavy grapes, a proof of the land’s fertility. The marked difference between the two groups was in their mental perception and depth of character in the face of challenges.

After his team lost to Dynamos in their last game, Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu bemoaned lack of mental endurance and a former Highlanders player castigated the current team for lack of character. He reminded the boys that putting on a black and white jersey goes with pride and outstanding character.

The author of this article watched the game in question at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.

As the teams marched onto the pitch from changing rooms, the confident stroll was missing in Bosso. One short player was jumping timidly as the team entered the field of play. As if that was not enough, towards the dying minutes of the game, some Bosso players had turned into stray ball collectors, thereby playing second fiddle to DeMbare goalkeeper. One may justify this act on grounds that it was meant to save time, which DeMbare was intentionally delaying.

Warriors are warriors, in winning or losing. They lose gallantly and win victoriously. It is at this juncture that United States President Barack Obama’s “yes, we can” philosophy comes in handy.

Despite his elevated station in life, Obama is on record saying he wants his two girls to start by earning a minimum wage before embarking on their chosen careers.

He wants them to learn the ability to voluntarily stoop low when they don’t need to and rise to the elevated station by choice.

It was not the Canaanites nor the sons of Anak that said the Israelite spies were like grasshoppers. The 10 spies suffered from an inferiority complex which no one could deal with except themselves.

Caleb was informed by past experiences, crossing the Red Sea, saved by looking at the brazen serpent and witnessing water gushing from a rock.

An experience is needed, which in turn serves as a springboard to greater heights.

Obama, with his African American background, identifies with Martin Luther King (Jr)’s “I have a dream” vision. The dream that the slaves who built the White House would one day be the president of the United States serves as a beacon that urges negro generations to aim at the stars — “Yes, we can”.

Back to Bosso. This is a team with an illustrious history. Firstly, it is the oldest team in the country.

Secondly, it has produced remarkable football legends — Barry Daka, Madinda Ndlovu and his siblings Peter and the late Adam, the late Tymon Mabaleka and Willard Mashinkila Khumalo, to name a few.

Kaindu is right in saying the current team lacks mental depth. Having said so, one asks a question as to whose responsibility it is to inculcate that mental and character depth in the players! Is the coach telling the nation that he has failed in this regard?

Maybe there is need to take new players through the paces of Bosso history or clearly spell out what is expected of anyone donning that black and white jersey.

This demise of character is not only affecting the football fraternity.

It is evident across the divide in the government, non-governmental organisations, churches, political parties and labour movements.

The give-it-all-for-no-personal-gain mentality is no longer there.

The paramount question is: “What is it in it for me?” Mercenarism has stolen the pride of serving with a single heart.

In Christian circles, there was once a time when pastors responded to a call into ministry. Today, it would appear the ministry has become but another form of employment. Government ministers are supposed to serve the electorate, but they are now chéfs to be worshipped.

The never-give-up spirit — the yes-we-can mentality, coupled with enabling experiences are the only tools that will effectively conquer the grasshopper mentality.

“In God we trust” should be the battle cry. Let us go up at once and take over Canaan. With God nothing is impossible.

 Moses Tsimukeni Mahlangu is the general-secretary for Zimbabwe Urban Councils Workers’ Union. He is a labour consultant and arbitrator. Feedback: E-mail: [email protected]