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The Silver Lining

Sebokeng is located in The Vaal, an impoverished collection of towns, townships and shanty towns in the gritty industrial area south of Johannesburg, where current South African captain Aaron Mokoena hails from. As a hotbed of football talent, The Vaal is unrivalled.

By Joseph Opio - 9 December 2010 - Text

Premier business

The English Premier League is fast turning into a multi-billion dollar industry in Africa – with many businesses now depending on it for survival. This in the wake of the shift in focus by more and more African soccer fans to the League. Outlets televising Premier League matches are raking in millions of shillings, let alone the pay-TV stations that hold broadcast rights. Then there is the bloc that trades on apparels and promotional materials of the respective clubs.

By Walter Onyango Omolo - 16 November 2010 - Text

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

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

China: Zambia’s football bed-fellow?

Investigating the impact increased Chinese investment in Zambia may have on reversing the country’s football fortunes in the wake of the global credit crunch.

By Kennedy Gondwe - 18 October 2010 - Text

The fight against HIV/AIDS in South Africa

Bafana Bafana might have exited the 2010 FIFA World Cup earlier than hoped, but while Carlos Alberto Parreira’s boys played to nationwide acclaim, another brigade of locals was pursuing an even more treacherous mission.

By Joseph Opio - 14 October 2010 - Text

Africa gives thumbs up to medical tests for age groups cheats in FIFA tournaments

A look at the reaction of African nations to the introduction of medical tests to detect correct ages of footballers in FIFA junior tournaments. African nations also speak out on countries they feel are age group cheats pointing fingers at Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon.

By Limukani Ncube - 11 October 2010 - Text

Rival clubs

Football rivalry between Al Ahly and Zamalek is regarded as one of Africa’s fiercest derby and can divide even families.

By Denis Dibele - 8 October 2010 - Text