In the highly competitive world of African football, a persistent question haunts minds and divides experts: the domination of clubs from the North over those from the South. This question was recently addressed by the former coach of AS Vita Club, Florent Ibenge, during an interview on the set of Fatshimetrie. His statements sparked lively debates and raised fundamental questions about the regional disparities and financial inequalities that influence the African football landscape.
Florent Ibenge highlighted the impact of budgets on club performance, highlighting the striking contrast between the resources available to teams from the North and those from the South. According to him, financial strength is a determining factor in the success of a club, both nationally and continentally. He notably spoke of his experience at the Berkane Renaissance, where he had access to considerable resources, and compared this situation to that of the AS Vita Club, regretting the lack of resources available to him during his time within this team.
This blatant inequality between clubs from the North and the South is reflected in the results of continental competitions. If we look at the results of sub-Saharan clubs in recent decades, we see a clear decline in their performance compared to clubs in the North. Accurate statistics show the growing supremacy of North African teams in competitions such as the CAF Champions League. This trend raises key questions about the fairness of competitions and the ability of southern clubs to compete on a level playing field.
However, beyond financial considerations, other factors can also influence team performance, such as the quality of player training, infrastructure management, or even the long-term stability of clubs. It is undeniable that football is a sport where money plays a major role, but it should not overshadow the other aspects that contribute to the success of a team.
Ultimately, the question of the dominance of northern clubs over southern ones is complex and multifactorial. It raises crucial issues in terms of equity, competitiveness and justice in African football. It is essential to continue the debate, analyze the different parameters at play and seek solutions to promote a more equitable environment conducive to the harmonious development of football on the continent.