Fan Club Spotlight: Roma Club Habana

What is your full name, and role with Roma Club Habana?

David Rodríguez Copa: “My name is David Rodríguez Copa, and I am the President of Roma Club Habana.

“Well, actually I don’t feel I do much more than the other board members. I just manage all social media accounts, organize the events on matchday, and honestly, between all of us, always come up with ideas to stay active online.”

When was Roma Club Habana formed and what was the idea behind setting up the club?

Rodríguez Copa: “Our fan club is relatively young. Last May, we celebrated our one-year anniversary. Roma Club Habana was born because, in Cuba, the following for European football has grown exponentially over the last few years. Additionally, several teams have official fan clubs in Cuba.

“In the past few years, I gave myself the task of searching for Roma fans in Cuba, and little by little I was able to find followers throughout the country. Today, Roma Club Habana consists of 20 lovely, dedicated members, who I now consider family."

What does a normal Roma match-day look like for members of Roma Club Habana?

Rodríguez Copa: “Match-day can be complicated for us. Here on the island, we don’t have cable television, so we cannot meet in any of the member homes to watch the matches. Sometimes we go to a local bar or hotel, but that also depends on the matches that they are showing. Roma Radio is our last resource if “all else” fails. It is quite the odyssey I know, and it is a different situation every time, but we have a lot of fun doing it.”

Why should someone join Roma Club Habana?

Rodríguez Copa: “Being part of our fan club is like being part of Roma itself. We are pleasant, cheerful, and always positive about the club. We look at Roma as an example for our Roma Club Habana, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.”

Can you describe what the football culture looks like in Cuba, and how that has impacted Roma Club Habana?

Rodríguez Copa: “As I commented before, passion for football has only grown on the island in the last few years. There are a lot more European matches on television, creating increased awareness for the Roma, and football in general.”

What is your favourite Roma moment since Roma Club Habana was formed?

Rodríguez Copa: “Two moments come to mind - the first one was this season’s opener against Genoa, which was the first match we watched together as an organised group. The other one was right before the pandemic hit, and we welcomed Roman writer, and author of the book “Daniele De Rossi, Uno Di Noi” to our watch party. Along with watching the match, he gave us a signed copy of his book.”

If you could meet anyone connected to Roma - past or present - who would it be and why?

Rodríguez Copa: “It is very difficult for me to choose just one person, so there are four that I will mention. The first one is Bruno Conti. Along with his positive attitude, he’s a fan of baseball, Cuba’s national sport! Of course, there is Francesco Totti. He is the reason I am a Romanista. Also, Daniele de Rossi, who taught me to fight until the last breath for what I want. Lastly, Edin Dzeko, who shows us that in life you can get anywhere you want with hard work.”

What does it mean for you, and Roma Club Habana to see football return after such a difficult time?

Rodríguez Copa: “Well, returning to football is without a doubt a message of hope for Italy and the world. A message that despite all the difficulties the world is experiencing, that shows us there is always a way to begin again. And to be quite honest, life without Roma, even if we have a difficult time watching matches, is not the same. Forza Roma Sempre!”

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