Thoughtful Thursday: What should African football do to promote itself sustainably?
With some of the undisputed best players in the world hailing from Africa, the beautiful game’s product is clearly reaping the benefits from Africa’s footballing prowess. While there is the argument that African football is not as rich tactically and technically in comparison to European and South American countries, the fact is that everyone who cares about the modern game wants to see Africa blossom into a powerhouse.
The United States may be the only market for football that has not truly been tapped, but the vast potential for the sport to succeed in Africa is clearly visible. Didier Drogba is arguably the world’s best striker, and the Ivory Coast captain knows how important the next year will prove to be for his continent. Every great African footballer is either already in Europe, or realizes he should be in Europe because the wealth and the resources for the game are there.
This summer is the first opportunity for Africa to utilize the resources FIFA has to offer. As we see often in sport, results on the pitch can do much more for a nation when fueled by the hope and pride it provides. I won’t go so far as to say that football will be the reason why some African nations develop, but the transcendental mentality that the sport can supply certainly is a factor.
With all eyes on Africa, how do you think African nations should try to develop and promote the African product of the beautiful game?
(Another thing to think about: 16 Years ago Nelson Mandela managed to get the native South Africans to support the white rugby team. How utterly incredible is it that the nation’s primarily black football team will be supported by the entire nation united, even possibly playing at Nelson Mandela stadium? I believe society spurs sport, and sport spurs society. What do you think?)
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