THOUGHTS ON FREE STATE WRITING

Book: THOUGHTS ON FS WRITING (Literary Essays)

Author: Omoseye Bolaji                                                 

First published in 2002

Review by:  Ishmael Mzwandile Soqaga

It is a popular belief that literacy is one of the important objectives for African people to achieve and in the process there are very interesting African people who are making extraordinary effort to fulfill this goal.  By now there are many prolific African writers who have made wonderful impression in the world of literature.  Others are dead and others are still alive:  they include  Achebe, Eskia Mphahlele, Simon L Bojaji, Obi Egbuna, Bessie Head, Sol Plaatjie, Mariam Mba, Ousmane Sembene, Lewis Nkosi, Zakes Mda, Ngungi, Vera, Mariam Tlali etc.  However, these pioneers of African literature have laid an absolute literary foundation for the generation that follow.

In looking at the book Thoughts on Free State writing, written by Omoseye Bolaji, surely one will be filled with great enthusiasm - so to speak.  The book definitely defined many aspects of literature that are not ubiquitous.  Those who are familiar with reading books will only think that literature is all about fictitious novels that specifically speak about romance.  Or certain writers who believes that literature can only exist during their times and without them there can be no literature.  But the book Thoughts on Free State Writing dismiss all this self recognize writers and substantially furnish a clear understanding of literature.  Following are some (essentially) excerpts from the book, Thoughts on Free State writers:

Literary Criticism

Many times I am asked by the people:  “How do you feel when your work is criticized?  It make us feel bad to read some people finding fault with what you’ve written.”

Literary criticism is an integral part of the world of writing.  If you are not criticized it means you are not being read, at least by those who know something about literature.

Imagination

In those days when Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart was first published the book made a great impression around the world as the author re-created an elegant, dignified, ostensibly civilized past of (the Ibo) people.

Mangaung Poets

Who is the “greatest” poet from the (Mangaung) townships?  Of course the question is invidious, even unscholarly. How do you decide who the “best”, the “greatest” is?  Comparisons they say, are odious, but we do so all the same.  In the end it all boils down to subjectivity, personal preferences.

Auto Biographies

In fact a large number of readers prefer to read biographies alone.  In fact Durrell wrote many books that millions of readers found very amusing.  ‘Wole Soyinka’s polished, elevated prose has also found expression in auto-biographical books like The man died,’ Ake: years of childhood; and Isara: A voyage around Essay.

Letters to a Poet

I have heard many people, including local journalist/writers, saying:  “How can a book be written, based on letters?”

But it is nothing strange, really.  For centuries, literature has incorporated letters/correspondence.  Epistolary writing, based on letters, was the forte of Richardson, centuries ago, e.g. Clarissa.

Biographies

Not everybody can write their life stories themselves, hence a biographer can come in useful.

Books for Children

It is said that writing for children is the most difficult genre of writing because the author has to somehow strike the right balance.  He or she must view the events through the eyes to the very young and still manage to keep the material interesting; the writer must not be patronizing and sort of look down on the children, etc

Education

We might as well remember that centuries ago in many parts of Africa, Islamic education was regarded as the ultimate-with Islamic scholars exerting great influence on the continent.  In fact we know a lot about old Africa.  Thanks to the writings of the likes of Ibn Batuta, Leo Africanus (Islamic scholars who visited Africa many centuries ago).

I am writing this in an attempt to point out that formal education is not a pre-requisite for being a good writer.  Once the rudiments, the foundation is there, a potential writer need not have much formal education.

Humour

Charles Dickens had an extraordinary gift for wit and humour, and created so many fantastic characters.

Reading

Most people have read a few books (literature) while in school.  Prescribed books.  This should provide a foundation for further reading.

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Omoseye Bolaji on the very same book has also reviewed African Renaissance.  To this end the late but still very much cherished Pule Lebuso has published two books on this theme:  African Renaissance anti-clockwise: and Africanism in contradiction.  In both books he unashamedly and unreservedly advocates a return to the past where morality held sway and men were men and women were proud of it- as it were.

Pule Lebuso has moreover add a tremendous input in the book and explain the fiction of Omoseye Bolaji.  The suave Bolaji enthralls us by making an awe-inspiring reflection on Free State writers:  Gilbert Modise, Flaxman Qoopane, Lebohang Thaisi, Pule Lebuso, Alitta Moleboheng Mokhuoa, France Nthejane, Teboho Mohanoe, Job Mzamo 

Thoughts on Free State writing  though a bit dated now (many other younger writers have emerged on the pertinent scene over the years) for me is still one of the great books produced by black African author.  Is the guide for those who struggle to understand what really literature is?  There are so many people in the world in particular in Africa who has the potential to become writers and they do not know where to begin.  Others have attempted to write but along the way they have been discouraged simply because they can’t have inspiration to try their ability.

 

There are thousands of people who attended schools and procure many academic certificates but yet nothing they can produce literary.  Similarly with those who knows the class room but didn’t necessary gain university qualification.  Africa can have multitude of writers but the only thing is the lack of ability to test our potential and our literary flair.

Thoughts on Free State writing will remain one of the best books in Africa and it must be used as an inspiration for the purpose of introduction of literature among the African people.  The important people who play the pivotal role in our society such as teachers, parents and apparently academics themselves have to familiarize themselves with the book and at the same time propagate its central mammoth meaning.  If the book can be properly known especially in the grassroots and in schools many people who are dubious about their literary aptitude will be strongly motivated and will start to write and write…

-          Review by Ishmael Mzwandile Soqaga (pix below)

TEBOGO S SPOT OF BOTHER

Homosexuality in Tebogo s Spot of Bother

Book  Tebogo s spot of bother (2001(

Author  Omoseye Bolaji

Reviewer Ishmael Mzwandile Soqaga

In a free democratic country human rights are importantly recognized.  For any country in the world which follows the principle of democracy it is expected that its citizens should have the freedom to enjoy life.  Human rights are the cornerstone of democratic order. 

However in Africa democracy and the human rights can be recognized differently.  Basically, African life and its society are mostly based on traditions and cultural norms.  Although, democracy can be as good enough and efficient order, that is wittingly protecting the rights of citizens against discrimination.  But in cultural Africa you will find certain things prohibited by the legislature and unlike in Europe were you will find their governments accustom with the complete democratic basic rules.  

In other words there might be totally different lifestyles between these two continents.  For instance, things that are usual in Europe or America can be outlandish in Africa.   In Europe and United States of America homosexuality can be seen as normal whereas in Africa can be view as bizarre.  It can be interpreted as something that is against God and ancestors in Africa.  In recent times we see how the western world reacted towards the Ugandan government when it officially banned homosexuality in Uganda, and also in Nigeria.  The decision to legislate homosexual as illicit has infuriated the western countries to the extent that economic sanctions may possibly considered.  Not, only western countries are in opposition with the legislation but other African countries also raised their disapprobation.  Moreover, Cameroon also has phobic tendency towards homosexuality.

Notwithstanding, the book Tebogo’s Spot of Bother gives some important details about homosexual life.  The whole story is happening in African society and the book has ebullient revelation about homosexuality.  We must understand Omoseye Bolaji the author of the book have written the book in fictitious way however it also show significant life of African society, I think he has done the great work to write this wonderful book.  Verily it is educative, relevant and is more likely to be used in schools and universities for academic researches.   Necessarily, it can be used for many reasons especially when it comes to African lifestyle and perception. 

The sister of Tshabalala has been found dead in her renting house, but his brother could hardly believe that his sister committed suicide as the police have alleged.  Therefore, he took the decision to visit the private sleuth in the city of Bloemfontein.  The real purpose was that Tebogo the famous investigator might know better (about Palesa’s death) because of the skill he posses; especially when it comes to the murder cases.  

Subsequently, what therefore followed - was the series of consultation by Tebogo to the people who were much closed to Palesa.  When he was in Phahameng were Palesa was renting and were she died, he learned that her closed friend was also residing in the same area.  When he energetically made his visit to Palesa friend, he found her not available.  But luckily he found Granny in the house.  They started to converse and their conversation went like this:  “Palesa” granny remarked.  “A bright young lady.  She turned her life around…”  My ears picked up, remembering the man had said more or less the same thing yesterday.  “She retained her dignity”

She now seemed to be talking in a soliloquy, as if I was not really there.  “At least she stopped that nonsense.  I told them what they were doing was unnatural.  In those days…  Locking themselves in the room… all women… a sin, I told them.  Palesa listen and stooped it.

At such moment one must not be shocked – externally, at least.  I felt this might be important.  Granny looked at me again, and I knew I had to say something to make her continue. This must be important.

So I smiled.  “But ma, things have changed nowadays.  Men and women are free to do things which were not normal in your days.  Are you saying these things never happened when you were a lovely young lady?”

She was genuinely shocked.  “Abomination!”  She said.  “Women making love to each other while getting drunk!

Absolutely, the conversation is quite enthusiastic and delightful.  The granny was completely against the shameful same sexual relationship.  She related the whole thing to her past golden years, when African life was strict and palatable.  Women must know men as her partner and vice verse.  However, on the other hand Tebogo tried to accentuate that nowadays things have changed.  The whole conversation brings me closer to the question that “why old lifestyle and the new one always collide?”  Then which one is appropriate between the two? 

In one of the famous soapies in South Africa generations in SABC One; we see two male couples living together as wife and husband.  Senzo is the wife of Jasen and the two are in love indeed.  They have feelings and affection for each other; and they can enjoy their marriage life exceedingly same like men and women.  But what is confusing is the matter of progeny.   Certainly they can’t produce children but here Senzo found himself having a child with another woman Noluntu.  The surprising thing here is that a gay woman having a sexual intercourse with real women.  The soapy I guess try to promote homosexual life and simultaneously educate South African society about homosexuality. 

In the book Tebogo s Spot of Bother three female characters; the deceased Palesa, Rakwadi and Lorna practically are homosexual.  Sometimes their jealousy can make them hate each other to the point that their feelings can be intractable.   Is plainly evident in Omoseye Bolaji book were we see Lorna poison lovely Palesa who ultimately died.  Definitely, she was not happy with Palesa involvement with Rakwadi and she concluded to murder her lover with a poison.

In reality in African society, homosexual is view as weird and is negatively dismissed as eccentric behavior.  Fundamentally, is strangely taken as the tradition of the west, and moreover television has been criticize as the sole influence in African society as most of the time its programmed are mostly based on Eurocentric attitude.  Recently other technological features like Smartphone’s and internet are now becoming predominantly in Africa.  In particular young ones are easily entice in this modern technology.  But by outlawing homosexuality, is it really a possible solution to deal with this foreign trend which is called homosexual?  

 Indeed in Africa homosexuality is not popular as people who practice it sometimes are afraid to come out openly.  Then if such situation exist when people become afraid to be seen as gays and lesbians as they afraid for their life, therefore what are ways to deal with this phenomenon?  Homosexual group’s rights may argue that nothing wrong with homosexuality but in African context is unacceptable.  But it is really making sense to discriminate against the gays and lesbians and harshly to outlaw them? 

First and foremost African parents rely on formal schools to provide quality education for their children and at the very same time neglect to entrench African education to their children.  For instance in the heterogeneous country like South Africa you cannot expect the government to pass the law that forbid and discriminate homosexuality.  I do believe that Africans themselves have to do something about their cultural situation which is gradually waning.  Rudiments home African education which I think is lost among the Africans must be emphasize and resuscitated.

Palesa s Father depended on physical obedience.  She grew up under strict parental control and her Father was a disciplinarian.  He never hesitated in using the cane or sjambok if he thought the same was necessary.  There were strict rules.  While Palesa brother embrace discipline, but he also belief his Father took it too far.  Even when they were over 18 he still beat them sometimes.  Despite the fact that Palesa was a model daughter, never mixing freely with boys but her Father was still tough with her.  Palesa family belief in strict discipline were physical beating was prioritize more than parental education.  Strict parental discipline without parental education can have negative repercussion in child life.

Review by Ishmael Mzwandile Soqaga

Ishmael Mzwandile Soqaga reviews Omoseye Bolaji's TEBOGO INVESTIGATES

Book: Tebogo Investigates (2000)

Author: Omoseye Bolaji

Review by Ishmael Mzwandile Soqaga

It remains an exhilarating process when one re-reads Omoseye Bolaji's earlier works; like this one. His books which mostly blossomed in Free State are profoundly excellent as some revealed local names of the township and its people.  

In the book Tebogo investigates, a particular reader especially the one who is residing in Free State will be amazed to found out about township names such as Bochabela, Rocklands and Heidedal which are in Bloemfontein.  The whole episode in the book is taken place in the township of Bloemfontein.  This is what makes Omoseye Bolaji an African writer of the people.  His most superb and bodacious fiction although they gain a lot of international recognition, but are originally based on local reality.  He continuously writes in English and moreover, his fiction reflects a clear picture of African society.

Tebogo investigates begin with the party that Richard Modise has arranged for his weeding ceremony.  Actually, as his marriage was new; only a month, the celebration was not expected.  Family members were informed without being notified; maybe a week before.  Not long the wedding had taken place but suddenly the anniversary.  Promptly, all who were not informed formally but officially invited they finally responded positively.  Present in the party was Richard family, his Mum (Grannie), his sister Nono and his brother Mike.  The invitation was also extended to Mandla, Richard worker, and to Neo who was also working for Betty’s Salon the cousin of Richard.  What is questionable and amazing was the lack of presence of Susan family.  Before she got married to Richard, her friend was Betty who wasn’t in the party.  She was bitter with Susan and to invites Betty was futile, because she won’t bother herself…

Although the invitation to the party was not anticipated by many; apparently Richard was a content man, because he has married to the beautiful women (Susan).  All in the party were enjoying themselves; they were drinking, eating braai meat and so on.  It was a wonderful moment for Richard who was very satisfied and happy.  None was thinking negative; it was time for enjoyment and partying.  Probably, something went wrong when the superb writer, who also got invitation to the party unexpectedly; being part of the party.  In the first place a writer and journalist by the name of Moalusi was a long friend of Richard.  

Moalusi could not miss the precious opportunity; to attend his friend wedding anniversary party, especially when he was not present during the weeding.  His health was not well and probably everybody who knows him was aware about that.  Poor and hapless Moalusi he didn’t bother to ask Richard about his new wife.  However, he was so keen to celebrate with his friend.  Knocking on the door which Neo opened with gusto, entered Moalusi with lot of energy and excitement, but his feeling of excitement was sporadic.  

Within a short period of time, he completely changed and no one in the party really wishes to be closed to him except Mike the brother of Richard.  It was explained that, the reason why he behaves like that was because of his weak health.  And Richard attests to that.  In the meantime joy and drinking was continuous.  Food was served and Moalusi was also served with food.  Apparently, Mike was the one who was interested to Moalusi.  Mike was familiar with literature and he loves the world of reading very much.  Since he was 13 or so he read a book titled David and The Gangsters.  Then he become hooked on African fiction, fondly, he is ardent to Achebe.  It was a very bad time for Moalusi whose book was about to come out.  Subsequently, in the morning; it was found that Moalusi was murdered.  The police investigated but their founding’s failed to reveal the truth of the murder.

However, the murder of innocent Moalusi never find a good space in the heart of Richard his long time good friend, especially when the police speculated that all in the party were suspects.  Imperatively, he made efforts to found a private investigator “Tebogo”.   Richard’s desire was that this matter must be concluded and whoever is guilt with the murder must be punished.  Richard inherited his Father business and he looks completely suitable for that.  Therefore, he was minted. 

However, by being involved in marriage with Susan was rather perhaps a goof.  But Richard Mum was fairly satisfied with Susan, in particular after a doldrums history of love that Richard experienced.  But to Nono and Betty, Susan was nothing but a gold digger and fortune seeker.  Nevertheless, to man Susan was sexually attractive.  Mike could not control himself towards her and Mandla on the other hand may be jealous when other men get closer to her.  Tebogo and his allure, who is rather epistemic in investigation, surprisingly was also fascinated by her.

Melancholic, the revelation of Moalusi murder was finally exposed and it was very unpleasant to found out who did this cruel thing.  But the truth of the murder was very important to Richard.  Susan who firstly tries to be tough to deny the truth about the murder of Moalusi, ultimately she succumbed to Tebogo and she was arrested. Essentially, the book Tebogo Investigates poses many serious questions, as why Susan did not appreciate her past promiscuous life.  By assessing early marriage life of Susan with Richard you can be convince that she was a change women.  She was appealing to her Mother in law despite objection from Nono and Betty. 

The sad reality is that Richard happiness has changed to a tragic situation.  After a long bad history of love with women, again another excruciating thing is happening to him. Who must be blame on this situation?  Mr. Moalusi presence in the wedding anniversary party was a threat to her marriage.  Maybe she worried extremely until she reached the abnormal stage that contributed to the loss of her human sentiments and sympathy.  As she blatantly confess to Tebogo that “She killed Moaluse in a moment of madness”. 

 Indeed she didn’t expect Moalusi to be a friend of his husband.  She was faced with a dilemma.  Obviously her fear was Moalusi will reveal something that she doesn’t want her husband to know about, that she once in her life being a prostitute.  Definitely, Moalusi with not doubt was going to inform his friend Richard that he too slept with her and that his new book was about a woman whom he used to sleep with.  But to murder a quite talented and honest Moalusi was a real solution for the survival of her marriage? 

 The whole idea was utterly dastardly.  Richard lost both; his friend Moalusi and his wife.  On the other hand Susan destroys her reputation and will serve a long sentence in jail while she was supposed to stand firm for her marriage.   Now Richard is the lonely men?  Who knows; that he will trust women again in his life, especially after all this misery?

THE TERMAGANT

By Omoseye Bolaji

It was clear from the beginning that I had been seated beside a female
battle axe in the plane. She looked formidable and hostile. Her first
words to me as I told her I was supposed to sit beside her were:

 "Just make sure you do not disturb my bags up in the compartment
upstairs. Put that bag of yours in a reasonable space!" She was
haughty and pugnacious from the outset.

And no sooner was I seated beside her than she began to complain about the charming air
hostesses. "These girls, women are not good. They are bad!" In my
innocence, being a mere male I had assumed that the hostesses were the
epitome of beauty, grace and good manners. But tell that to my
companion here! the virago on my left!

Then something now happened that sent something of a chill down my
spine. One of the hostesses to our left slipped and fell slightly. And
my companion muttered distinctly: "Let her goddamn leg break
completely!". 

I winced. What type of monster was I saddled with
during this flight? Now she was complaining about "immorality and bad
behaviours these days" They (i.e hostesses) must bring the food etc..."

Suddenly a thought struck me and I felt like crying. Always during
such trips I would enjoy lots of beer...but it was clear that with
this termagant beside me, she would not tolerate such things. Oh my!

Yes it was my privilege to order liquor if I so wished, I owed her
nothing etc; but these were theories. In reality I knew I could not,
with my shy nature, order any beers with this battle axe beside me.
What a dreary flight this would be.

Soon enough the pertinent hostess came to us and said to the lady beside me: "Do you care for a
drink ma'am? We have assorted soft drinks, even wine," I turned away
to hide my frustration and anguish.

The tough female passenger beside me replied: "These your wine bottles are too small...so give me TWO bottles of wine..."

Suke! I was now shaking with relief and excitement! The virago had nothing against alcohol! I grinned broadly as the hostess said to me: "And you sir...do you want some wine, or beer; or
both?"

"BOTH please!" I said, almost crying with relief. "I can start with two beers, and a bottle of wine!!"

Oh beer! I now fully realised what our great Wole Soyinka meant when he wrote about beer
being "transfigured" to exalted heights in his memoirs, You must set forth at dawn. This was after Soyinka after a horrific trip across the border (running away from Abacha regime) wanted a beer at all costs
and somewhat miraculously got it!

My companion and I both enjoyed our drinks….

THE REPROBATE

By Omoseye Bolaji

It seems I have been spending my whole life in diverse hotels for the last two weeks ago. Hotels in Bloemfontein, Johannesburg, Kempton Park, Ethiopia - and (we ll come to that a bit later on(

One of the hotels in Gauteng (we need not mention it( is etched in my mind because I met a certain Gentleman there that in my mind I dubbed a reprobate. Around 5 - 6 in the evening he would sit with me in front of the Guest House and start spewing out obscenities and embarrassing stuff, beers in tow

Terrible hotel we are in here, he would start. I always pity the female staff here. This place is Sodom and Gomorrah as it were; no wonder there is so much aids around , men and women just drive in everytime and do their thing; i like peeping inside the waste basket that side; full of used condoms, dirt pads and so many disgusting things. How do you sleep at nights? Aren t you disturbed with all the sounds of love-making going on?

No, I lied. So many good time girls around, the reprobate went on. Dozens of useless girls, though many of them are quite pretty. They frequent the rooms here lookingt for men to sleep with them. Black, coloured, white girls....if you are interested...

I winced....even in my hotel *Top Ten* later on in Addis Abba, Ethiopia I shuddered at some of these memories, the tang of the Ethiopian soap on my skin. I hoped I had had enough of hotels. Now for Lagos, Nigeria where I would bask amidst people at grassroots level. Eniyan laso mi as they say.

Then I got a message from my host in Lagos. He seemed to be excited. You know I know you have been stressed the last few weeks or so hence I have a treat for you, the message said. Once you get to Lagos I am putting you up in a hotel...

Oh no! Not a hotel again....

THE HAPLESS LADY

By Omoseye Bolaji

I entered the house through the new passage way on the left. Yes it had been quite a while since I was last here! Some four years ago. Life moves on

Yet it was a family I had a lot of respect for; comprising three matriarchs in their late 60s, and their offspring including the nieces - like Didi; who I now noticed was sitting down at a sort of dining table, a disconcerting, jarring expression on her face while the matriarchs beamed at me.

I moved closer to Didi, a bit bewildered at her haunted, languid face, and the way her right hand seemed lifeless.

"Seems Didi does not know me again," I tried to joke. Unsuccessfully. Now I noticed she was  using crutches. What was this?

"Oh" I said. "I'm sorry. Seems you have been in an accident," It was patent to me now that her right hand was largely useless.

Didi at last spoke now, and I soon realised that mentally at least she was as sharp as ever. "Not an accident, Bolaji," she said slowly and strangely. "I have had a stroke, paralysing some of my body parts".

I winced. I was so shocked that I found myself bursting out rather crazily: "How the hell can you have a stroke at 40 when your mother, your aunts (the three matriarchs referred to earlier) are as strong and active as oxes -".

"You know our Didi stresses too much" two of the matriarchs said now. "It is very sad indeed,".      

"I want to talk to Bolaji alone; explain things to him," Didi said, in effect dismissing the matriarchs.

 Alone, she now told me why and how she had become so stressed, worried about a particular debt she had, and how the creditor had hounded her till the stroke was precipitated. I was horrified to learn that the money she owed was not even up to a thousand rand! And she had suffered a stroke! Amother of two kids!

My mind went back to many years ago when I had been new in this area in South Africa; Didi personally organising, giving me things like curtains and some kitchenware for the first place where I had stayed…

But now she was saying; "If you can help me beg the Creditor...I will give you his contact details. Beg him for me, tell him I have been very sick, I lost my job...I can t pay him now...pls beg him for me..."

My voice hardened. "I am certainly NOT going to do that," I said; she looked disappointed, hurt.  

Then I said: "You see we must remove the root of your stress, the debt. So the only help I can give you is give you the money to pay that accursed creditor. So I am gonna give you the money, or most of it in cash,"

She stared at me, incredulous. "No, but - I know you are not rich -"

"Don't worry about that. The important thing is for you to pay the guy, start getting better fast for the sake of your kids...and that's an order. I am giving you the money in return for you to recover quickly!!".

I gave her in cash most of the money she owed the "creditor". As tears came to her eyes, I looked away, feeling bad at the cruel vicissitudes of life...

GLORIOUS EAGLETS POISED TO CELEBRATE AGAIN

By OMOSEYE BOLAJI

Tens of millions of Africans, especially Nigerians have been celebrating as the Under 17 national football team, the Eaglets have taken the world by storm during the current Under 17 World Cup finals; this week the Eaglets swept into the very final with panache, swatting aside an adept Swedish team in the semi finals 3-0.

Cue widespread celebrations all over the nation; the young ones have indeed been doing the country and Africa proud and are poised to meet Mexico in the final – with the Eaglets definitely favourites to win – a victory in the very final, and unbridled joy would sweep through the country….

Yet a very large part of the footballing world would be forgiven to think what the fuss is all about. It might seem shocking to realize that even among ardent football followers most of them just do not care about the under 17 World Cup; most of the excitement alas is concentrated in Nigeria! Certainly in South Africa hardly any of the teeming football lovers are aware of the current feats of the Eaglets.

Yes, this would surprise many especially Nigerians who for decades have always loved the exploits of the Eaglets who (before this current final) had won this particular World Cup at least three times. Those of us who are “old codgers” remember all too well the incredible glee in 1985 when Nigeria won the maiden edition of the international competition. The likes of Nduka Ugbade (then peerless Captain of the team) became legends (see pix above). Extraordinary laurels were bestowed on the victorious kids at the time.

It was more or less the same in 1993 when the then Eaglets, inspired by the gangling Kanu Nwankwo brilliantly won the Under 17 Cup again. Great happiness swept the land, and Nwankwo in particular at least went onto have a wonderful career as a brilliant footballer all over the world. For decades Nigerians have always followed the progress of its Under 17 and Under 20 or even 21 squads. It is still the same….

Yet the western world considers such tournaments as very small beer indeed, hardly even bothering to send decent squads to such events. The parent clubs often frown at the idea of their key players starring at such tournaments and look for excuses for such starlets to withdraw – in the end a second string squad would “grace” such tournaments, a team barely recognizable to pertinent  football followers!

Why are these “big” footballing nations sceptical of such global tournaments for the kids; why would they not relish the opportunities for their starlets to garner even more exposure? Suffice it to say that these exalted clubs care only about themselves really, and do not want the possibility of such players being injured…and of course apart from the lofty national football leagues in countries like Germany, Spain, England, Italy, there is also a lot of concentration on the European Champions League for clubs; hence the tournaments for the youngsters become something of a nuisance and irritation on such shores.

In fairness to South America, they often take the age-competitions quite seriously, and it is no surprise that the world is soon alerted to extraordinary talents from Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay etc thanks to the Under 20, or Under 17 tournaments. Argentina for example showcased the skills of Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguerro from such early age grade competitions. In Africa this is also often the case; especially in Ghana which is famous for unearthing and encouraging talented kids from a very young age. The 6-1 thrashing of Egypt (by the Ghana national team) in the latest World Cup qualifiers is recent proof that the Ghanaians certainly have their eye on the ball as it were.

As Africans we can state that we believe unequivocally in the efficacy of tournaments like the Under 17 and the under 20 World Cup finals. More than that, we relish and bask at such occasions. Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon etc have traditionally done well at such events. And right now Nigeria is expected to win the latest edition of the under 17 World Cup final this Friday. The boys have been doing very well with their cascade of fine football garnished with a plethora of goals. We wish them all the best as they face Mexico in the final…