Book On Juju In Soccer Launched

An eleven-chapter book which touches on witchcraft and magic in African soccer has been launched at the Media Centre of the Accra Stadium. Foreworded by Joe Aggrey, former Deputy Sports Minister, the book, authored by Rev Francis J. Botchway, has put together in a single volume, an issue that has engaged public attention and that has been part of our discourse as a nation for many years. The eleven chapters which depicts the number of players a team features in a game, starts with reference to his own history as a soccer player and personal encounters, even his involvement with juju as a young man. Chapter Two draws attention to the genesis of the invocation of supernatural powers such as angels and saints to enhance performance in sports. The involvement of traditional religions and their functionaries as sources of supernatural succor in sports is discussed in chapter three. The fourth chapter deals with a combination of case studies based on empirical research and analysis of some important personalities� views on the subject, while the remaining chapters deal with views of stakeholders in Ghana soccer, the particular involvement of Christian and Muslim functionaries, important case studies in the history of juju and spirituality in Ghana soccer, and how God sees sports. He told Daily Guide Sports in a post launch interview that he was motivated by views of stakeholders in the game to put it in black and white. �Most people think it works, others have different opinions, whether or not it works depends on the individual. Soccer is not all about a win-win situation,� said the author. �This book will educate people about the need to move the game of football forward, so that we don�t destroy the game,� he added. The Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Nii Nortey Dua advised that spiritism should be discouraged in sports but rather look for scientific approaches and methods to improve performance. �Our games should be devoid of spiritism, our players should be educated to esteem training, discipline and rely on God. Scriptures like Mathew 19:26 and Luke 1:37 clearly backs what am saying,� the sports chief said. �If juju works in sports, countries that practice vodoo would be peerless, but should you present a team that is not prepared to face Brazil, they would be walloped,� he added. The first copy of the book went for �500, and it was purchased by a representative of Fidelity Bank. Proceeds from the sale of the book titled �Juju, Magic and Witchcraft in African Soccer- Myth or Reality�, will go to Retired National Football Association of Ghana (RENFAG).