Opinion | How China is fuelling the African Cup of Nations through stadium diplomacy
The African Cup of Nations may not feature many Chinese-based players, but it will be a good demonstration of their soft power on the continent
With the 2017 African Cup of Nations about to start in Gabon, one could be forgiven for switching one’s attention away from Europe’s big leagues and also from the transfer frenzy prompted by the newly re-opened Chinese player transfer window.
The African Cup of Nations is a showcase for the continent’s best football talent, although it inevitably causes controversy as players based in Europe often face a choice of leaving their clubs mid-season or else missing out on playing for their countries.
There are no such problems for African players based in China, as the Chinese Super League (CSL) isn’t scheduled to start until after the tournament is over.
That said, the CSL is hardly awash with Africa’s top talent. Unlike the growing number of Brazilian players in China, most of Africa’s best are still turning out for European sides.
While the likes of George Weah at AC Milan and Didier Drogba at Chelsea have, over the years, cast African football in a positive light, China’s recent heavy investment in talent has yet to fully embrace African players, or for that matter, African coaches and managers.
Off the field though, China seems rather more taken with Africa. This year’s African Cup of Nations is the latest in a long line of tournaments into which the East Asian giant has invested.
