Africa, the Gift of the Nile, is a fascinating place where you can find all sorts of entertainment sources. From online casinos for South Africans to soccer matches you can watch on a regular basis, it is clear that this continent is not lacking in elements of fun.
However, what it does lack is the number of talented players who actively choose to stay within its’ boundaries.
There is no denying the fact that some highly talented soccer players come from African descent, whether they were raised on the continent or not.
The thing is, those players usually opt for playing for playing in European clubs rather than going back to their roots, which means that a lot of talent leaves the continent.
Why is that? Why do players prefer to stay in Europe? And why do some of them come back to Africa at some point? Now is your chance to find some answers to those burning questions.
Why Soccer Players Prefer Europe
In recent years, the African soccer world has been in turmoil. Corruption, unregulated agents, and insufficient compensation for the players’ efforts, all create an undesirable situation that players prefer to avoid.
Young kids all around Africa, all with the dream of making something of themselves, gullibly sign contracts with soccer agents that promise them they will all be the next big thing in the field.
However, what those kids are presented with is a lacking system, inadequate training schemes, and more. So no wonder people preferred to stay away!
However, nowadays, some changes are taking place in the soccer industry, which may stop all the talented soccer players from leaving Africa. But is that enough?
The Reasons for Choosing to Come Back
Even though there are issues with the soccer scene in Africa, for some reason, various players chose to abandon their post in Europe in favor of joining various African national teams. How come? What brought on this change?
First of all, it is important to remember that not all players were born in Africa. Many players were born, or raised from an early age, in European countries, so they don’t have any connection to their heritage.
That means that patriotism and nostalgia aren’t real factors that can influence their decisions, which changes the way we should look at this perplexing trend.
According to experts, the reason those players choose to come back to Africa is due to their inability to maintain their positions in European clubs. The competition for every spot in those clubs is fierce, and not everyone can take it.
With so many players out there and very few positions they can fill, it is no wonder that some of them are left with no other choice than to seek a stable position elsewhere.
They bring the knowledge and expertise they acquired in European clubs back to the motherland, which makes them a hot commodity, and they have little issue with securing themselves a spot.
Players Who Came from Europe to Join African Teams
Amongst the various players who chose to join African teams, you may find some familiar names. Wilfried Zaha, who is still a member of an English club, also joined the Ivory Coast national team in 2016.
You also have Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, a forward for Arsenal F.C, who chose to join the Gabon national team back in 2009. He managed quite well in the new position, which is why he still holds it today.
Saido Berahino also joined that list a while ago, and nowadays, he plays for Stoke City F.C in England, and the Burundi national team.
Other players, such as Tokelo Rantie, Mandla Masango, and Andile Jali, are rumoured to be heading to Africa once they finish their current contracts. And who knows? Maybe other players will join them as well.
In Conclusion
For quite some time, soccer players from African descent have been making their way back to Africa for various reasons. Does it mean that change is coming? We sure hope so!