Zahospor fans from the Iraqi Kurdistan Federal Region traveled to Diyarbakir to participate in the Newroz celebrations on March 20, 2025. In a warm display of solidarity, they met with Amedspor fans at the Amedspor Resistance Group Association. This gathering was not just a friendly affair but an opportunity for cultural exchange, where both groups could share insights about their respective fan cultures.
The Amedspor Resistance Group expressed their gratitude for the visit, stating, "Today we hosted our guests from ZAXO in our association. We exchanged information about the tribune culture and our teams. We thank the Zaxo fan group for this kind visit." This comment underscores the importance of such interactions in promoting friendship between different communities.
Moreover, the Zahospor fans also engaged with Amedspor’s UltrAmed fan group, further solidifying their brotherhood. An announcement from the UltrAmed group reflected on this bond, stating, "We strengthened our friendship and solidarity with the brother fans from Zaho who visited our city. We talked about ideas that will strengthen our brotherhood." This sentiment is particularly poignant during festive occasions like Newroz, which celebrates renewal and unity.
However, the friendship was dampened by the announcement regarding a friendly match that was to take place between Amedspor and Zahospor on March 23, 2025. While both clubs had agreed to host the match at Diyarbakir Stadium, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) had not yet responded to their requests for necessary permissions, leading to uncertainty. This is crucial as both teams were eager to demonstrate their camaraderie on the field.
Amedspor had taken steps to prepare for the match, but the lack of communication from TFF left fans and players in limbo. The postponed match reflects the complexities often faced within football governance, particularly when it involves cross-border interactions.
On the same day as the visit from Zahospor fans, Amedspor resumed training after a three-day break. The team, which recently faced a discouraging defeat at home against Erzurumspor, was looking to regain their spirits. During this session, fans from both Zaho and Hakkari, who had traveled for the Newroz celebrations, attended the training. Their presence served as a morale booster, reminding players of the support they have from their fan base.
As part of the training activities, young visitors from Zaho and Hakkari had the opportunity to interact with the players and technical director Servet Çetin, taking photos together. This personal connection underscores the community aspect of football, where clubs extend their reach and bond with supporters beyond geographical barriers.
In addition to the training session, Amedspor players Oktay Aydın and Çekdar Orhan participated in a special video project for DISKI, filmed on World Water Day. They delivered an important message in Kurdish, stating, "Water is life, protect your life." This initiative not only raises awareness about water conservation but also highlights the commitment of the players to their cultural roots and community causes.
While the training was invigorating, it was noted that several key players, including Keita, Bobby, Erce, Sinan, Butuhan, and Poko, were absent. However, they are expected to join training the following day. Such absences are typical in football, especially following breaks or during tight schedules as players manage fitness and recovery.
Overall, the visit from Zahospor fans illustrates the powerful connections that football fosters across borders. Despite the challenges presented by the postponed friendly match and logistical issues, the enthusiasm for local celebrations, support from distant fans, and the commitment to community engagement remain strong. As both teams look toward future collaboration and matches, the hope for strengthening their ties echoes among fans and players alike.
This alignment of efforts reinforces how football can serve as more than just a sport—it acts as a vehicle for fostering cultural relationships and promoting community values. As Amedspor and Zahospor navigate both their sporting ambitions and the challenges of cross-border cooperation, their journey is one of camaraderie and mutual respect, emblematic of the broader spirit of football.
