Beyond the Game: The multiple ways South Africa can benefit from soccer’s influence
South Africa has some of the best football stadiums in Africa, all getting a boost from both soccer and rugby funding. These stadiums, built near underdeveloped places like Soweto, help grow an area's infrastructure.
Soccer has been Africa’s most popular sport, and its advantages are noticeable beyond the field. Similarly, South Africa has enjoyed soccer’s advantages, especially during and after the 2010 World Cup. Therefore, soccer’s influence outside the field is directly felt, and here are the benefiting sectors and groups.
Improvement of the country’s infrastructure
South Africa has some of the best football stadiums in Africa, all getting a boost from both soccer and rugby funding. These stadiums, built near underdeveloped places like Soweto, help grow an area’s infrastructure.
2010’s World Cup has had a great impact to date, as it also influenced the construction and improvement of world-class arenas, the first of their kind in Africa. As a result, the country can host different international sporting events, all accessed via Betway, like the HSBC series plus 15s rugby and cricket. These stadiums include:
FNB stadium
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Mbombela
Moses Mabhida
Ellis Park
Cape Town Stadium
Creation of Virtual Employment
Unemployment has been an issue, especially for the nation’s youth population. The lack of jobs increases the crime rate in major cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria. However, normally unnoticed is how the normalisation of soccer has created opportunities, especially through technological exploration.
An example is online sports betting, where you can bet on the South Africa premier division. Sites like Betway have these games readily available, with excellent odds for better-winning margins. Moreover, people outside the country can bet for teams like Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates using Betway.
Additionally, soccer has influenced more soccer journalists to use social media for written and video blogs. A swipe in your Tiktok or Twitter algorithm can get you to these platforms.
Promoting unity in the country
Racial divide has been a long-standing issue in South Africa, yet nothing unifies the country more than its two most popular sports, soccer and rugby. Considering its popularity globally, soccer has excelled in bringing people together during games and through initiatives by different players in conflicting areas.
Also, international soccer federations have played a role. They help set up different academies, inviting participants from all backgrounds, and given an equal opportunity to progress with the game professionally. Some of these academies include:
Liverpool FC International Academy
Ubuntu Football Academy
Level 7 Soccer Academy
Fostering international bonds and spreading national identity
Soccer competitions are a great way for nations to build good connections with each other. The 2010 World Competition is a good example that shaped the relationship with outside countries, evident over a decade later.
Also, some of the best footballers competing in big leagues come in handy in creating good relations with specific countries. Argentina has Messi, while Portugal has CR7 Ronaldo. Meanwhile, South Africa has had its share of stars, including Steven Pienaar, who carried SA’s flag while playing for Everton (EPL) and Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga).
Conclusion
Soccer has helped South African public and private entities through its diverse nature and, most importantly, the citizens. The latter are exposed to different resources, including sports economics, kids benefiting from academies, and the youth can use the game for self-employment. Most importantly, soccer, similar to rugby, symbolises peace and unity in South Africa.
