Watch Soka Afrika

Soka Afrika is a documentary film that provides an exceptional glimpse into the world of African football through the personal stories of two young men – Kermit Erasmus, a young South African footballer, and Jean-Claude Mbvoumin, a Cameroonian student with a passion for the sport. The film is directed by Suridh Hassan, who follows these two young men through their trials and tribulations, capturing their raw emotions, and the joys and disappointments of pursuing their dream of playing professional football.

The film begins by introducing the two protagonists, who are both trying to make their mark in the world of African football. Kermit Erasmus is a 17-year-old boy from Cape Town who plays for the South African national Under-20 team. He dreams of becoming a professional footballer and leaving the impoverished township he grew up in. Jean-Claude Mbvoumin is a 19-year-old student from Cameroon, studying in Cape Town, South Africa. He forms the second half of the narrative of this documentary, providing the viewer with an outside perspective on the challenges and opportunities of African football.

The documentary follows the duo as they compete in various tournaments and matches across Africa. One of the most fascinating aspects of the film is its exploration of how football is embedded in African culture, and how the sport can unite people from different countries and cultures. Through the eyes of the two protagonists, the viewer is treated to the rich and complex tapestry of African football. They encounter a diversity of people, from grassroots teams to professional footballers, and experience different levels of the sport's competitiveness.

Through their journey, the film touches upon several themes, including poverty, corruption, politics, and the unequal distribution of resources in African football. Soka Afrika sheds light on the dark side of the sport, presenting stories of corruption and exploitation of young football players, but it also highlights the positive work being done by people who are passionate about grassroots football. It's an ode to the beautiful game that celebrates the sport's power to connect and inspire.

One of the highlights of the documentary is the way in which the film captures the passion and skill of African football. The film showcases some of the remarkable talents present in the continent and the beautiful football that is played on streets, in small village pitches and stadiums across Africa. The film is aided by stunning camera work, which immerses the audience in the beautiful African landscapes, and the cinematography presents the raw and unpolished beauty of African football.

The film's soundtrack is another standout aspect. The sounds of African footballs grounds come alive in the score, and the music provides a beautiful accompaniment to the stunning visuals on display. It's a fitting tribute to the continent that's home to some of the most passionate and football-loving people in the world.

Overall, Soka Afrika is a beautiful documentary that captures the essence of African football, telling its story through the personal trials and triumphs of two young men. The film takes the viewer on a journey that will leave them with a greater appreciation of African football culture and the beauty of the game. It celebrates the hopes and dreams of aspiring footballers and the immense challenges, making it a must-watch for anyone who loves football or documentary films.