Photography by Tine Harden
Foreword by Jesper Strudsholm
Published by Struik Travel and Heritage
Hardcover: 144 pages.

The World Cup’s over, and things have gone so quiet on the football pitch that you’d think the game of soccer had packed up and moved to Brazil. I’m certainly happy to tell you otherwise.

In her latest work, award-winning Danish photographer Tine Harden explores 12 of Africa’s football-loving nations and gets to the nitty of what soccer in the Third World is really all about.

The images took my breath. They evoke the optimism and happiness of the people in a way that almost made me feel a part of the picture. I was right there inside that buzzing stadium crowded with ecstatic Ghanaian supporters and on that dusty make-shift pitch during a friendly amateur match in Sierra Leone.

But the focus isn’t purely on the peachy side. Ms Harden isn’t shy to show the unpolished side of the continent, which brought me back to the reality of the matter. As if to say: ‘Yes, life is tough, but we press on with smiles on our faces.’

In his foreword, Jesper Strudsholm describes how African football provides a bridge over which disparate nations have slowly been able to reunite and, more importantly, of how it creates such a significant form of relief among the poorest and most disadvantaged. As he says: “Soccer is a substitute of food in times of suffering; the saviour and destroyer of national pride; an adhesive that heals the cracks of society…”

After investing much time and money into the development of the Mbangweni Pirates (Swaziland), it seems he gained a deep understanding of how tough it is to keep an amateur team going without access to grants or sponsors. And - just as the pictures tell it – of how the ongoing struggle makes even the smallest victory all the sweeter.

From school kids and fans to amateur and professional footballers, from Morocco to Mozambique and everywhere in between; this fascinating collection truly lives up to its title ‘Soccer in Africa’ by showing it all. But perhaps most the awe-inspiring aspect of this book is the photographers’ strong ability to capture momentum.

As a fanatic of both the sport and powerful photography I was astonished by this piece.
I think the book’s ideal as a gift and is definitely something you’ll want for your guest library, especially in the wake of the World Cup.

And if you adore the ‘beautiful game’ as much as I do, ‘A Game of Passion - Soccer in Africa’ will leave you smitten.

Liesa Belling

Buy it here.