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Asia Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Asia Times
African pro soccer footballers have improved the sport in China
Relations between China and Africa are increasingly important in understanding the dynamics that shape our world. But until now, the role of sport was overlooked. A new book, Global China and the Global Game in Africa , explores the role of football in relations between China and Africa – culturally, politically and economically. Wycliffe W. Njororai Simiyu chatted with The Conversation about his chapter in the book. It's a study of African football migration, how players fare in the popular China Super League and what their experiences of the country are. A growing number of African male football players moved abroad to play professionally after the Bosman ruling in 1995. This European Court of Justice decision related to freedom of movement for workers. It triggered sports migration around the globe, and African players were major beneficiaries. Historically, aspiring African professional footballers mostly looked for opportunities in Europe. Leagues in France, England, Belgium, Germany, Spain and Portugal were popular because of their colonial ties to Africa. They offered established footballing structures and higher wages. The Middle East, the US and south-east Asia also became options. However, China's sustained economic growth over the last three decades has contributed to an intense and multifaceted global engagement that includes the game of football. The Chinese Super League (CSL) began to invest heavily in attracting international talent. It became a viable and often lucrative alternative for African players. This coincided with China's growing economic influence in Africa. African players are sought after for their athleticism and speed. And often they make lower transfer fee and wage demands than players from Europe or South America. Between 2006 and 2023, over 141 African players played in the Chinese Super League. They came from west Africa (59.57%), central Africa (19.5 %), southern Africa (10.64%), north Africa (8.51%) and east Africa (2.13%). Research shows that these players have generally performed well, often making significant contributions to their teams. Match statistics indicate that many African strikers and attacking midfielders have been key playmakers. Many have emerged as top scorers in the league. Their physical attributes often give African footballers an edge, and many have quickly adapted to the playing style in China. Chinese players, often lacking international exposure, and constrained athletically, tend to rely on technical finesse. Migrant players bring athleticism, cosmopolitan technical-tactical awareness and levels of intensity that make the league more exciting. African players are enriching the Chinese game significantly, just as they have done to the European game. They've increased the number of tactical choices and game plans for Chinese teams and, in the process, upped the quality of the league. Of course, performance can vary greatly depending on individual players, team tactics, and the overall level of competition in the league at different periods. Players' experiences in the CSL vary. Many report positive experiences when it comes to the financial rewards and the opportunity to play professional football at a high level. But cultural and linguistic barriers can present challenges. African players must adapt to Chinese food and social customs. Language and communication within the team can take time and effort. Some players have also reported issues of racism or feeling isolated because of these cultural differences and the transient nature of their contracts. Some feel lonely. Research on African football migration generally highlights that the social and cultural integration process is crucial for the overall well-being and success of African players abroad. Sport, particularly football with its global appeal and professional structures, is a significant avenue for transnational movement. FIFA, as the global governing body of football, facilitates this movement through regulations and transfer systems. It's the mission of FIFA to establish and grow the game of football into a truly global sport. This, however, continues to be undermined by the enduring global inequalities and disparities that shape the world. For many African men, professional football represents a pathway to economic advancement and social mobility. These opportunities are often limited in their home countries due to economic constraints or lack of well-developed professional leagues. So, migration to leagues like the Chinese Super League is driven by both push factors (limited opportunities at home) and pull factors (better financial rewards and professional experiences abroad). The presence and performance of African players in the Chinese Super League can contribute to China's soft power and image in Africa. Seeing African athletes succeed in China can foster a sense of connection and goodwill between the two regions. It showcases China as a global player in the world of football and can be interpreted as a sign of growing ties and mutual engagement beyond economic and political spheres. Apart from being players, African footballers act as cultural ambassadors for their respective countries and the African continent. At the level of people-to-people exchange, African players interact with their Chinese teammates, fans and communities. This enhances and sustains cultural exchange and understanding. However, it's my considered opinion that, unlike the western countries where many former players settle and raise families, many Africans in China seem not to see it as being a friendly place to settle down. Even so, the presence of African players in China is helping to develop a greater familiarity and affinity between the people of China and Africa, with the promise of lasting influence socially, economically and culturally. Wycliffe W. Njororai Simiyu is a professor and the chair of kinesiology and health science at Stephen F. Austin State University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
New Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Wuhan edge Melbourne to win inaugural AFC Women's Champions League
WUHAN: Wuhan Jiangda beat Melbourne City 5-4 on penalties on Saturday to lift the first-ever Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Champions League trophy before an emotional home crowd in the Chinese city of Wuhan. The Australian side were poised to win until Wang Shuang converted a penalty for the five-time Chinese Super League champions, in the eighth minute of time added on, and forced extra-time. Neither side were able to score in extra-time so the final went down to the dreaded shootout. "This path was very difficult, and we are very happy to win this championship," said 31-year-old Wuhan goalkeeper Chen Chen. "We also made a piece of history for Wuhan." A tight first-half offered up few chances, with former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Wang going close to breaking the deadlock. Her goalbound shot was smartly saved by Spanish international goalkeeper Malena Mieres seconds before the halftime whistle. City's semi-final heroine Shelby McMahon broke the deadlock with a header in the 76th minute to put the visitors 1-0 up. The 17-year-old's goal seemed to energise coach Michael Matricciani's team, with Bryleeh Henry finding the back of the net – only for that to be ruled out for a foul, handing the hosts a lifeline. Wang finally beat Mieres in the eighth minute of time added on, converting a penalty, sending the 18,000 home fans wild and offering them hope of even better to come.
Daily Mail
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Meet the former England wonderkid playing in exile under a completely different name
He once stood toe-to-toe with Liverpool at Anfield. Now, he's donning the red of China, answering to a new name, and winning titles thousands of miles from where it all began. Tyias Browning, now known as Jiang Guangtai, might just be football's most fascinating reinvention - and at 30, he's thriving in a world few expected him to enter. Browning was once tipped for the top. A no-nonsense centre-back coming through the ranks at Everton, he looked every inch the future Premier League regular. England youth caps? Tick. Merseyside derby debut? Tick. At just 20-years-old, he was hailed as one of the most promising young defenders in the country. His raw potential was evident as he moved up the ranks of the national youth teams, earning five caps for the England U21s between 2014 and 2015. But the breakthrough never quite came. While he showed his capabilities in various loan spells, including stints at Wigan, Preston North End, and Sunderland, it was clear that a regular spot in the Premier League wasn't in the cards for Browning. The promise was there, but the opportunity perhaps not. Instead of slipping quietly into the lower leagues, he did something few English players dare to do - he started over. Not in the EFL, but in the Chinese Super League. His move to China coincided with a broader push by Chinese football to recruit naturalised players - individuals with ties to the country, who could help raise the level of domestic football and compete at an international level. Speaking about his move to East Asia in 2019, Browning told the Mirror: 'People were saying I was a bit young to come to China but I came here for a new challenge and I'm enjoying it.' He also spoke highly of his former manager, Fabio Cannavaro, who was in charge of Guangzhou during his time at the club. 'You couldn't ask for anyone better to work with as a defender,' he added. For many, the move raised eyebrows. But for Browning, it was a chance to start fresh in a rapidly growing football scene. It wasn't just about football, though; it was about reimagining his future. Thanks to his maternal grandfather, Browning was eligible for Chinese citizenship. With the decision to embrace his Chinese heritage, Browning officially changed his name to Jiang Guangtai - a symbolic and literal new start. And far from being a novelty, he's now one of China's most trusted defenders. Since his international debut in 2021, Browning has quietly racked up over 30 caps, scoring once against Palestine. At club level, he hasn't just settled - he has starred. Winning the league with Guangzhou. Becoming a leader at Shanghai Port. Lifting back-to-back titles. All while adjusting to a new culture, a new language, and the immense pressure of representing 1.4 billion people. His transformation is more than a passport change. It's a study in reinvention. And in a football world often obsessed with overnight success, Browning's journey is a reminder that sometimes, the most remarkable careers are the ones that take a detour.
Daily Record
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Steven Gerrard lands next Rangers boss pitch as takeover kings gifted blueprint with Muscat and Rose stance clear
The Ibrox side are on the hunt for their next permanent manager with the campaign rapidly drawing to a close Out of work Steven Gerrard would be the man to lead Rangers out of a "shambles" following the US consortium takeover at Ibrox. That is according to former Light Blues' winger Jamie Murphy - who reckons his former boss should be the man that American pharmaceutical tycoon Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises turn to after taking control of the club. The former Rangers manager and Marco Rose are the firm joint favourites for the permanent gig beyond the tenure of interim boss Barry Ferguson with oddsmakers. Gerrard has been out of work since leaving Al-Ettifaq earlier this season with the club plummeting towards the Saudi Pro League drop zone. His time in the Middle East followed up an ill-fated spell in the Premier League with Aston Villa - after he left Ibrox in 2021 - with the Midlands outfit also facing a scrap at the foot of the table before Gerrard was shown the door. 49ers Enterprises Technical Director Gretar Steinsson is set to have a major role in choosing the next man in the hot seat - and Murphy reckons that Gerrard's trophy record shouldn't count against him. During his three-year tenure he lifted one trophy, and the Ayr United man told the Go Radio Football Show: "I think it's easy to look at records. "Ultimately, that is what people will look at, but when he came into Rangers we were a bit of a shambles in terms of managers and directors had fallen out, we didn't have the right training kit, the training ground needed fixed - everything. "He brought in his staff and got them to the level that they were good enough to win the league. That is what Rangers fan wanted. "It is not quite in the state it was when he first took it over, but if he was to come in there would certainly be improvement. "The improvement that went through Rangers first time around was there for everyone to see." Shanghai Port boss Kevin Muscat has been consistently touted with a move to the host seat after being interviewed for the Rangers job after Michael Beale was axed following two successful seasons with Yokohama F. Marinos - but the decision-makers at Ibrox opted to go with Philippe Clement. Since then, Muscat has gone on to lift a league and cup double in China - and is not battling for another Chinese Super League crown. Going into the clash with Beijing Guoan, he insisted his focus was on the title fight after a sluggish start to the season: "We know there is a lot of interest when we play against Beijing, so we are looking forward to working together along with our fans to be successful." Reports in Egypt suggest former RB Leipzig boss Rose is open to a quick-fore return to management - having been shown the door by the Bundesliga side this season. It is claimed that Al Ahly are keen to open talks with German amid growing speculation he could be in the running for the Gers job.
South China Morning Post
17-04-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Fans voice anger as China club plays hours after Gabon striker Aaron Boupendza's death
Football fans in China were outraged by Zhejiang FC's decision to go ahead with a league match hours after the death of their Gabon international striker, Aaron Boupendza. Advertisement Police have ruled out foul play in the death of the 28-year-old, who died after falling from the 11th floor of a building in the eastern city of Hangzhou on Wednesday afternoon. Boupendza's Hangzhou-based club went ahead with a home Chinese Super League fixture later on Wednesday against Meizhou Hakka, sparking grief and anger from fans. 'Shouldn't this match have been postponed?' one user wrote on the X-like social media platform Weibo. Another posted on WeChat: 'Why didn't they postpone the match? The Chinese Super League is really very amateur.' Advertisement The match, which ended 2-2, was played in a sombre atmosphere with none of the club's other foreign players taking the field.
