Africa, despite its abundance of football talents, faces challenges in making a mark on the international football scene. One essential means of ensuring the development of the sport on the continent is the construction of modern sports infrastructures. A study conducted by Kurt Salmon emphasized that stadiums are vital for replenishing the coffers of professional football clubs.
Here’s an overview of some major African stadiums:
- Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa: With a capacity of 94,700 seats, it is the largest stadium in Africa. It hosted matches during the 2010 World Cup and various regional events.
- Borg El Arab Stadium, Alexandria, Egypt: The second-largest stadium on the continent, with a capacity of 86,000 seats. It was completed in 2007 and hosted the Under-20 Football World Cup in 2009.
- Stade des Martyrs, Kinshasa, DR Congo: This stadium has a capacity of 80,000 seats, making it one of the largest in Africa.
- Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt: With a capacity of 74,100 seats, it is one of the iconic stadiums in Africa.
- King Senzangakhoua Stadium, Durban, South Africa: This stadium can accommodate 70,000 spectators.
The new challenge for Africa, according to Kurt Salmon’s studies, involves equipping itself with modern stadiums that meet specific standards, including safety, easy broadcasting of matches, and addressing local and climatic constraints. Modern stadiums are seen as essential not only for providing a safe and enjoyable experience for spectators but also for generating income through various activities like fast food and merchandising. Additionally, stadiums with broadcasting capabilities can contribute to highlighting football matches and promoting the sport. Meeting local and climatic constraints is crucial to avoiding unsustainable maintenance costs.
