The African Sports & Creative Institute Newsletter - Week 45
Sawubona (Hallo?) Unjani (How are you?) in Swazi from the Editorial desk - welcoming you to our weekly brief. Swazi is the most commonly spoken native language in Eswatini down to the Southern parts of Africa - our feature country this week.
Mid-November already, and some sports business action to look at; how AI is transforming sports, FIBA’s international migration report, WADA’s award of funding for scientific research and arm-wrestling rise to name but a few.
Go to [email protected] drop us a line, greetings or something we may have missed. Let’s get started!
Wamukelekile!
The AI space is rapidly transforming the sports industry, which is projected to surpass $700 billion by 2026, with AI investments alone expected to reach $19.2 billion by 2030, driving growth, optimization, and enhanced fan engagement. An interesting space for sports tech enthusiasts to interact with.
The FIBA 2024 Migration Report shows a steady rise in international transfers, highlighting the need for flexible strategies to harness the opportunities of an increasingly global talent landscape. For Africa, the region maintains a neutral balance in terms of exports-imports. Credit to the globalization of basketball and the great job by the CIES - International Centre for Sports Studies team!
Egypt’s Al Ahly ranked highest on the IFFHS - International Federation of Football History and Statistics latest rankings released in October 2024. The annual studies look at the club rankings from across the world based on country and continental performances of the teams. East Africa's Yanga FC's steady rise on African club football, currently ranking 5th on the African continent.
?The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has announced USD$ 1.4 million in funding for selected scientific research projects, reinforcing its commitment to advancing anti-doping science and promoting clean sport globally. This is a step in the right direction for the good and cleanliness of sport.
World Rugby has signed an exclusive global partnership with Fanatics - the leading digital sports platform, to oversee and manage the official retail and licensing programme for World Rugby, including the Rugby World Cups up to 2029. This is in a bid to expand the market for their merchandise and offer this across the different platforms that Fanatics handles.
Hollywood star Whoopi Goldberg is launching AWSN (All Women Sports Network), a global television network dedicated exclusively to women’s sports, set to be available in 65 countries. A ground-breaking and monumental play for women's sport!
According to the Ultimate Armwrestling League, arm wrestling—which made its debut at this year’s African Games in Accra, Ghana and where 28 gold medals were awarded - showcasing a sport where concentration and skill outweigh sheer strength. This is a boon for a sport, usually done for fun and currently enjoying a global resurgence.
What We Love
Jackline Juma is making history as the first woman to coach a men's team in Kenya's top-flight football league, yet she continues to face sexism on the sidelines. As she leads FC Talanta into the new Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season, it quickly became clear to Juma that not everyone embraced her groundbreaking appointment. As for her ambitions on the pitch, Juma aims to lead Talanta to a top-six finish in the KPL this season.
All the best to Jackline, girl power!
Legacy and Impact
Ghanaian football legend Abedi Pele celebrated his 60th birthday on Tuesday, November 5th, drawing tributes from fans, former clubs, and football organizations honoring his exceptional career. Widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest players, Abedi Pele’s influence on the game remains unmatched.
At just 17 years old, he became the youngest player on the Black Stars team to help secure the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, a moment that marked the beginning of his lasting legacy. Two of his sons Andre Ayew and Jordan Ayew continue with his legacy with Jordan currently captain of the national team. Throughout his career, he has continued to inspire generations of players in Ghana and across the African continent, embodying skill, resilience, and passion for the sport.
What are We Reading
Sporting Goods Industry Dynamics represents the most comprehensive work ever produced on the evolution of the global sporting goods sector. This book is an essential resource for investors, board members, and key decision-makers within the industry. Written by Eugenio Di Maria, a former MBA professor and the founder of Sporting Goods Intelligence Europe and The Outdoor Industry Compass, this print-only, 400+ page work is divided into two volumes. Volume I will be released at ISPO Munich, where it will be showcased at a conference on December 3, in addition to being available at EDM Publications’ stand.?
{NB:Volume II is slated for release in March 2025}?
Country Focus
Eswatini
Formerly known as Swaziland, the new name Eswatini means "land of the Swazis" in the Swazi language and was partially intended to prevent confusion with the similarly named Switzerland. It has a rich history and heritage of one of the oldest and existing monarchies. What does it have in store?
Population: 1,236,126 GDP: ? $4.648 billion ?Nominal per capita: $3,995
Sports:
Football Milestones: Eswatini's national football team (nicknamed "Sihlangu Semnikati") is a regular feature in the COSAFA Cup, and is currently placed 160 in the FIFA rankings.
Olympic Participation: Eswatini made its Olympic debut in 1972. Highlights include boxer Musa Simelane reaching the 2nd round at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and sprinter Sibusiso Matsenjwa setting a national record in the 200-meter race at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Additionally, Eswatini sent its only Winter Olympian, skier Keith Fraser, to the 1992 Winter Olympics.
Athletics: Eswatini has consistently represented itself in regional athletics, with standout performances at events like the All-Africa Games and the African Championships. Notably, sprinters like Sibusiso Matsenjwa.
That's it folks for this week! Send us a note, thanking us, critiquing our work or suggesting what we can do better for sports. Our contact is [email protected]
Sala kahle, Hamba kahle!
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