Football (Soccer) in Africa: Origins, Contributions, and Contradictions

This book provides an analysis of the history, origins, and development of football in Africa, focusing on the three major foreign languages and powers that have governed the continent: English, French, and Arabic. It examines the history, development, management, and mismanagement of football by bureaucrats at the political level and various football federations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 314 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive volume delves into the rich tapestry of football's history, origins, and development across Africa. It presents an edited collection of essays that explore and analyze football in nine African countries, namely Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and Uganda. By focusing on these nations, the book highlights the significant influence of three major foreign languages and powers that have shaped the continent: English, French, and Arabic. This comparative approach enables readers to discern similarities and differences in the evolution of football across Africa, shedding light on the enduring reliance and dominance of Europeans over Africans.

Contributors to this volume delve into the intricate details of the game's genesis, examining and analyzing the historical, developmental, managerial, and mismanagement aspects at both the political and football federational levels across the continent. Through their insightful analysis, they shed light on the complex interplay of factors that have contributed to the growth and evolution of football in Africa, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

This volume serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, football enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding the multifaceted aspects of football in Africa. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced perspective on the game's past, present, and potential future, contributing to our understanding of the complex social, cultural, and political dynamics that shape this beloved sport on the continent.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030948689
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022