Angola's Golden Sport

Though football (soccer) is listed as the 'national sport' of Angola and most all of the continent of Africa, basketball is more popular in Angola and the country is far better known for its basketball credentials than its football credentials.

Currently ranking 12th in the world, Angola is Africa's top basketball team having won eight of the last nine Africa Basketball Championships. The Angolan team recently sealed their reputation as a basketball powerhouse in the 2009 Africa Nations Basketball Championships, capturing their sixth straight Afrobasket gold medal, and their tenth in the last eleven tournaments.  This is a fantastic record, but it is more outstanding because several of these previous triumphs came when the country was embroiled in its civil war. 

The national team has consistently maintained a high global ranking to earn an invitation to the last five summer Olympic Games.  Their Olympic ranking during these last five Games ranges between 10th to 12th.

Golf in Angola?

Yes, there is 18 hole golf course located about 15 km south from Luanda (the only one in the country). Far from being a indicator of broad national progress, this course is managed by one of the oil exploration companies and used mainly by expatriate employees of all industries.  Even with a small, emerging middle and upper Angolan social class who are exploring this sport, this luxury is beyond the interest and economic capabilities of 95% of all Angolans.

The course is still very basic and located amid Luanda's dry and hot climate.  This dictates that most of the putting greens are packed dirt. The club house is very simple, a 20 foot shipping container.

Course rates are affordable, comparatively speaking; the green fee is 2000 Kz  (USD$22) and caddy fee 1500 Kz (USD$15)!

Attack on African Cup of Nations Soccer Team

The African Cup of Nations Soccer tournament, due to start tomorrow in Angola, has suffered an unfortunate setback due to a rebel attack on one of the participating African country teams.

A bus carrying Togo’s football team to the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola, was fired upon after it crossed from the Republic of Congo into Angola's oil-rich territory of Cabinda. Nine people including two Togo players were reportedly wounded on the bus as well as the death of the bus driver.  The Togo team has since withdrawn from the tournament.

The government called the incident, initiated by the rebel group Flec, an “act of terrorism.  This occurance will put an unfortunate mark on the spirit, energy and image of the Angolan tournament. Read more about the incident here.......

Angola's Showcase to the World

When the opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Luanda on Sunday January 10, it will be the first time since the tournament's inception in 1957 that Angola will be hosting the tournament.  Being a participant in this high-level athletic event for many years, Angola's right to host the showpiece of African football will most certainly allow the world to see the potential and amazing development that this country holds.

The fact that Angola has been chosen to host the 2010 cup is a sign of confidence in the stability of the region and shows how the government through this event is taking proactive steps to build up the infrastructure which can assist in bringing the country out of poverty. By hosting the African Cup of Nations over this month, Angola also hopes that it can kick start its tourism industry to showcase its pristine beaches, warm climate, and distinct colonial Portuguese architecture.

This is my personal hope through this event; that the world showcase and attention that Angola will receive will revise the world's stereotype of the country and strengthen the relief aid and tourism interest, and that this influx of capital will aid the local communities.