-
![]()
people together/ vory C
immigrantsand! islims
for years. Yerany of the
players are from Muslim a.
As a result, the national te
symbol of unity and has
peace throughout the cou.
for Soccer
The story of soccer in Africa is a long one. In the
19th century, European colonists? brought the
game to Africa. Early matches were first played in
the South African cities of Cape Town and Port
Elizabeth in 1862. In time, the sport spread across
the continent. Today, several of the game's best
players come from African nations, including
Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Nigeria. All
over the continent, thousands of soccer academies
now recruit boys from poorer cities and towns
to play the game. Many learn to play in their bare
feet,' and they are tough, creative competitors.
Their dream is to play for the national team or to
join one of the big clubs in Europe someday. For
some, the dream comes true.
G All over Africa, soccer is
and teachers for another
people-especially boys-
of trouble."Most clubs ir
don't allow boys to play
school," explains Abubal
best to help young peop
responsible in society.
For us, soccer is also a to
F But the chance to make money with a
professional team is probably not the main
reason for soccer's popularityin Africa. "Soccer is
the passion of everyone here," says Abubakari
Abdul-Ganiyu, a teacher who works with youth
clubs in Tamale, Ghana. "It unifies us." In fact,
more than once, the game has helped to bring
2 Colonists are people who set
by another country.
3 If you do something in your
shoes.
4 An immigrant is a person w
from another country.
5 If you face discrimination,
because of your age, gender.
