“We’ve always recognized the immense footballing potential that exists across the continent… the sheer volume of promising young players [in Africa] is astounding.” – Nathan Campbell
Roc Nation Sports International (RNSI), a division of entertainment company Roc Nation founded by American music mogul Jay-Z, has committed to the African football market by signing up eight promising youngsters from the continent.
While they are not the agency’s first cohort of African football players–17-year-old Cape Town City winger Emile Witbooi achieved that feat earlier this year–their latest additions indicate a global company geared for long-term investment on the African continent.
“We believe Africa is a hotbed of untapped footballing potential, and our expansion here is a natural progression of our global vision,” RNSI’s Head of Global Recruitment for Football, Nathan Campbell, said in a statement.
“Our strategy is built on deep collaboration with local partners, allowing us to understand and address the unique needs of African players, ensuring they receive the best possible support to reach their full potential.”
Founded in 2019 as Roc Nation’s sports wing, RNSI represents over 100 football players, headlined by Real Madrid duo Vinicius Junior and Endrick, alongside Napoli’s Kevin De Bruyne.
The global music personalities affiliated with Roc Nation include such names as Rihanna, Alicia Keys, and J Balvin.
Roc Nation’s concerted move into African football seemed only a matter of time. The earliest sign came in 2021 through a consultancy agreement with South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns—a partnership that continues to this day.
With Witbooi signing on in February this year, it seemed only a matter of time before more African talent followed. The scale, however, was unknown.
“Africa has been a key part of our long-term global vision at RNSI,” says Campbell in an interview with FORBES AFRICA. “We’ve always recognized the immense footballing potential that exists across the continent… the sheer volume of promising young players [in Africa] is astounding.”
Six African nations are represented in their eight-player haul, from Kaizer Chiefs striker Neo Bohloko (South Africa) and Benab FC midfielder Joseph Narbi (Ghana), to Al Nasr attacker Mamadou Diallo (Guinea) and Sibonor United winger Francis Gomez (The Gambia).
The remaining four include Ifeoluwa Olowoporoku (Nigeria), Tadiwa Chakuchichi (Zimbabwe), Siyabonga Mabena (South Africa), and Ali Umar (Ghana). All players, except the latter two (18), are between 16 and 17 years old.
“We saw the opportunity not just to identify elite talent, but to partner with local stakeholders and provide the comprehensive support these young athletes need both on and off the pitch… The African players currently on our roster are just the beginning.”
RNSI has confirmed it is currently scouring Zambia and the Ivory Coast for more talent. The opportunity opens unique commercial avenues for players previously limited by access and exposure, thus uncovering Africa’s next crop of footballing prodigies.
- Freddie Hiney, Forbes
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