OFC Dortmund Benin describe ourselves as the ‘ twelfth man’ as essential to the success of the team as the players and coaching staff. It is the actions performed by fans during the game- the ritual chants, song, banner waving etc. that motivates the team, intimidate the opposition’s supporters. The fans truly believe they must watch their games and support their team to win.

In addition to their passions, pre and post game rituals are important in creating a sense of community among fans. From meeting up with other fans for a drink before and after the game to the orchestrated coordination of fabric squares to make up a large banner, rituals foster a strong sense of belonging to the fan group. What might otherwise be a forgettable everyday action become as meaningful and important to fans as, say, a church mass, and generate powerful bonds. The rituals often have a superstitious quality- wearing the same ‘lucky’ shirt to every game or following the same routine during the build-up even eating two pies just before the kick-off because that made the team won last time.

In Benin Republic where crazy lovers of football have grown to the zenith, where the presence of drummers increase after their teams win matches,