The Biggest Keys to Scouting in African Football
Africa has been and still is a hotbed for global footballing talent, as the beautiful game is not just seen as an escape from the harsh socioeconomic realities in several nations on the continent, but also as a means to a better life for the many who choose the round leather game as their preferred career path.
Despite the yearning of most of these young African footballers to make it to the top of the game, there are still gaps and deficiencies in discovering the brightest prospects. Make no bones about it, there is a plethora of talent waiting to be seen. You wouldn’t be wrong if you thought that the famous expression “Finding a diamond in the rough” was of African origin, as there truly are numerous footballing diamonds across the continent waiting to be unearthed.
Some of these gems may not even get the chance to work their way up the footballing pyramid in their respective countries. One thing is for sure though, the talent is there. Scouting these prodigious talents has been a great challenge for teams outside of Africa, especially European clubs. Before the advent of sports-based technology, a club would have had to bear the cost of flying a scout to the location of said player so they could watch them play.
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This may have been a risk not so many clubs were willing to take, but the rewards were usually gratifying. Ballon d’Or winner George Weah was signed by AS Monaco after recommendations from then-Cameroon head coach Claude Leroy to Arsene Wenger who was the French club’s manager at the time. Weah was making waves in the Cameroonian first division, but one can only imagine what would have been if Leroy recommended someone else, such was the fine margins around being discovered on the African football scene.
Weah may have made it to top-flight football in Africa, but Didier Drogba never got to play at the top level in his home country or on the continent, migrating to France with his family instead and coming up through the French football pyramid. Today, it is even harder to find the best young talents featuring regularly in the domestic top flight, particularly in Western Africa, where being good enough may not necessarily equate to being old enough. In Nigeria, there are so many examples; with current CAF Player of the Year Victor Osimhen the most prominent.
Osimhen started at Ultimate Strikers Academy, a hardly prominent academy at the time and only featured in regional youth tournaments across Lagos, where he grew up. His big break came during trials with Emmanuel Amunike and the U-17 national team in 2014. Again, another African footballing giant could’ve been missed as even Amunike was not convinced of his skills at first but decided to give the lanky youngster a second look. That Osimhen could rise from a lesser-known, non-league outfit shows that these clubs/academies hold the key to the future of scouting on the continent.
The emergence of scouting software leverages technology to address these limitations. By using data analytics, machine learning, and video analysis, scouting software can provide a comprehensive evaluation of players, irrespective of their location. Here’s how scouting software can revolutionize the search for the next crop of African football stars:
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Comprehensive Data Collection
Scouting software can collect and analyze vast amounts of data from various sources, including:
- Match Statistics: Detailed stats on player performance, including goals, assists, tackles, passes, and more.
- Physical Metrics: Data on a player’s speed, stamina, strength, and agility.
- Tactical Awareness: Insights into a player’s positioning, decision-making, and understanding of the game.
This data-driven approach provides a holistic view of a player’s capabilities, beyond what can be observed in a single match.
Access to Remote Talent
With scouting software, clubs can access video footage and data from games played in the most remote areas. This ensures that no talent is overlooked due to geographical barriers. Players from rural villages or less prominent leagues can be scouted effectively, increasing the pool of potential stars.
Objective Assessment
Scouting software reduces the expected subjectivity and biases inherent in traditional scouting. Algorithms evaluate players based on data, providing objective assessments of their performance. This ensures that decisions are made based on merit and potential, rather than personal preferences. A scout may overlook a player with massive potential based on an eye test, but data will give a better representation of the same player.
Cost-Effectiveness
Investing in scouting software can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to traditional scouting methods. Clubs can reduce travel expenses and the need for a large team of scouts. The software can analyze multiple players simultaneously, increasing efficiency.
Case Studies and Success Stories
Several success stories highlight the potential of scouting software in identifying African football talent:
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RB Leipzig and the Red Bull Network
RB Leipzig, along with other clubs in the Red Bull network, has been at the forefront of using technology and data analytics in scouting. They have successfully identified and developed players from Africa, such as Naby Keita from Guinea and more recently, Karim Konaté from Cote D’Ivoire. By using scouting software, they could assess both players’ potential and track their progress, leading to successful integration into European football for both.
The Rise of Video Analysis Platforms
Platforms such as Afriskaut have become invaluable tools for clubs around the world. These platforms provide extensive databases of match footage and player statistics. Clubs can scout players from African leagues by accessing these platforms, enabling them to discover talents that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Implementing Scouting Software: Challenges and Solutions
While scouting software offers numerous benefits, implementing it in the African context comes with its own set of challenges:
Access to Technology
Not all regions in Africa have the infrastructure to support advanced scouting software. Internet connectivity, access to computers, and technological literacy can be barriers. However, initiatives to improve digital infrastructure and education can help overcome these challenges.
Data Availability
Accurate and comprehensive data is crucial for scouting software to be effective. In some African leagues, the availability of detailed match data and player statistics might be limited. Collaborations between football associations, clubs, and technology providers can help improve data collection and sharing.
Adapting to Local Contexts
Scouting software needs to be adaptable to the specific contexts of different African countries and leagues. Customizing the software to consider local playing styles, conditions, and challenges can enhance its effectiveness.
The Future of Scouting in Africa
The future of football scouting in Africa looks promising with the integration of advanced technologies. Scouting software is not just a tool for identifying talent; it’s a catalyst for transforming how football is played, developed, and appreciated on the continent. Here are some prospects:
Grassroots Development
Scouting software can be integrated into grassroots football development programs. By identifying young talents early, clubs and football academies can provide targeted training and development programs, nurturing the next generation of African stars.
Collaboration with Local Clubs
European and international clubs can collaborate with local African clubs to implement scouting software. These partnerships can help local clubs access advanced technology and expertise, creating a win-win situation for both parties.
Empowering Local Scouts
Local scouts can be trained to use scouting software, combining their on-ground insights with the power of data analytics. This can create a more effective and comprehensive scouting network across the continent.
Conclusion
Scouting software represents a game-changing innovation in the quest to discover the next star footballer in Africa. By overcoming the limitations of traditional scouting methods, it opens up new possibilities for finding and nurturing talent in every corner of the continent.
As technology continues to advance, the integration of scouting software will not only enhance the scouting process but also contribute to the overall development of football in Africa. Embracing this technology can ensure that the next generation of George Weahs, Didier Drogbas and Victor Osimhens are discovered and allowed to shine on the global stage.
By: Edward Okaro / @KingArinze
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / @GabFoligno / DeFodi Images