Beyond ethnic and club membership: soccer and national identity in Mozambique, 1974-2019

Abstract

Soccer is a very popular sport in Mozambique. Sometimes seen as a recreational and professional activity, soccer also plays a social and political role. However, despite being a sport of masses, from a socio-political point of view, soccer has not received due attention by researchers in social sciences and humanities. To fill this gap, this article studies the contribution of soccer in the construction and strengthening of the Mozambican nation. The article argues that, since the proclamation of independence in 1975, soccer has played a major role in the project of building a strong, united and modern nation. The article further avers that, in a context of cyclical wars and political instrumentalization of ethno-linguistic and regional diversity, the government of Mozambique has relied on the popularity of soccer to promote the idea of belonging to an united and sovereign nation. In this regard, the matches of the national soccer team serve to unite Mozambicans in defense of the homeland, leaving aside people’s ethnic and club differences. The national soccer league in the model of all-against-all, involving clubs from all regions of the country, but which has proved to be financially unsustainable, is supported by government funds because it is believed that it contributes to national unity. Methodologically, is qualitative study based on the historical method to understand political, social and sports events over time. In this process, it uses document analysis, literature review, non-participant observation and interviews with key informants.