A fascinating book that traces the development of football in Africa, finding out what makes African football unique and examining how the game fits into the social and political life of the continent.

Synopsis

This is a comprehensive study of African football that traces the development of the world's favourite sport through the tangled history and complex social and political life of this fascinating continent. Drawing on his own extensive experience, years of research and interviews with those involved in all levels of the African game, Ian Hawkey has crafted a remarkable book to satisfy the surge of interest in African football in 2010. He discusses the emergence of top African players in the European leagues, stars like Michael Essien and Samuel Eto'o. He also analyses African football's unique qualities and the successes that both national and domestic teams have enjoyed - from Al-Ahly's performance in the World Club Cup to Cameroon's previous World Cup campaigns and Nigeria's Olympic gold medal in 1996. Yet African football is not without problems, and has had to overcome tragedy - the book shows how football has fought against racism, corruption and political interference. Feet of the Chameleon is a compelling mixture of analysis and insight, a timely and entertaining study of African football's colourful history, players, supporters and legends.

Reviews

About the Author

Ian Hawkey is an authority on world football and has been the international football correspondent for the Sunday Times since 2001. He has lived in four African countries (Nigeria, Egypt, Zimbabwe and South Africa) and visited a further twenty-four African nations whilst researching his book Feet of the Chameleon. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation