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Stolen socks

African children play with homemade soccer balls made of condoms and socks in the hopes of one day playing in top European leagues.

By Kent Mensah - 3 September 2010 - Text

The down side to the government’s baby grant

In South Africa, the government gives impoverished black mothers a monthly grant of R250 (€26) for each child they have. This grant, also referred to as baby grant, drives many young girls to early pregnancy. In some instances, the young mothers cash in the money, but leave their babies in the care of their own mothers.

By Anne Mireille Mbiacob Nzouankeu - 10 August 2010 - Text

Egyptian referee

Egypitan army officer Essam Abd El Fatah never wanted to be a referee as a young man. Now nine years after becoming a referee, the lieutenant colonel in the Egyptian army stands at the pinnacle of his football career.

By Hossam Alaidy - 27 July 2010 - Text

The economic benefits that Cameroon has experienced from the World Cup

Cameroon’s participation in the 2010 FIFA World Cup helped many traders increase their turnover. The sale of sports gadgets skyrocketed and tenants of licensed premises were satisfied with the influx of customers.

By Anne Mireille Mbiacob Nzouankeu - 14 July 2010 - Text

Potency of Witchcraft

The phenomenon of witchcraft in football resurfaced as a hot topic of debate in the Cameroonian media after Cameroon were eliminated from the 2010 World Cup. This situation has whipped up doubts as to the potency of witchdoctors who were part of the Cameroonian delegation.

By Leocadia Jisi Bonbeng - 9 July 2010 - Text

Dede on Ghana’s future

For youngster Andre Ayew, one of the shining stars in the team, the tournament in South Africa was a learning curve. With his eyes firmly focussed on the future, Ayew, who is popularly referred to as Dede, was already looking ahead with optimism.

By Kennedy Gondwe - 7 July 2010 - Text

Forlan

After inspiring Uruguay to the semifinals, Diego Forlán can now be confident he ranks among the more recognizable faces among all Africans. The Atletico Madrid striker has become Public Enemy No. 1 after rubberstamping his status as the scourge of African football against Ghana.

By Joseph Opio - 6 July 2010 - Text

Africa Loses

There was nothing gallant about Ghana’s white-flag act in the 2010 World Cup quarterfinals. Inept failures of nerve at the World Cup have become an African trademark since Italia ‘90. And against Uruguay, Ghana became the latest African team to self-destruct in the pressure-cooker of football’s ultimate contest. Sadly, like all African teams before it, Ghana’s naïve suicide act will be greeted by patronizing ‘hard-luck’ cheers instead of the scathing condemnation it deserves. Joe Opio writes a damning post-mortem.

By Joseph Opio - 5 July 2010 - Text