Do you know that many of the English Premier League clubs were founded by churches and christian societies? Read this book. The book examines the question whether ‘Juju, Magic and Witchcraft’ in football are real or just a myth.
It argues that in a traditional African society there is no dichotomy between the secular and religious.
Religion manifests in all facets of our social life; hence spirituality or superstition has been associated with the game of football in Africa.
It provides eye-witness accounts and personal testimonies from many African countries on how the recourse to juju, magic, sorcery and witchcraft had destroyed the ‘Beautiful Game.’
The book evaluates new trends in soccer, example technical and spiritual preparations.
It cites the so-called ‘secret’ behind Brazil’s dominance in the FIFA World Cup tournaments, especially their 3-tier plan: ‘physical/tactical, psychological/mental and spiritual preparations’ for tournaments.
A number of reputable theologians, academics, retired African football stats, coaches, football administrators and fans have expressed their opinions, shared experiences, and argued for or against the use of juju, magic and witchcraft in African soccer.
The author in the end draws the conclusion that, since the past 30 or so years, the interest in and the use of juju, magic and witchcraft in African soccer has waned. He attributes that to the advent of Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches which seem to be playing the role hitherto played by the sorcerers, magicians and witchdoctors.
Foreword by Hon. Joe Aggrey (veteran Sports Journalist & former Deputy Minister of Sports)
Written By Rev. Francis J. Botchway
