African Stories

Soccer fever grips Ghanaian women

For many, football is traditionally a man’s game. Men dominate soccer on the field, in the galleries and in beer halls where the beautiful game is celebrated. But that may be changing. In Ghana, not only are women a force to contend with on the playing field, but they are also becoming passionate supporters.

By Rosemary Mroba Gaisie - 4 November 2010 - Audio

Football for Hope

A soccer festival in Alexandra Township took place in which thirty-two teams of young people from disadvantaged communities around the world came together for the tournament that was organised to raise awareness for social issues.

By Jean Pierre Kepseu - 4 November 2010 - Photo

How football is helping to heal Zimbabwean wounds

Focuses on how the 14-nation regional football tournament that took place in Zimbabwe has served to unite the people of Zimbabwe who have been divided on political grounds for 10 years. It articulates how an international sporting festival of this magnitude, coming as it did ahead of the World Cup, will produce massive tourism and investment spin-offs for a country still reeling from economic decay.

By Goodwill Zunidza - 4 November 2010 - Text

Traditional Healers

A sangoma initiation ceremony.

By Nikki Rixon - 2 November 2010 - Passion and belief, Photo

Mulenga at Home

Jacob Mulenga returns home to visit family and friends.

By Richard Mulonga - 30 October 2010 - Photo

Farm Football

Deep in the rural heartland of Zambia, in Mbiya Camp, a young boy can be found with a handmade soccer ball in hand, taking a break from his farming duties to hone his skills.

By Leonie Marinovich - 27 October 2010 - Photo, Rich dreams, poor realities

Divine intervention in football: The Nigerian perspective

There is said to be a spiritual element in whatever the African does irrespective of one’s religious belief. This is also embedded in African football, where the religious attribute their success or failure to their inability to resort to divine intervention.

By Rosemary Mroba Gaisie - 27 October 2010 - Audio

African soccer leagues suffer as elite players migrate to Europe

African soccer leagues are now tottering on the brink of collapse, as more and more of the continent’s elite players escape harsh economic conditions at home for greener pastures in Europe. Does soccer have a future in Africa?

By Walter Onyango Omolo - 27 October 2010 - Text