Why the cult of Clevid Dikamona is growing amongst Hearts fans

The Congolese centre-back is one of the most popular players with the Tynecastle support

The first test arrived in the seventh minute. The ball was played into Hearts’ left channel, behind Aaron Hickey. Off Martin Boyle went, the winger’s pace something which had to be guarded against. It looked like he was set to run free. Then, like Superman sweeping across in the nick of time to save a child from being hit by an oncoming bus, Clevid Dikamona raced across, showing the Hibs ace he had jet heels himself. Not only did the centre-back nip ahead of Boyle, he won the ball and then had the composure to keep it when most would have launched it to safety.

It was an early indication of how this game was going to go.

Hibs, the team who have scored more than anyone in the league outside the Old Firm, were expected to find the back of the net a few times. It was their chance to start edging Hearts towards a coffin which had relegation branded across it.

Clevid Dikamona was acclaimed by the Hearts fans for his performance against Hibs. Picture: SNS

Unfashionable heroes

Instead they found themselves up against resolute opposition, energised and reinvigorated by work on the training ground, using both old fashioned and more modern methods, plus a victory over Rangers in the Scottish Cup when hope was beginning to slip. Few saw the 3-1 commanding success coming.

These past two games have seen unsung heroes emerge, unfashionable individuals who have had their fair share of doubts and critics. Lewis Moore has produced two assists. Oliver Bozanic has been on the end of those two assists. Loic Damour. Out of nowhere to perform an energetic and dogged role in the midfield.

Then there is Dikamona. The Jambo/Jumbo Soldier – owed to a typo in a tweet the player sent. He may be unfashionable but he is certainly not unpopular. A bit-part player with 34 appearances across the past two seasons, yet he is one of the most liked individuals in the squad by the fans.

The centre-back was in imperious form against Hibs. Picture: SNS

His personality and his humility play a huge part. This is a player who, when he talks, you get the feeling he is simply privileged at having the chance to not just play but represent Hearts. He takes that attitude onto the pitch, appearing to play each Hearts game as if it is going to be his last.

And if it is, by God, he is going to go out and leave every bit of himself on that pitch.

Uncle Clev

It doesn’t take long scratching the surface to realise why he is so liked and respected, why he has been donned with the Uncle Clev moniker. The 29-year-old who has played little top-flight football in his career plays with heart.

Across the past two campaigns Hearts players have had their commitment questioned, their attitude questioned, their professionalism. Not Dikamona.

Yes, his quality may have been discussed and debated. Some fans may feel he has a mistake in him, despite only costing the team once in his his Hearts career, on the first day of the season at Aberdeen. But his character, resolve and enthusiasm? Not once.

In fact, it can be argued that if more players showed his willingness, had the same mindset, the team wouldn’t be in a relegation battle.

Go back to the Edinburgh derby in December 2018. The Olly Lee derby. It should not be forgotten that Dikamona played a key supporting role. Despite seemingly ruled out of the game with a hamstring injury, he not only started, but thrived. Watching from the stands you could almost feel the pain he was in. But he dragged himself through the game, this protective force field in front of Colin Doyle in the Hearts goal. Every single fan in the away end that night would have gladly helped him off the pitch at the end with his body screaming at him.

Yet, despite his heroics he would start just two more games that season.

He has no doubt had his frustrations and had to display the patience of a daily commuter dealing with ScotRail cancellations. But it comes back to being professional and being ready.

Cult of Clevid

Dikamona has now been handed his chance in the Hearts XI following the unfortunate injury to John Souttar. Speaking to BT Sport after the victory, he talked about not being happy at playing due to his team-mates latest long-term lay-off. It was sincere and genuine.

It followed one of his finest performances in a Hearts shirt. Off the bench against Rangers, he was excellent. But at Easter Road it was somewhat different. He looked as if he belonged in the middle of the defence, not a bit-part player, not a filler, but a leader. Fans’ confidence in his ability and reliability increased with every header won, every clearance, every interception, as new members signed up to the Cult of Clevid in droves.

He had everything. Pace, power and aggression. A calm head on the ball, awareness without it. Denying, thwarting and frustrating Hibs.

Alongside Craig Halkett in a defence which is now a collective, they barely gave Hibs a sniff and were no doubt left with a tinge of annoyance at not keeping a clean sheet.

Dikamona’s future remains unclear past the end of the season. But the Congolese international has now gone from squad player to a key part of the Hearts team, and having a player with his mentality and attitude may be huge in setting an example to team-mates.

With 11 huge games coming up, potentially 12, he has the chance to evolve from cult hero to legend status. But in the meantime an alteration may be required to the ‘diamond Daniel Stendel’ song.

‘Clevid at the back...’