Here are many global sports franchises – global because they transcend the borders of their home country, and sometimes even their sport. And they don’t come much bigger than Manchester United.
Billions across the globe watch football – it’s the world’s most popular sport, and Man Utd is the world’s most popular team.
Superstars such as David Beckham, command a near-fanatical following in places as diverse as Korea, Brazil, Thailand, Africa, and the USA. And Africa is a continent that is football mad, where South Africa raised its profile in the soccer world by hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup – who can forget the wail of the vuvuzela?
South African is not immune from Man Utd – and Premier League – fever, and has a good reason for it. Let’s see.
Sport in SA
We all know South Africans are crazy for sport: the Springboks on the rugby field, Proteas at the top echelons of international cricket as well as athletics, boxing, tennis, and swimming having a strong presence, both in schools, colleges, and professional levels.
And football is among the most popular sports in the country, if not the most popular, played at the grassroots level as well as in the South African Premier Division.
Millions of spectators tune in to domestic games and fixtures from the major European competitions, and fans and bettors love the action.
South Africa hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup which proved to be a spectacular event, firmly putting the country on the world stage.
Premier League popularity
The English Premier League (EPL) is popular the world over, and Africa is not immune to the high level of play and Oscar-worthy excitement served up by some of the world’s top players.
Many African players have graced England’s pitches, with stars such as Nwankwo Kanu, Emmanuel Adabayor, and Michael Essien among them.
What is interesting, countries in western African countries tend to favor Chelsea – iconic Ivorian striker Didier Drogba has played for the West London club for nine seasons and scoring a goal in normal time and in the penalty shootout to help them win the UEFA Champions League in 2012.
In the south of the continent, most football fans favor Man Utd, where South Africa leads the way.
Man Utd in SA
Across the countries of Southern Africa, Manchester United is the most favored team, but it is a close-run thing in South Africa – 23% of fans report the Red Devils as their favorites, compared with 21% going for Arsenal.
Such is the support for Man Utd in the country, they even have their own fan club – the first of its kind in Africa, established way back in 1990, before the inauguration of the EPL – and before Man Utd’s unprecedented 13 league titles.
Now the fan club has three branches, Jo’burg, Cape Town, and Durban, and possesses 4 Old Trafford season tickets which can be borrowed by members if they happen to be in the north of England on a Saturday afternoon.
Betting on the Red Devils and Other EPL Teams
One thing that can’t be separated from this South African football craze and love for Manchester United is their passion for betting.
Ever since 2004, when the full sports betting legalization took place, it became clear how special football is in the country’s culture and history.
Today, it represents one of the most important sports and the key element in the betting market, and much is due to several South Africans that graced the field in Old Trafford, including SA legends Gary Bailey, and Quinton Fortune.
Everyone in SA who shares this football passion would either love to find themselves scoring goals for the Devils or a way to bet on them. Therefore, if not playing football, many fans regularly monitor betting fixtures and listings.
South African EPL players
There are many reasons why the EPL is so popular, from the level of play and physicality unrivaled in European football to the exciting and diverse betting options on league games. But one of the most appealing factors is the players – the world’s finest footballers ducking it out every weekend.
Not only that, but wherever you are in the world, there is sure to be a local hero playing in the league. Let’s look at some South African players who have made the EPL cut.
Quinton Fortune
An Old Trafford veteran, Fortune played for the side for seven seasons, between 1999 and 2006. Though never a regular in the first team, when he did play he shone. He was also part of the squad for three EPL title-winning seasons – as well as making 27 UEFA Champions League appearances.
Steven Pienaar
Johannesburg native, Steven Pienaar formed a crucial part of Everton’s midfield from 2007 until 2011, becoming a firm favorite with fans due to his exploits on the wing and his partnership with Leighton Baines.
He switched to north London with a two-year spell at Tottenham Hotspur before resigning with Everton for £4.5 million. While he did score relatively frequently, he never quite regained his full form, hampered by injuries, and was released in 2016 at the end of his contract.
Lucas Radebe
A Leeds United legend, and one of the most respected African – let alone South African – footballers of all time, Radebe captained the Yorkshire side, leading by example from his position at center back. A powerful and committed defender, he soon became a favorite at Elland Road, helped no doubt by his loyalty to the club, even with Man Utd reportedly knocking on the door for a transfer.
South Africans love their EPL football, be it as spectators or bettors. And it’ no wonder Man Utd is top of the pile – the most successful team in Premier League history, they command a committed following all over the globe.
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