We usually study Africa in the context of development, resource exploitation or migration. The history of colonisation plays a part in all those issues. For example, migrants from former French colonies in Africa are more likely to move to other French-speaking countries. It may not have occurred to you that the colonial past of Africa also plays a role in its geography of sport. And studying its sporting networks can give us some insight to wider economic, social, cultural and political issues on the continent.
Colonisation of Africa played a role in the spread of sports, in particular football, across the continent. Football was first played by expatriates and then spread outwards from port cities into a wider area. Football’s current popularity in parts of Africa partly reflects both its historical roots and the more recent commercialisation and global media coverage of the sport. Football supporters all over Africa are familiar with English, Spanish and Italian club teams. However, colonial history and geographical connections continue to play an important role in shaping aspects of the sport.
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