ASU Sports Business Podcast

In this episode of the Africa Sports Unified Sports Business Podcast, Gabriel Ajala and Gary Rathbone, Founder of Sportscape Media, sat down to discuss the recent topics within the sports industry. For this episode, the focus was on the growing influence and links between Saudi Arabia and their recent partnership with CAF and other African Football Associations. We also touched on The Basketball Africa League Season 3 and how this has impacted the landscape.

Timestamp:

• Introduction  0:01
• Noise Disclaimer :) - 03:08
• Collaborations between Saudi Arabia and African Football - 03:16
• Saudi Money coming to African Football - 10:48
• African Super League development and relationship with Saudi Arabia - 16:00
• What could be done in Africa and the NBA growth model - 29:00

In this episode of the ASU Sports Business Podcast, we sat down with the Head of Women's Football at CAF, Meskerem Tadesse Goshime to discuss the recently published CAF Women's Football Landscape Report 2022.

This is the first of its kind report produced by CAF which highlighted the current landscape for each Member Association focused on 3 main areas:

• Development & Participation
• Leagues & Competitions
• Structure & Governance

Our conversation followed the same structure of the report as Meskerem shed some light on each section and the overall benefit of this ground breaking report for Women's Football in Africa.

Timestamp:

Development & Participation - 12:30

• Disparity of level of participation between each Member Association
• What platform is best used to register players?
• How CAF are getting more A Licensed coaches?
• The importance of having a Women’s Football team across U15; U17; U20 & Senior teams?
• Any clear correlations in the success for Member Associations who had teams at all levels?

Leagues & Competitions - 32:15

• Would all top divisions be ideally run by Member Associations?
• What impact does having a titled sponsor have on the sustainability of Women’s Football?
• Importance of regular competitions & matches for Women’s Football?
• Other strategies in place to increase the professionalism  of Women’s Football in CAF?

Structure & Governance - 48:00

• How can the level of engagement on social media improve from the Member Associations?
• Are there plans in place to support this?
• Do CAF currently provide any assistance with marketing strategies?

• How would this Landscape report impact the next Women’s Football Strategy plan? - 54:15
• How are CAF collaborating with FIFA on developing Women’s Football? - 58:10
• What is CAF’s biggest achievement & biggest area for improvement? - 1:00:00

Report Link:

https://www.cafonline.com/media/blqoecjt/j7yammymfbnastpjdbfe.pdf

In the first episode of the Women in Sports series, we had the privilege of hearing from the custodians of both UEFA & CAF who are playing a pivotal role in developing women's football in both Europe & Africa.

With the UEFA Women's tournament breaking new records for attendance and engagement and CAF launching their new strategy for women's football, our panelists provided more insight into their growth strategy, challenges and how to further develop women's football.

In this Podcast we were joined by Zarina Badhur, Head of Operations at GOAL Africa.

The Sports Business industry is still in its infancy on the continent. In order to develop a sustainable market, there needs to be a well equipped work force. Education is the foundation of this and so we discuss the importance of that and also developing soft skills necessary for the industry to grow. 

TimeStamp: 

- 00:00 – 02:40 - Intro 

- 03:00 – 04:50 - Perception of professionalisation in the industry 

- 05:05 – 11:29 - Soft skills to develop 

- 11:45 – 17:25 - Ways to develop professionalisation & soft skills 

- 19:50 – 24:40 - What can sports execs do to increase the level of professionalisation in sports

- 24:48 – 25:27 - Interlude 

- 25:40 – 30:30 - How to find a mentor 

- 30:40 – 38:43 - The Importance of Good Leadership & An effective workforce 

- 38:55 – 44: 20 - Entrepreneurship

In this Podcast we were joined by Nqobile Ndlovu, Founder of CashNSport. 

We took a look back on the successfully run Sponsors & Media Rights of AFCON and how President Motsepe has so far done at the helm of CAF in including the new 10 step plan to improve CAF & how new sponsors and partners are getting attracted towards Africa. 

Further key points were made on how organisations are looking to engage with younger audience and the scope of better sponsorship and partnership in African sports tournament was discussed. 

You can contact & follow Nqobile via the following platforms: 

Website: https://cashnsport.com/ 

Facebook: Cash N Sport 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CashNSport?t=5BuvYPQ3svHMMcMrSWo5eA&s=09 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc7YZsqwB_6ZTuxTzk6miHQ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cash-n-sport/ 

For more podcast: https://asunified.com/podcast 

Follow the podcast details on: Twitter: @ASUnified | LinkedIn: Africa Sports Unified | Instagram: @asunified 

Timestamp: 

• 00:00 - 01:40 -: Introduction; About podcast and speaker Nqobile Ndlovu 

• 01:40 - 03:10 -: What is Cash N Sport and were people can find Cash N Sport 

• 03:10 - 10:50 -: Broadcasting and media rights issues with CAF deal 

• 10:50 – 23:00 -: About new CAF and its new 10 step plan 

• 23:00 - 28:40 -: TikTok being the biggest social media partner 

• 28:40 – 32:10 -: Organization looking to engage with younger audience 

• 32:10 - 35:35 -: Will AFCON, CAF and others will see better sponsorship and partnership; end summary and thank you for listening.

In collaboration with the African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa we look at how Sport can support the inclusive implementation of the AfCFTA. The African Continental Free Trade Area is the largest single market in the world comprising of 54 member nations as Africa looks to continue its economic growth. 

Recorded in 2021, this podcast shall focus on Women's Economic Empowerment & Gender Equality, looking at how sports can aid this and the various means and opportunities by which this can happen. 

Split over 2 podcasts, Part 2 will cover an excellent 40 minute round table discussion with 3 female leaders in their field. 

- Amy Wanday (host) - a social entrepreneur, women's advocate & founder of African Sports Network 

- Jean Sseninde - Former Professional Football player & now Director of Women's Football at South Sudan Football Association 

- Kimberly Coats - Co-Founder of Team Africa Rising 

All these women have and continue to break down barriers and create opportunities in difficult circumstances. We hear on their experiences and how sport can provide both an economic and social empowerment for women. 

Timestamp: 

00:00 - 02:40 - Introduction 

02:40 - 07:05 - Gender Equality & Women in Sports 

07:05 - 12:05 - Jean Sseninde's work and the benefit to young girls 

12:05 - 20:10 - The importance of empowering Female cyclists 

20:10 - 28:15 - Overcoming cultural barriers through sport 

28:15 - 37:25 - Lack of investment for women in sports 

37:25 - 45:49 - What needs to done to advance women in sports

It's been a big week in the world of Football with the Launch and subsequent Closure of the European Super League. 

We have a fantastic conversation with Sean Hamil, Sports Economist and Academic at Birkbeck University of London. 

We touch on: 

- The importance of Competitive Balance 

- North American and European Sporting Models 

- Critical Analysis of the ESL 

- Post ESL Regulation in Football

In collaboration with the African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa we look at how Sport can support the inclusive implementation of the AfCFTA. The African Continental Free Trade Area is the largest single market in the world comprising of 54 member nations as Africa looks to continue its economic growth. 

Recorded in 2012, this podcast shall focus on Women's Economic Empowerment & Gender Equality, looking at how sports can aid this and the various means and opportunities by which this can happen. 

Split over 2 podcasts, Part 1 will cover an excellent 30 minute conversation with Beatrice Chaytor, a Senior Services Expert at the African Union Commission, on the trade opportunities for women and how the AfCFTA looks to further support and encourage female entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. 

Timestamp: 

00:00 - 02:30 - Introduction 

02:30 - 05:20 - The advantages AfCFTA brings to the African Sports Industry 

05:20 - 09:20 - How Sports academies can empower and create opportunities 

09:20 - 13:40 - Lessons that AfCFTA can learn 

13:40 - 18:10 - How AfCFTA is providing opportunities for women 

18:10 - 23:00 - What barriers do women face and how can the AfCFTA provide support 

23:00 - 28:25 - How Sports can help Africa diversify its market 

28:25 - 36:09 - The scope of the digital market in sports

In collaboration with the African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)we look at ‘How sport can support the inclusive implementation of the AfCFTA’. The African Continental Free Trade Area is the largest single market in the world comprising of 54 member nations as Africa looks to continue its economic growth. 

In the first Podcast of the series, we will take a look at how Qatar have used Sports Advocacy to grow their nations and see how the members nations of the AfCFTA can learn from this, if at all possible. 

We also examine the importance of Infrastructure, Major Events and the importance of an 'Innovation Hub' to collaborate and accelerate matters for the AfCFTA. 

Our guests have a vast knowledge of both Qatar and Africa, having worked in both continents over the years. 

1st Half: Interview with David Luke 

2nd Half: Group discussion with Daniel Kelly & Gerard Akindes 

Podcast Guests: 

David Luke - Coordinator of the ATPC at UNECA & Director at the Commission 

Dr Daniel Kelly - Academic Director, New York University 

Dr Gerard Akindes - Adjunct faculty at the University of Salford-Manchester and at North Western University 

Gabriel Ajala (host) - Founder, Africa Sports Unified

In this episode we discuss an important topic that is wide across the pan-african sports market - the issue of rogue agents and young aspiring players seeking pastures new. 

Footballers Connect are an organisation that educate players and what to look for in an agent and best practices to implement in building a career and providing advise so that these youths dont go abroad and are left stranded.

We cover: 

- The lure of aspiring players wanting to go the Asia and remote parts of the world to play football for minimum pay and for nothing 

- What can local authorities and countries do to minimise the number of youth fleeing to play football abroad 

- how to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate agents 

- Solutions that can be implemented to build a better ecosystem

David Wright has an expansive background in the Football Business, Marketing and Communications world and we discussed the impact of Covid in the Sports Business sector as a whole and how the Sports Events Companies are pivoting in such a time. 

In the Second part of the Podcast, we discuss how the importance of tech and innovation has been accelerated in order to find solutions and the sports market as a whole adjusts, with brands and rights holders looking for new ways to create content, engage with fans and monetise.

In this episode we sit down with Ugo Udezue, Founder of the Continental Basketball League (CBL) and leading sports & lifestyle brand, AFA Sports. 

Split into 2 part we discuss his experience running the first CBL followed by his experience of growing one of the biggest sports and lifestyle brands on the continent. 

Ugo is a former NBA agent who found himself moving to Africa where the opportunities became more apparent to him as time went on. An advocate of building a sports ecosystem for Africa, Ugo does not hold back in offering his thoughts on the market. 

Part 1: 0 - 31.34 mins 

Part 2: 32mins onwards

In this episode we Paul Adesoye & Gabriel Ajala have a sit down conversation with Nigerian International, Leon Balogun. 

We cover his early childhood growing up in Germany; his early career from Germany to England; his experience playing at World Cup 2018; his work with CommonGoal and passions outside of sport. 

We finish with a short Q&A on his Nigerian teammates to know who is who in the locker room. 

Please do not forget to subscribe to our Newsletter on our website https://asunified.com/ 

Follow us on all social media platforms if you haven't done so already and please do give us a rating :)

In this episode we have an in-depth conversation with Koye Sowemimo, owner of KS Management about progressive and developing African Sports Business Market. 

We cover his early career in The UK working on the London 2012 Olympics + his time at The FA plus much more. 

Part 1: 

- Bobsleigh Federation of Nigeria case study 

- How the private and public sector van combine to create a sporting ecosystem 

- Cultural differences between UK + Africa 

Part 2: 

- Building Strategic Partnerships to develop a long term holistic approach 

- Impact of Covid-19 

- Basketball Africa League 

You can follow his new agency on socials: 

www.ksmcompany.com 

Twitter: ksmcomp 

Instangram: ksmcomp 

Please do like, share + subscribe! Let us know who else you'd like to hear from or topics you'd like us to touch on.

We are living through unprecedented times with the covid-19 pandemic forcing people, businesses, industries and economies to readjust put things on hold for an indefinite period. 

In this latest episode, Gabriel Ajala + Paul Adesoye take stock of the current climate and discuss industries most affected and those with more opportunities; just how people are coping and the economic impact of it all. 

Most importantly - we ask for people not to feel isolated and to please reach out to someone if need be to avoid any mental health issues. 

We hope you enjoy 

Team ASU

In this episode, we have an indepth conversation with Mario Leo of Results Sports and Emeka Enyadike of Digital Sports Africa about digital media, data analytics opportunities and the importance of fan engagement/understanding your audience. 

Part 1: Digital Media 

- Opportunities in African Football 

- Africa in comparison to other continents 

Part 2: Data & Analytics 

- Performance Data 

- Digital Media Analytics 

- Importance of Fan Engagement 

Here is the link to their data on African football clubs: https://asunified.com/report-african-football-clubs-digital-landscape/ 

Please do leave a comment to share your thoughts and let us know what you think 

www.asunified.com

In this episode we speak with the current Principal Social Development Specialist at the African Development Bank Group, Rachel Aron. 

In this episode, we discuss the following: 

- The current climate of social development in Africa 

- How sports can be used as a tool to help drive social development in Africa 

- The balance and importance between both social and economic development for a nation 

- African Renaissance and Diaspora Network 

- Give a Red Card Against All Forms of Violence and Discrimination Against Women and Girls campaign 

www.ardn.ngo

In our latest episode we have an in-depth conversation with Gerrit Davids. A former lawyer with a vast experience of the African Sports Market, Gerrit has started many sports ventures and works with rights holders in both Africa & Europe. 

We discuss: 

1) The importance of Education 

2) 6 key pillars of Sports Governance 

3) The importance of athlete + player welfare 

4) How to improve Sports Business understanding 

This is really a powerful interview shining light on the landscape in Africa + the global market as a whole. 

Website: www.sportsbusiness.co.za 

Email: info@sportsbusiness.co.za 

www.asunified.com

In this Episode, we have an in-depth conversation with Kimberley Coats and Jock Boyer, founders of Africa Rising Cycling. 

Kimberley and Jock have a vast knowledge of the cycling scene on the continent having worked in the space for over 17 years with various nations such as Rwanda, Eritrea, Nigeria doing all they can to help raise the level of the sport from building relationships with European teams, send African teams to competitions, fundraising, consulting and providing a strategy for team and nations. 

In this episode we discuss we discuss: 

- Strategies implemented to develop cycling 

- Obstacles & Challenges for each African region 

- The importance of Education and Mentors 

- How seeing Black Africans compete at the major tournaments will help grow the sport 

- The importance of private investment being used to develop the sport 

www.teamafricarising.org 

Instagram: africarisingcycling 

Twitter: cyclingafrica 

Facebook: cyclingafrica 

Subscribe to our newsletter: https://asunified.com/ 

Follow us: https://linktr.ee/ASUnified

In this episode Gabriel Ajala & Paul Adesoye take a diaspora's view on the leading African Sports Business Execs.

We mention the likes of Tom Vernon, Masai Ujiri, Amadou Gallo-Fall, Cynthia Mumbo, Kirsty Coventry plus many more. 

We discuss their rise in sports and why the stand out to us as an 'Unsung Pioneer' in the Sports Business. 

Who else would you include on this list? 

Let us know your thoughts

In this episode, we have an in-depth conversation with Alive & Kicking CEO, Ben Sadler. 

Alive & Kicking are a charity that have been running for 15years who locally source and make footballs in Ghana, Zambia and Kenya. 

Working in tandem with The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, A+K employ over 1000 staff in those 3 countries and have contributed over £4.5m to the local economies. They focus on Reducing Poverty, Encouraging good health and well-being, reduce inequalities and decent work and economic growth. 

In this episode we discuss: 

1) A+K Business model & impact 

2) The Challenges they face as they look to grow 

3) The impact that CSR has on the global sports ecosystem and on an economy 

4) The making of sporting goods in Africa and 

5) How to build long term sustainability in the market 

Plus much more 

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCyAykUAfra4uPQzfDFkgq3w 

Website: www.asunified.com www.aliveandkicking.org

In this episode, we have an in-depth conversation with Emeka Enyadike. 

Emeka has worked for SuperSport since 2001 as an African Football Analyst and is the Founder of Vandyke sports where he has worked with the likes of Nokia, Nike, Adidas, Indomie & DsTV, to name but a few, on various activations and campaigns. 

In this episode we focus on: 

1)The Sports Business Market in Africa 

2) Is the African talent market saturated? 

3) How to build trust with International Partners 

4) The rise of the NBA in Africa and how Basketball rivals Football as a popular sport on the continent 

Plus much more 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyAykUAfra4uPQzfDFkgq3w 

Website: www.asunified.com

In this episode we have a candid conversation with George Chanda - owner of GC Sports Management & Partnerships + Activations Manager at StubHub where he manages the accounts of Everton Football Club, Matchroom Boxing, The Premiership Rugby Final plus more.

We discuss: 

- The current football landscape in Zambia 

- How to maximise activations 

- The impact AFCON 2012 had on Zambia 

- The importance of Partnerships 

- The endorsements opportunities for African players in their home countries 

- Exploiting the commercial opportunities for African players in their home countries via partnering with local  brands 

Plus much more 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-chanda-25543739/ 

website: https://www.gcsportsmanagement.com/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyAykUAfra4uPQzfDFkgq3w

In this Episode of the ASU Sports Business Podcast, Gabriel Ajala & Paul Adesoye discuss the growth of sports betting in the African market. 

Where there is such a growth and is the good for the African market? 

They give an overview of certain markets; Africa's drive for financial inclusion; SportPesa; Balance of Power and the socio-economic impact of betting and gambling on a nation

In this Special ASU Podcast, Gabriel Ajala and Paul Adesoye sit down to discuss the recent ASU event 'An Introduction to the African Sports Market.' 

They discuss their key takeaways from the event, highlights and what stood out to them most on what was truly a great event. 

For those that attended the event - please complete the survey that was sent to your inbox. 

Takeaway Article: https://asunified.com/is-there-a-demand-for-african-sportsbiz-insight/ 

Enjoy!

In the episode, we welcome back Gary Rathbone, CEO & Founder of Sports News Africa & Africa XP . We have an in-depth discussion on the presentation Gary delivered at Africom 2018 and the current African sports media market. 

We Discuss: 

- What is Africom 

- The Cycle of Success 

- How the changes in the global sports media market is having in impact on the African market 

- LaLiga & Bundesliga case studies 

- Commercialisation via Digital Advertising 

- Internet Penetration and Social Media status' 

ASU Sports Business Event: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/asu-presents-an-introduction-into-the-african-sports-market-registration-55450964327 

Sports News Africa: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseGp9VA7X5dpiSv2dqkDcQ

In this episode, we have an in-depth conversation with Olukunle Kayode, Founder at Statmetrix. 

After working for a leading Fintech company in the City of London, Olukunle saw an opportunity to use Data & Tech in sports. We discuss the current state and explore that opportunities that exist in the African market to develop grassroots football.

- Current state of Grassroots Football 

- Areas that fall under Grassroots 

- FIFA & CAF initiatives to develop grassroots football 

- How tech can be used to develop grassroots football 

- Solutions that exist to develop grassroots in Africa 

- NBA strategy in Africa 

- His journey in setting up Statmetrix and being an entrepreneur 

Plus Much more 

https://statmetrix.co/

In this 8th Sports Business Podcast from ASU, Gabriel Ajala sits down with Paul Adesoye & Aristote Diamos as we discuss whether Racism & Discrimination is on the rise in football. 

We discuss the following: 

- Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly & Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang incidents 

- How authorities can tackle discrimination in football 

- Is todays Political landscape having an impact on football? 

- The state of Affairs in Africa

In this podcast Gabriel discusses with Paul & Aristote in depth about the perceived Football slave trade from Africa, based off the recent Tifo video, Claude LeRoy's comments in a BBC interview. 

This a topic that goes beyond football, as we discuss historical and cultural reasons as to why Africa is a mine for talent leaving its shores; rogue agents exploiting young talent; player welfare plus much more 

Tifo Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vcf7GVGT96Y 

BBC LeRoy Article - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45624918 

African Players in China - http://asunified.com/what-does-the-reduction-of-foreign-players-in-the-chinese-super-league-mean-for-africa/ 

African Talent Drain - http://asunified.com/how-to-reduce-the-african-talent-drain/ 

The Scramble for Africa's Athletes - https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/04/20/the-scramble-for-africas-athletes-trafficking-soccer-football-messi-real-madrid-barcelona/ 

FIFA Regulations - https://resources.fifa.com/image/upload/regulations-on-the-status-and-transfer-of-players-2018-2925437.pdf?cloudid=c83ynehmkp62h5vgwg9g

In this latest episode of Africa Sports Unified podcast, we are back with Gabriel, Paul & Aristote as we discuss the diaspora's view on major sports events & the impact of Senegal making history by hosting the first even Olympics on African soil. 

We also discuss: 

- What exactly is the 'New Norm' initiative The IOC has introduced? 

- Is hosting a major sporting event more bad than good? 

- Why has it taken so long for an African country to host an Olympic tournament? 

Don't hesitate to leave a comment and let us know your thoughts on certain topics?!? 

Please like, share and subscribe and engage with us :) 

New Norm: https://www.olympic.org/news/the-new-norm-it-s-a-games-changer 

IOC Africa Announcement: https://www.olympic.org/news/ioc-announces-youth-olympic-games-2022-evaluation-commission 

Cost of Hosting: https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2016/08/04/the-massive-cost-of-hosting-the-olympic-games-infographic/#5f2e36c52e38 

Hamburg + Boston: https://www.citylab.com/equity/2017/06/how-bostonians-defeated-the-olympics/529155/