oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, politics, russian, russian politics, sports
After Russia was prohibited from participating in competitive football following their invasion of Ukraine, they’ve mostly encountered supportive nations in friendly matches. Recently, more African teams are stepping up to play against them. What’s behind this trend?
Although they might be excluded from significant competitions and treated as outcasts globally, Russia isn’t facing many difficulties in locating adversaries eager for a match. Over the past year, they have competed against Syria, Belarus, Brunei, Grenada, and Vietnam.
Serbia
In friendly matches, Iran, Qatar, Cuba, and Iraq were part of the opponents prior to this. They have emerged victorious in each of their last seven encounters, netting 31 goals without allowing any in return.
However, beyond those teams clearly connected to the Kremlin, several African squads began playing friendly matches against Russia ahead of the 2018 World Cup. In September 2023—six months post-ban—an Egyptian U-23 team was among the first to face off against them. Subsequently, Cameroon journeyed to Moscow, followed shortly thereafter by Kenya’s match against them in Turkey later that same month. Nigeria plans to visit the Russian capital in June; however, before then, Zambia will be heading over on March 25.
Just a casual match, unrelated to our official competitions,” stated Sydney Mungala, the communication director at Zambia FA, to LIFEHACK. “From our standpoint in Zambia, this was purely a football-related choice.
Mungala stated that Zambia was left without a match scheduled for the March international window following Eritrea’s withdrawal.
2026 World Cup
Qualifying was allegedly halted out of concern that players might escape and apply for asylum during overseas trips. Additionally, both the Republic of Congo and their national team faced bans from FIFA because of external influences interfering with football matters.
“When they reached out to us, I believe we were seeking a chance to maintain engagement with our team during this FIFA window, and we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to participate in this match,” Mungala stated.
We also view it as a gesture of unity with all people, regardless of their origin. Thus, for us, football does not recognize distinctions.
The enduring camaraderie between Russia and Zambia
Mungala additionally mentioned that the bilateral relationship between the two nations is robust and long-lasting.
“Zambia and Russia share a history spanning six decades. He mentioned that shortly after Zambia achieved independence in 1964, one of the nations offering support was Russia, which has maintained significant influence in Zambia since then.” The speaker further noted that this game does not imply Zambia is advocating for Russia’s reinstatement into FIFA.
Those
diplomatic and cultural links
, created during the era when Russia was part of the Soviet Union, appear to be a significant factor behind why numerous African teams prefer playing against Russia more than they do with most other countries.
As Zambia celebrated the arrangement of a match earlier this year through a social media announcement highlighting that both nations had “leveraged their enduring camaraderie to set up an international friendly,” Nigeria has remained conspicuously silent regarding their encounter, which is slated for June 6 at an as-yet-unspecified location.
Despite Russia confirming the match, there has been no statement posted on the Nigerian Football Association (NFF) website. Numerous attempts to get comments from LIFEHACK also yielded no response.
“Football is not warfare; it transcends ethnicity and political concerns,” Nigerian sports producer and reporter Oluwaseun Idowu stated to LIFEHACK, attempting to gauge the stance of Nigeria’s football federation.
I don’t believe this indicates that these nations see Russia differently from the majority of the global community.
Russia depends on soft power.
During the 1960s, Nigeria forged strong connections with the Soviet Union, as the latter supported the Nigerian government during a civil conflict starting in 1967. Subsequently, following his inauguration in 2000, Russian President Vladimir Putin cordially received the newly appointed Nigerian leader, Olusegun Obasanjo. In addition, both nations entered into a military pact in 2017, and Russia intends to construct a nuclear facility within Nigeria’s borders. However, this is not the sole area where Russia exerts its influence over Nigeria.
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Both Russia and the Soviet Union have undoubtedly employed their soft power in this area by sending African students to study in Russia and through various cultural and sports initiatives,” said Michelle Sikes, an associate professor specializing in Kinesiology and African Studies at Pennsylvania State University in the U.S., speaking to LIFEHACK. She added that such efforts can create enduring impacts.
The sports connections seem to have become even stronger for certain nations following the invasion. Delegates from the National Olympic Committees of four African countries— Namibia, Mali, Eswatini, and Togo—attended.
A meeting with Russia scheduled for 2023
Most African countries dispatched delegates to the summit, with Nigeria and Zambia being among them. These two nations have routinely supported United Nations General Assembly motions advocating for an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and numerous African states are worried about how this conflict might impact their economies.
Differing priorities
“During tough times, true friends are recognized not through their words, but through their actions,” stated the Russian proverb.
Olympic
At the summit was Committee President Stanislav Pozdnyakov.
Now we can truly identify our genuine allies versus those who merely feign support or persist in pretending. Consequently, we maintain an optimistic outlook toward our collaborative efforts and certainly hope that colleagues from different continents will emulate the exemplary conduct of our African counterparts.
Sikes highlighted that the Soviet Union seemed to adopt a more resolute position in combating apartheid in South Africa compared to numerous Western countries throughout the Cold War period.
The favorable sentiments arising from that period might have persisted, making Russia seem more empathetic towards certain African nations, particularly considering the significant impact of apartheid.
She highlighted that the geographic separation from the conflict makes it easier for people in various African nations to not keep it at the forefront of their minds.
In recent years, Russia’s impact on Africa has increased, as highlighted in a 2024 brief from the European Parliament.
“As it stands now, Russia’s involvement with the continent aims at overcoming the diplomatic and economic seclusion enforced by Western nations. This effort also serves to reinforce Russia’s significance on the global scene as a proponent of the emerging ‘multipolar world.’ Additionally, this engagement facilitates progress toward Russian geopolitical objectives concerning extraction industries, energy sectors, and bolstering military presence in crucial regions like the Red Sea and the Mediterranean,” the document states.
Mungala told LIFEHACK that no Zambian supporters will make the trip to Moscow for the game on March 25, due to high travel expenses and complex arrangements. Although from a competitive standpoint the match holds minimal importance, it could be seen as a minor stride toward overcoming international seclusion, particularly among aficionados around the globe who follow soccer.
Edited by: Chuck Penfold
Author: Matt Pearson
oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, football clubs, politics, soccer, sports
Senegal, a dominant force in African football, will face Sudan on Saturday evening in a clash to determine the top spot in Group B during the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Sudan leads the group with 10 points from three victories and one draw. In third place is Senegal, the 2021 African champions, trailing by two points following the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 1-0 victory against South Sudan on Friday evening.
“Morale is high,” stated Senegal’s coach Pape Thiaw. “We’re discussing securing a spot in theصند
World Cup.
Every game feels like a finale for us. We’ve consecutively won two World Cups, and we aim to secure a hat-trick this time around. We will pull out all the stops to emerge victorious.”
Senegal
encounter Togo on Tuesday evening, whereas Sudan play against South Sudan and DRC go up against Mauritania.
Thiaw, who became the head coach in December after succeeding Aliou Cisse, who had been in charge for nine years, stated, “Nothing at all will be simple.”
However, we are ready. The athletes comprehend the significance of what is on the line for our sport, for our nation, and for their own careers.
On Friday evening, the African champions Côte d’Ivoire seized control of Group F following their 1-0 victory against Burundi. Evann Guessand found the back of the net in the 16th minute, which placed Émerveil Pambey’s team at 13 points, just one point above Gabon.
In Group I, Ghana dominated last-place Chad with a score of 5-0. Antoine Semenyo gave the home team an ideal beginning in Accra when he scored just two minutes into the match.
Inaki Williams extended their lead just before halftime, and Jordan Ayew scored from the spot six minutes thereafter to assert dominance over the match.
Following the break, Mohammed Salisu and Ernest Nuamah provided the finishing touch.
Launch
In Group C, Nigeria revived their campaign with a 2-0 victory against leaders Rwanda.
Star striker
Victor Osimhen
scored both goals in the opening half at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, thus kicking off Eric Chelle’s tenure as head coach successfully.
This marked Nigeria’s inaugural victory in the qualifiers, propelling them to fourth place with six points—four points adrift of the newly crowned group leaders, South Africa, who secured a 2-0 triumph over Lesotho.
Relebohile Mofokeng and Jayden Adams found the back of the net in the middle of the second half, securing the victory.
Coach
Hugo Broos
mentioned that his players demonstrated they had absorbed the lessons from the upsurge
the bronze
medal at the 2023 African Nations Cup.
The development in a match like this can be observed,” stated the 71-year-old Belgian. “When beauty is lacking, one must fight, and that’s exactly what we did; securing those three points was our ultimate objective.
We lead the pack within our group. That’s a favorable position to be in.
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oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, culture, events and festivals, sports, traditions
Everything is ready for an exceptional weekend as the Titanium Motorcycle Club gets ready to organize the much-anticipated Great Zimbabwe Rally 9, scheduled from March 28th to 30th, 2025.
This year’s rally, titled ‘AVintage Celebration of Bikes, Brotherhood, and Culture,’ is expected to draw participants from throughout Africa and elsewhere.
What began as a local gathering has blossomed into a premier motorcycling event, drawing enthusiasts from Mozambique, South Africa, Botswana, Uganda and even the United Kingdom.
The organizers expect a historic attendance, expanding upon last year’s remarkable figures which included more than 200 bicycles and 300 attendees.
The Great Zimbabwe Rally has become one of the leading motorcycle gatherings in the area, attracting enthusiasts from all around Africa and further abroad. This time, we anticipate attendees coming from countries such as Mozambique, South Africa, Botswana, Uganda, and even motorcycle aficionados from the United Kingdom, who will travel far to join this remarkable occasion. The previous rally hosted over 200 motorcycles with more than 300 participants, and in 2025, organizers aim to surpass these numbers,” stated Tatenda Mutambara, media representative for Titanium MC.
“The Great Zimbabwe Rally isn’t just about the thrill of the ride—it’s about making a difference. As part of our commitment to the community, we will be donating to a children’s home in Masvingo, ensuring that the spirit of love and unity extends beyond the biking world. At Titanium MC, we believe in Quality, Liberty, and Love, values that define both our club and this event.
At its core, this rally serves as a platform to highlight Zimbabwe’s vibrant culture and stunning vistas. By embracing motorcycling, we honor the nation’s allure, encourage travel, and foster camaraderie among motorcycle enthusiasts.
“No matter if you’re a cyclist yourself or just appreciate the vibrancy of bike culture, this gathering is perfect for you! Prepare for an extraordinary weekend packed with exciting tours, timeless tunes, retro styles, and wonderful people,” Mutambara stated.
Mutambara encouraged the attendees to adopt traditional attire such as bell-bottoms and corduroy trousers, along with accessories like berets, skru banders, and viscose shirts.
As per the organizers, the event will feature an energetic ambiance where attendees can revel in the enduring rhythms of vintage old-school tunes, breathing new life into the classics as they commemorate culture and fashion.
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Syndigate.info
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oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, community, culture, diversity, politics
On March 22, 2025, Addis Ababa — Ministers from East African nations emphasized during an event in Addis Ababa that the abundant cultural diversity within the region stands not just as a matter of great pride but also functions as a potent binding agent, fostering unity among communities throughout both their own area and the broader expanse of Africa.
Through communal dancing and indigenous musical traditions to distinctive creative forms, cultural heritage connects countries, promoting increased collaboration and unity across East Africa and further afield.
The recently launched second edition of the East Africa Art and Culture Festival took place at the Addis International Convention Center in Addis Ababa, offering an energetic stage to demonstrate this sense of unity.
The festival with the theme “Art and Culture for Regional Unity” highlighted the shared cultural elements that connect East African countries and showcased their individual customs as well.
The event included an extensive array of activities such as conferences, symposiums, cultural displays, circus acts, traditional dishes, fashion presentations, musical performances, movie screenings, theatrical productions, and book expos.
The event was designed not just to display the vibrant artistic legacy of East African countries but also to foster regional collaboration and solidarity.
Notable among those present was Burundi’s Minister for Youth, Sports, and Culture, Ambassador Gervais Abayeho, who highlighted how cultural diversity can promote solidarity.
He stated to the Ethiopian News Agency, “Our cultural heritage’s diversity actually serves as a unifying element for the people of East Africa and across the continent.”
The Minister pointed out the resemblances in cultural dances among various nations, mentioning that Ethiopian dance forms, for instance, have shared characteristics with those found in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and as far as South Africa.
Ambassador Abayeho also highlighted the distinctive nature of Burundi’s cultural legacy, notably its renowned drums, acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage.
“He stated that this is something we can take pride in,” noting that cultural expressions such as dance and music act as connectors between East Africa and regions further afield.
Lucy Atto, who serves as the Assistant Commissioner at Uganda’s Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, voiced comparable views, highlighting the common cultural traditions found throughout various countries in Africa.
“African cultures are quite similar. We maintain borders more out of necessity than anything else, yet our dances, musical instruments, and overall essence remain alike. It serves as a reminder of our common heritage,” she stated.
The South Sudanese Minister of Culture, Museums, and National Heritage, Dr. Nadia Arop Dudi, likewise conveyed her appreciation to Ethiopia for organizing the festival, noting that this was a crucial occasion for East Africa.
She stated that this event has motivated them to recognize that East Africa, and indeed the entire continent of Africa, possess a distinctive culture characterized by an abundant cultural diversity which stands unparalleled across the globe.
Ngabo Braive, who serves as the Permanent Secretary at Rwanda’s Ministry of Youth and Culture, highlighted the significance of these festivals for promoting cross-cultural exchanges both regionally and internationally.
“This festival is vital as it enables us to showcase our culture and simultaneously fortifies our bonds, emphasizing the commonalities among our various traditions,” he stated.
He also urged for an increase in the number of festivals throughout East Africa, with the ultimate aim of hosting them internationally to showcase East African cultures on a global scale.
The East Africa Art and Culture Festival, launched in 2022, keeps playing an essential part in showcasing the area’s rich arts and culture scene as well as promoting regional unity.
This occasion serves as an example of how cultural variety can be a strong catalyst for unity and collaboration throughout the region.
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oleh admin | Des 19, 2024 | africa, Travel, travel advice, travel planning and tips, travel recommendations
-
Eli Solidum, aged 28, embarked on an impressive journey across 8 African nations during his adventure on the continent.
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He reveals which nation is considered ‘otherworldly’ and which one boasts the ‘most friendly’ folks.
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READ MORE:
I sold my home to embark on travels — here are the top countries I love.
‘I have visited more than 70 countries spanning five continents, yet nothing could truly ready me for many of the experiences I had in Africa.’
TikTok
traveler and writer Eli Solidum
@elisolidum
From the Philippines, he is sharing with MailOnline Travel about his incredible four-month adventure across Africa, a trip filled with numerous challenges yet also marked by ‘surreal’ and ‘otherworldly’ moments.
The 28-year-old shares insights into the top African destination for newcomers, describes how encountering local fauna can be overwhelming, and points out typical errors travelers often make when organizing an African adventure.
However, firstly, what were the main challenges he encountered?
Eli journeyed to Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania,
Rwanda
, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and
South Africa
, and discloses: “In terms of logistics, this could very well be the most challenging journey I’ve undertaken. Due to the sparse and inconsistent public transport, limited affordable lodging choices in some areas, plus outmoded and incorrect maps, along with scant online resources for my intended locations, I found myself having to improvise frequently and adjust spontaneously.”
I did not encounter numerous fellow travelers to share tips and strategies with. Being a foreigner was also intellectually taxing since I stood out regardless of circumstances. It was difficult to remain inconspicuous, and I simply wasn’t accustomed to perpetual scrutiny, despite much of it stemming from innocent curiosity.
The 29-year-old explorer mentions there’s an optimal point when it comes to organizing a journey across Africa. Eli states, “My itinerary wasn’t fixed regarding the specific nations I would visit; therefore, unplanned side trips to Uganda and Rwanda necessitated obtaining visas that took time.”
The delay forced Eli to remain in Kenya for a longer period than initially intended, requiring him to ‘rework’ his visa amidst a ‘ten-day ordeal’ involving extensive running around Nairobi to resolve all the issues.
He shares: “Although you may not enjoy organizing your travels, and I definitely do not, I would suggest investigating each country’s visa prerequisites, verifying the necessary vaccinations and medicines needed or advised, identifying key transport centers and airports, and proceeding accordingly.”
However, on the contrary, Eli cautions that it’s simple to commit the usual error of overscheduling your journey to the continent.
The traveler remarks: “If you meticulously overplan and rigidly book all segments of your journey along with specific flights, that itinerary will likely crumble sooner than later.”
‘Processes tend to be slow around these parts, much like the three-day journey by train from Dar-es-Salaam to Lusaka. About three days into the trip, we came to a halt well before reaching our midpoint. Later on, in Luska, I encountered individuals who intended to take the very same train and arrive at Dar-es-Salaam just in time for an outbound flight scheduled precisely three days after departure. Though I lost contact with them, my hunch says they likely missed their flight.’
Next up are the buses. Typically, they simplify travel between locations; however, there’s always a risk of boarding the incorrect one.
Eli clarifies: “In East Africa, buses and shared minibuses known as matatus were abundant, making travel between locations quite straightforward. However, bus terminals frequently appeared disorganized or intimidating. As a foreign traveler carrying two backpacks slung beside me, I would typically find myself being shuffled around by individuals attempting to direct me onto various buses, sometimes without ensuring they were headed towards my intended destination.”
‘Events are destined to unfold, and a single tile toppling can ruin your whole plan.’
Fortunately, you don’t need any prior planning to appreciate Africa’s amazing wildlife. Eli mentioned he was astonished by how common it was everywhere.
He elaborates: “You don’t necessarily need to embark on safari adventures to spot wild animals. Once, as I cycled down a path, I had to halt so a giraffe could pass by easily. Another time, during a stroll towards lunch, a baboon tore into a garbage bin right before my eyes, while simultaneously, a warthog seized some refuse and dashed off with it. In Botswana, when I caught a lift somewhere, our vehicle came to a standstill on the expressway for about 30 minutes since a large group of zebras and elephants alternately approached a waterhole alongside the road for drinks. This sight was truly breathtaking and remained impressive every single time.”
Botswana is also where Eli had one of ‘the most tranquil encounters’ of his lifetime, even though an intimidating unexpected visitor showed up. He shares this insight: “Paddling along in a mokoro—a slender canoe—across the Okavango Delta’s waters during sunrise was among the calmest moments I have ever experienced. The serenity was palpable; the quiet surface of the water combined with the bird calls created an almost surreal ambiance, as if I were dreaming.”
While you’re floating on this small, vulnerable wooden raft amidst waters teeming with numerous hippos and elephants, danger lurks around every corner. On our return journey to where we started, a charging hippo confronted us, turning moments into hours as tension mounted. Fortunately, it was just a mock charge, yet it sent waves of adrenaline surging through us—a stark shift from the serene tranquility of the early morning. This experience underscored the raw wilderness, unyielding nature, and pristine isolation of the locations I explored during my trip.
Therefore, besides Botswana, what are some must-visit destinations on your list?
Eli suggests visiting Sossusvlei in Namibia, a salt flat encircled by sand dunes, describing it as “the most surreal, otherworldly location I explored.” The ascent up Mount Kenya left an equally impressive impression. According to Eli, “The climb to the peak of Mount Kenya remains etched in my memory due to its difficulty; battling against the high elevation and starting our trek towards the top just after midnight.”
He adds that Mosi-oa-Tunya, the Zambian National Park that’s home to half of the Victoria Falls waterfall, is ‘awe-inspiring, living up to the hype and then some’.
And don’t miss Uganda.
Eli shares: “When I arrived in Kenya, Uganda hadn’t crossed my mind at all. However, I encountered numerous Ugandan people who seemed perpetually cheerful and jovial. This piqued my interest; I wondered what made everyone so incredibly content consistently. Although my stay lasted just ten days, I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
‘This place offers a mix of adventures. You can go gorilla tracking, chimpanzee trekking, visit Murchison Falls, explore the origin of the Nile River, discover crater lakes, and see the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains with their towering summits – some of the highest in Africa. This country stands out as one of the lushest destinations I have visited; plus, the locals are incredibly friendly and humorous. Its night life is top-notch and likely unrivaled within East Africa.’
For those visiting Africa for the first time, Eli suggests starting with South Africa as an ideal ‘beginner’s gateway’. He elaborates: “In Cape Town and along the Garden Route, you can experience a blend of Western and African cultures which helps ease you in. This way, you get accustomed gradually rather than jumping right into areas that might be more isolated and culturally distinct.”
If I didn’t explore Cape Town half a decade earlier, I believe adjusting to travel across the remaining part of Africa might have been tougher for me. It’s an excellent spot not only for sightseeing but also for connecting with fellow travelers where you could seek their insights or perhaps rendezvous with them during your journey.
Although Africa may not be a popular destination on the typical backpacking trail, this could offer some surprising advantages. Eli shares: “When I visited, there weren’t many fellow backpackers exploring the continent. This meant that sometimes you’d shell out $10 (£7.88) for a bed in a shared dorm at a hostel but end up having the entire room—or occasionally the complete facility—to yourself.”
Eli mentioned that certain luxurious accommodations priced at several hundred dollars per night also provide campsite options for much less money. He would occasionally opt for staying in hotels or apartments whenever he felt like resting post an adventurous day, yet mostly his lodging expenses stayed within a budget of $20 (£15.76) or lower each night.
What advice might Eli offer to someone hesitant about visiting Africa?
He states: “It’s beneficial to experience some hesitation and worry before setting off. This isn’t an ordinary place to visit, and you’ll face various obstacles. African backpacking might not suit everybody, yet if thrill-seeking is what you desire, very few regions worldwide provide the kind of experiences that Africa offers.”
The majority of travelers I’ve encountered have shared similar sentiments. Although challenging, it turns out to be an incredibly enriching adventure—possibly the most satisfying journey I’ve undertaken so far. Should you desire to leave your travels with numerous tales and enduring recollections, Africa offers this abundantly. This continent provides an unparalleled travel experience compared to anything else I’ve experienced previously.
EAGER TO SEE MORE FROM ELI?
Join him on his journeys and pick up some travel advice from
@thepartyingtraveler
(Instagram),
@elisolidum
(TikTok) along with his backpacking blog –
thepartyingtraveler.com
.
Read more
oleh admin | Nov 19, 2024 | africa, national parks, Travel, wild animals, wildlife
A wildlife expedition in Kruger National Park typically tops everybody’s wish list when visiting South Africa. Below are some useful suggestions to make the most of your African journey.
The most effective method to discover
Kruger National Park
To secure your spot on a game drive—a three-hour excursion aboard an elevated open 4×4 vehicle—ideal for capturing stunning photographs. These drives typically start very early in the morning, just before dusk, or during the nighttime hours when wildlife tends to be more active.
You can choose to discover the park using your personal vehicle. Should you decide to drive yourself, remember these crucial guidelines. Maintain a slow speed, stick to the trails instead of the asphalted paths, and remain near the watering holes as this is typically where wildlife congregates to drink. Once you arrive, obtain a map of the Kruger National Park; it serves as an essential tool for navigation and recognizing the various fauna and landscapes within the park. Note: It is absolutely prohibited to exit your vehicle unless in specifically marked zones.
During summertime, temperatures may climb above 40°C. Make sure to bring along multiple liters of water and take breaks under well-shaded areas provided by trees. In winter, the environment provides ideal circumstances for observing wildlife since the reduced plant growth allows animals to be more visible near watering holes.
Kruger National Park
http://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/default.php/
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