From left: Boyzzz Khumalo, Tendai Jirira, Peter Alegi, Tumi Moshobane, Lesedi Mosielele
The second episode of the Umhlaba Podcast, a program about sports and education in Africa and America, has been released! [Click here for free download.]
In this episode, Umhlaba Vision Foundation founder Boyzzz Khumalo and I conduct a wide-ranging interview with South African midfielder Tumi Moshobane of Lansing Ignite and Zimbabwean defender Tendai Jirira of Detroit City FC.
The young men shed light on growing up playing soccer in youth academies and school teams in South Africa and Zimbabwe and tell us about their experiences pursuing professional soccer careers in the United States.
The conversation highlights the crucial role of education in ensuring long-term success as well as the value of healthy lifestyles, personal discipline, and giving back to the community by helping disadvantaged boys and girls have better opportunities in sports and education.
Aspiring South African coach Lesedi Mosielele joins the discussion towards the end, and eloquently states that Moshobane and Jirira are inspirational role models for many Africans dreaming of overseas success, on and off the pitch.
Originally conceived as an online academic book club, FSF has evolved into a vibrant international soccer studies community. Professors, graduate students, journalists, fans, and practitioners take part in 90-minute sessions. A distinguishing feature of FSF is the participation of authors willing to engage with an audience of knowledgeable fútbologists. Out of these conversations have sprung new sources and ideas, scholarly collaborations, publications, conference papers, and grants.
The 2019-20 schedule features a terrific lineup of books and authors. The season opens on September 24 (3pm US ET) with Futbolera: A History of Women and Sports in Latin America by Brenda Elsey and Joshua Nadel. Futbolera is “beautifully written, meticulously researched, incredibly thoughtful,” writes author and historian Amy Bass. “A must read,” says Laurent Dubois of Duke University.
On October 30 (3pm US ET), it’s time for Football and Colonialism: Body and Popular Culture in Urban Mozambique by Nuno Domingos. One reviewer of the book notes how “as Domingos effortlessly oscillates between colonial policy and indigenous response, he brings the city [of Maputo] alive, and at the heart of the text are the African players themselves.”
The following session is planned for December but is not centered around a book. Instead it focuses on the six-part documentary film This Is Football. Released on the Amazon Prime platform and boosted by endorsements from major companies, this series is likely to elicit a range of critiques from the experts. [Watch the trailer here.]
After the holiday break, FSF rekindles the excitement of the 2019 Women’s World Cup with a session on Caitlin Murray’s National Team: The Inside Story of the Women Who Changed Soccer. Sports Illustrated‘s Grant Wahl praises the book for “shedding new light on all the major tournaments while revealing fascinating details on [the USWNT’s] decades-long fight for better treatment from the men who run soccer.”
The last two sessions will grapple with David Goldblatt’s new 700-page book The Age of Football: The Global Game in the 21st Century. In all seriousness a British journalist called him “not merely the best football historian writing today, he is possibly the best there has ever been.” The dates for both the Murray and Goldblatt events are yet to be determined so stay tuned for updates.
A friendly reminder that all FSF events are free and open to the public. Anyone interested in participating should contact Dr. Alex Galarza (now at the University of Delaware) or me.
In the pilot episode of “The Umhlaba Podcast” I spoke with Boyzzz Khumalo and Yazeed Matthews about soccer and education in South Africa and the United States.
Both men are from Johannesburg, but grew up in different areas with distinct experiences. Matthews hails from the Westbury neighborhood, a segregated area reserved for “Coloureds” (biracial South Africans) under apartheid. Instead Khumalo is from Soweto, the huge black African township made famous by the student uprising of 1976. (Click here for more information about racial classification under apartheid.)
Khumalo in the late 1990s and Matthews in the 2010s gained the opportunity to study and play soccer in the United States. Both started out playing at small colleges (Matthews at Tyler College in Texas, Khumalo at Lindsey Wilson in Kentucky) before moving up to NCAA Division 1 soccer at Coastal Carolina University.
Today, both men call AFC Ann Arbor their home. Competing in the fourth-tier National Premier Soccer League, Matthews leads the Michigan club’s attack. He nurtures ambitions of moving up the American soccer pyramid and helping his family back home.
As the club’s Technical Director and ex-MLS player whose career was cut brutally short by injury (click here for his story), Khumalo acts as both coach and mentor to Matthews. A co-founder of the Umhlaba Vision Foundation, Khumalo reminds the younger player of the value of a college education should Matthews’ dream of becoming another Didier Drogba fall through.
With the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup underway, media interest in the competition and the female game has spiked. On June 8, I spoke with CGTN’s Frances Kuo about the challenges and opportunities facing women football players during Day 2 of the tournament in France.
In response to the anchor’s question about why women’s football is gaining international acceptance, I noted two factors: (1) the importance of institutions such as FIFA and corporate sponsors starting to treat women with greater dignity and respect; and (b) the strengthening of women’s club football in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.
My other comments were about the prospects of China’s team, which I rated as likely to reach the round of 16, and the gender discrimination lawsuit field by the US women’s national team earlier this year.
This is a guest post by Yussif Abuharaz, an undergraduate student at Michigan State University.
I come from a thriving Muslim community in Flint, Michigan, made up of more than 100 families from many different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. My dad is originally from Omdurman, Sudan, and my mom is from Manchester, England, so both grew up in cities passionate for their football (soccer)!
Most kids in our community receive their education at The Flint Islamic Center and its community has served as my ‘home’ since I was born. Our community has a wealth of football talent and this was seen early on by Talal Khoulani. Talal, who was born in Germany and moved to America as a baby, is of Syrian descent. In 1999, Talal founded FOB soccer, which got its name from the tongue-in-cheek expression “Fresh off the Boat”. It started off as a small team that took part in the local six-a-side indoor league. It quickly grew into a recognizable and established football “mini” club that has fostered some phenomenal players. FOB is widely recognized in Flint’s Genesee County and has a reputation as a respectable organization in the Michigan soccer community.
As a Flint-born Sudanese-American, my life has revolved around football and for this I am very grateful to FOB. It has provided me with countless opportunities and experiences that I will always value. FOB has brought together our community of recent immigrants and established Michiganders. I have made good friendships and enjoyed playing with some amazing players and lots of people from different backgrounds.
Although little known outside our small Flint community, FOB has produced some fantastic players that have gone on to play NCAA soccer at Division 1 and 2 level and one of us just signed a professional contract in the MLS/USL. The centerpieces of FOB are a highly competitive men’s league and one of the biggest and most prestigious 3v3 holiday tournaments in the region: the FOB Turkey Shootout. Those of us in the community look forward to this event all year: it’s always one of the best times of the year. The teams are a mix of semi-pro, D1/D2 college athletes, and some very talented young players.
FOB is a fine example of the kind of grassroots soccer that exists in the U.S. but rarely gets media coverage. In an attempt to draw attention to the accomplishments of the program, here is a list of the Top Ten players to ever wear the FOB jersey.
1. Issa Rayyan
Rayyan is a Jordanian-American born in Dearborn, Michigan, and is probabably a clear-cut number 1 choice. He recently signed his first professional contract with Bethlehem Steel, Philadelphia Union’s USL team, after completing a year at Duke University and playing for Union’s academy team for several years. A lightning-quick player of exceptional technical ability and a very high soccer IQ, Rayyan has been involved with FOB Soccer from a very young age. He regularly participates in FOB Men’s league and the famous Thanksgiving Turkey Shootout tournament, putting in some of the most memorable performances to go along with a Men’s league championship and a Turkey shootout finals appearance.
2. Yamann Sahlool
An American-born Syrian, Sahlool grew up with FOB and has contributed significantly to its growth. Receiving high-level training and playing on two Michigan academy teams in his teenage years, Sahlool developed into a rising prodigy. A combination of terrific finishing skills, strong on-the-ball ability, and sensational off-the-ball awareness led to him scoring bunches of goals and having dominant performances etched in FOB history. Ruthless in front of goal, Sahlool won a Turkey shootout championship and went on to play at the University of Michigan for four years.
3. Khaled Zaki
Born in Egypt, Zaki is one of FOB’s most exciting players. He has showcased some of the best performances in both the Turkey Shootout and the men’s league. Grace on the ball and quick feet are at the root of his exceptional skills that make him one of the toughest players to contain. Zaki is a multiple-time leading goal scorer in the men’s league, multiple-time All-FOB first team, winner of the best offensive player award, and a Turkey Shootout champion. Yet another player who personifies what FOB is all about.
4. Belal Khoulani
Khoulani’s older brother started FOB and he is been part of the program since he started playing. A Syrian-American born in Arkansas and raised in Flint, he is an extremely well-balanced all-around player with an outstanding work rate and soccer IQ, Khoulani can play in a number of different positions: he makes great runs in defense, leads the attack, and truly shines in the midfield. Having the ability to affect the game in several ways is Khoulani’s unique trait. He controls the pace and tempo of the match while staying tactically disciplined in whatever position he’s in. Khoulani currently plays Division 1 soccer at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, after several years at the Vardar academy. He is a three-time men’s league Champion and assist leader, Turkey Shootout champion, and first team All-FOB.
5. Ali Mukhtar
Mukhtar is regarded as one of the most exciting players to ever come through FOB. He is a Sudanese-American born in Flint, raised in Mississippi, who then moved back to Flint in middle school. A dazzling footballer who can use both feet equally well and has the ability to make any defender look silly. An extremely smooth and graceful player, he combines devastating pace and quickness with solid strength on the ball. Mukhtar is also a clinical finisher. He has played FOB since elementary school. Mukhtar is a three-time men’s league champion and leading scorer, Turkey Shootout champion, First Team All-FOB, and a four-time league MVP.
6. Kareem Shukairy
Shukairy is a Syrian-American raised in Flint. The Shukairy family is one of the biggest families in the local Muslim community which FOB anchors. A “Rolls Royce”-style player, Shukairy is smooth, poised, and elegant on the ball. A highly intelligent player who seems to always have his way on the field, he possesses high quality shooting and dribbling technique and is one of the smartest players on the field. Shukairy is a regular in Turkey Shootouts, men’s league, and college league. He is a Turkey Shootout champion and two-time First Team All-FOB.
7. Mohammad Mohammad
An Iraqi-American, Mohammad is an electric player with great pace. A versatile player who can play in the back line and on the wings, it is clear to see why he is so highly valued. Mohammad has been a part of FOB for many years and is regarded as one of the original FOB players. He is a men’s league champion and Second Team All-FOB.
8. Omer Saeed
A gifted and intelligent player, Saeed is seen as probably one of FOB’s most influential players. He is one of the many who were born and raised in Flint with a Sudanese background. He has the ability to completely dominate a game from the middle of the park and can be a match winner on any given day. Saeed is one of the smartest and most technically gifted midfielders, skipping past opponents with ease and picking out the perfect pass better than anyone. Saeed regularly tops the assist charts and continuously makes big plays. He is a two-time men’s league champion, All-FOB First team, four-time men’s league assist leader, and a men’s league MVP.
9. Yussif Abuharaz
According to Talal Khoulani, Abuharaz is the sort of the player that may go under the radar, but is a jack-of-all trades. He can put in solid shifts in defense, midfield, and attack. He placed in and around the top 5 in goals and assists almost every season. Abuharaz is exceptionally technical and a very good passer of the ball. His understanding of the game is up there with the best and he is willing to do all the dirty work in the midfield to help his team. His smooth, yet gritty style of play can be both easy on the eye and highly effective. Abuharaz has played for FOB since he was in middle school and is a two-time men’s league champion and a Turkey Shootout champion.
10. Sammy Saeed
Younger brother of Omer Saeed, Sammy is also a Sudanese-American from Flint. A speedy player of extraordinary fitness and athleticism, Saeed can be an effective and versatile player. At his best as a winger, he can also step in to play in the back line and make an impact on the game even as a forward. Saeed is regarded as a work horse who covers plenty of ground. He defends exceptionally well while being a box-to-box threat who can pop up with goals and assists. Saeed is also technically gifted and capable of breezing passed any defender who stands in his way. He is a two-time men’s league champion and two-time Turkey shootout runner up.
* * *
Soccer in the United States is growing rapidly. Despite its popularity, there are still major improvements needed. I believe more emphasis should be placed on individual player development and changing recruitment patterns. Small organizations and clubs can play a key role as they implement grassroots football values and styles that are critical for the game. FOB has done so for me and the Flint immigrant community that I have been lucky enough to call my own. Not only has FOB crafted me and many others into quality footballers that absolutely love the game, it has also served as a means of bringing people from many different cultures and ethnicities into one big family that, still to this day, take to the pitch as brothers above all else.
For almost a decade I’ve been involved with the Football Scholars Forum, an online book club that TV wordsmith Ray Hudson labeled “the soccer think tank.” An intellectual pick up game of sorts, an informal space to read, reflect, try new things, network, learn, and engage in thoughtful conversations with fútbologists around the world.
This fall, the group met three times. On September 25, Amy Bass, an historian and Emmy-award winning producer, joined us for a discussion of her new book, One Goal: A Coach, a Team, and the Game That Brought a Divided Town Together. This evocative ethnography of Somali immigrants playing for Lewiston (Maine) High School’s Blue Devils provides both a contemporary shapshot of a changing postindustrial northeastern town and a classic sports story, a-la Friday Night Lights. Written for a general audience, One Goal benefits greatly from Bass’s expertise as a scholar of sports and the politics of race in the United States. With xenophobia and intolerance rising nationally and internationally, this book restores some hope that soccer can play a meaningful role in building community.
Sebastian Abbot, a former correspondent for the AP in Pakistan, was our guest on October 17. His (first) book, The Away Game: The Epic Search for Soccer’s Next Superstars, chronicles the “largest talent search in sports history”—the Football Dreams/Aspire Academy organized and lavishly funded by Qatar, the 2022 World Cup host nation, as a “soft power” operation. While many books these days thinly analyze “global football,” The Away Game tangibly connects people in West Africa, the Persian Gulf and Europe in illuminating ways. Scouting, the book shows, is increasingly reliant on science and information technology (big data, AI, etc.), but the attributes that led to the success of Diawandou Diagne, one of Abbot’s subjects from Senegal, “were much harder to spot in a match or training session; his judgment, strength of character, self-discipline, and motivation. These attributes made him a great leader. They also helped him make smart decisions off the field that proved just as important as those on it.”
The third FSF convocation took place on December 13, when we welcomed our University of Michigan colleagues Stefan Szymanski and Silke-Maria Weineck, authors of It’s Football, Not Soccer (and Viceversa). Through text mining of print media, scrutiny of Reddit and similar Internet forums, as well as other sources, the book explores the historical usage of the terms “soccer” and “football” mainly in the United States and Britain. In doing so, it reveals a much more complicated story that commonly assumed. The authors conclude that in a world with American, Australian, Gaelic, and rugby football codes, “soccer is quite a good word; unlike football, it does not create ambiguity.” Whether “soccer” can overcome its recent association with Americanization remains to be seen. Will the 2026 World Cup be a tipping point?
The white, middle class, minivan-driving suburban “Soccer Mom” has been part of U.S. political discourse since at least the 1996 presidential election.
Two decades later, soccer is so embedded in mainstream American culture that a candidate is using past college playing experience to boost her campaign.
Democrat Amy McGrath is challenging GOP incumbent Andy Barr in Kentucky’s 6th congressional district. The New York Times calls this “one of the most fiercely fought races” in the upcoming 2018 midterm elections.
Running in a culturally conservative state that Trump won by 30 points in 2016, McGrath’s campaign emphasizes her military background: Naval Academy graduate, fighter pilot, 20 years in the Marine Corps. If that weren’t enough, she also has three little ones and is married to a Navy veteran (“a Republican”!).
The thirty-second “Goalkeeper” ad is the seventh released by the McGrath campaign. It opens with the candidate in full Navy goalkeeping gear strutting towards the camera, saying: “I’m Amy McGrath and I played soccer at the Naval Academy so I can handle cheap shots”—a reference to her opponent’s flurry of negative ads.
McGrath then takes her place between the goalposts and rolls the ball out. She parries shots away with a “technique should not be duplicated,” as an NCAA coach told me, while addressing tax cuts, border security, Nancy Pelosi (“she didn’t even want me to run!”), and the national debt. “Congressman [Barr], is that all you got?” McGrath asks, while her husband and kids clap from the sidelines.
Regardless of the outcome of Kentucky’s election, McGrath’s “Goalkeeper” ad suggests that the “Soccer Mom” idea in political discourse is finally giving way to the concept of a woman as “player,” literally and figuratively. In a year in which huge numbers of women are running for office, sport and society are, as always, inextricably linked.
From left: Boyzzz Khumalo, Tendai Jirira, Peter Alegi, Tumi Moshobane, Lesedi Mosielele
