Editor’s Note

Being the editor of a journal is a lesson in humility and patience.  Humility is necessary because this is much one cannot control.  Previously, I have mentioned my goal as editor is to establish a regular schedule for producing the journal.  Obviously, that goal is still to be realized.  So many other things have a more immediate priority and demand attention now that it is easy to delay work on the journal.  In 2012, I took on a new position in the university and it has consumed the vast majority of my time.  Here is where patience was necessary, both on the part of authors who have submitted manuscripts, and on my part in the belief that eventually I would finish editing this volume. Delay seems to be a persistent element of publishing.

Let me welcome you to Volume 8 of IMPUMELELO.  The 2101 World Cup in South Africa continues to draw researcher’s interests.  Astrid Vogel’s article examines the issue of identity for the 2010 World Cup among football supporters in Grahamstown.  She is seeking to determine in what ways their support, and level of it, affected their identities and in turn how their identities influenced their level of support. The article demonstrates that identities can be highly fluid and variable over time, depending on the level of engagement of the supporter.  The second article examines the issue of Nigerian footballer’s migration.  Professor Chuka Onwumechili tracks the incidences of the migration of Nigerian footballers, comparing decades of movement. The article establishes three clear stages of the migration and documents the rationale for the migration for each stage.  Finally, it investigates the impact on the migration on media coverage of the national team and the stability of the national playing squads.

Lastly, this volume has two book reviews. The first by Professor Robert Rodriquez is a critical examination of the Zambian sporting scene, using a book by Walubita as his foil.  He analyses the most current edition while pointing out problems with the volume especially on the topics of discrimination and racism.  The second review by Jennifer McArdle is on African Soccerscapes, a book by Professor Peter Alegi. His book is very ambitious in scope, covering many years and countries, and successfully challenges established ideas about soccer in Africa. It is an entertaining and informative read.

I hope you find something here of interest and ideas that enlighten.  As always, we welcome comments and suggestions.  If you are moved to submit and article for consideration, please check our web site for guidelines: http://www.ohio.edu/sportsafrica/journal/submission.htm.

Bob J. Walter
General Editor
walter@ohio.edu