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

What is the real age of Nigerian footballers?

Nigeria is an African soccer powerhouse. For ages, the country that some call the “Brazil of Africa” has been the most popular footballing nation boasting some of the finest talents. However, the country’s integrity is under a cloud after the well-publicized scandal on age-cheating involving the Under 17 national team.

By Andrew Kabuura - 11 October 2010 - Audio

Burundian Hairdressers

Like many other Africans who come to South Africa, Burundian nationals are often slapped with the reality of high unemployment rates. Many of them go into informal trades like hairdressing to earn a living.

By Arnaud Thierry Gouegnon - 11 October 2010 - Photo

Secondhand Goods

With brand new sports equipment fetching impossibly high prices in Ghana, it is no wonder that second-hand markets, such as the Kantamanto Market in Accra, do such a raging trade.

By Emmanuel Quaye - 10 October 2010 - Photo

Soccer Bling

The South African Premier Soccer League is the wealthiest league in Africa. Clifford (17) is midfielder for Ajax Cape Town and played his first international match for Bafana Bafana just last year.

By Simone Scholtz - 8 October 2010 - Future stars and yesterday's heroes, Photo

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

Soccer Worlds

Without the luxury of grassy football fields, children who live in and around Accra, Ghana have to make do with street corners, taxi ranks and disused buildings.

By Andrew Esiebo - 5 October 2010 - Fans, fun and football, Photo

Soccer culture in Egypt

How has Egypt’s rich heritage and modern lifestyle embedded with Muslim culture and tradition, contributed to the development of football in the country?

By Makgotso Sekete - 5 October 2010 - Audio