Shogo Shodunnke, the Chief Executive Officer of Phreestyle Sport, has identified untimely implementation of ideas and recommendations as a major barrier to the rapid development of sports in Africa.
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Shodunnke shared his insights while speaking as a panelist at the Afro Sports Summit 2024, held at the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons in Accra on Wednesday.
Shodunnke emphasized that numerous sports-related research studies conducted by African scholars and graduates from top universities worldwide have identified the problems facing African sports.
However, he noted that these recommendations have lacked proper implementation.
“We have scholars who have done a lot of research, and we have many Africans who have graduated from top universities in the world and understand the problems of African sports. But the problem is implementation,” said Shodunnke, an alumnus of FIFA CIES.
He further highlighted that differing mindsets and interests have also hindered sports development in Africa.
According to Shodunnke, some individuals are more focused on financial gain than on the actual development of sports, exacerbating existing problems. Improper appointments in leadership positions have also contributed to the issue, as these leaders have failed to bring the right expertise into the fold.
Shodunnke, the mastermind behind the AMAPRO Africa Development Program, believes that Africa holds ample opportunities for sports development.
He stressed that Africa can emulate successful sporting models from Europe and the United States through collaboration among like-minded individuals committed to changing the narrative.
“A lot of things are happening in Europe and America that we can bring back here for implementation. We can achieve this through collaborations, creating positive and impactful ideologies and philosophies, having the same mentality, and using common sense,” he explained.
Since its inception in 2016, the AMAPRO concept has been changing the narrative in African sports, with the championship raising 165 professional footballers who are now breadwinners from the grassroots.
Shodunnke also emphasized the importance of the PLAY SAVE, PLAY PLAN concept, which has provided athletes with the necessary skills, knowledge, and training for life after sports.
