Synopses & Reviews
In June 2010, Africa will host the World Cup, the most significant global sporting spectacle ever to take place on the continent. South Africa's successful bid was in many ways unsurprising: soccer thrives in every country in Africa, and is a vitally important aspect of communities. This fascinating history traces the development of soccer in Africa and investigates what makes African soccer unique. Drawing on a wide range of sources, it also examines how the game fits into the social and political life of the continent.
Review
"Will appeal as much to those interested in the history and geography of Africa as it will to aficionados of the sport." Financial Times (U.S. edition)
Review
"Trying to define football on a continent sounds like a tall order. Fortunately Hawkey . . . is a recognized authority on African Football. This is an intelligent and insightful work." World of Sport
Synopsis
In June 2010, Africa will host the World Cup, the most significant global sporting spectacle ever to take place on the continent. South Africa's successful bid was in many ways unsurprising: soccer thrives in every country in Africa, and is a vitally important aspect of communities. This fascinating history traces the development of soccer in Africa and investigates what makes African football unique. Drawing on a wide range of sources, it also examines how the game fits into the social and political life of the continent.
About the Author
Ian Hawkey is a soccer journalist for the Sunday Times.