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Does poverty produce elite football stars?

Whether it’s Malawi’s Tabitha Chawinga, Sadio Mane of Senegal or South Africa’s Steven Pienaar, they have been lifted out of poverty by football.

“If that path is clogged with trees or it’s difficult to get through but it’s the only path you have to a better circumstance, you will go a lot further through that path and you will trek a lot further before giving up than someone who has, perhaps, six or seven paths at their disposalâ€

As the Women’s World Cup draws to a close, Alan Kasujja looks at whether or not poverty plays any part in propelling athletes to greatness.

Footballers like Malawi’s Tabitha Chawinga, Sadio Mane of Senegal, South Africa’s Steven Pienaar and Englishman Marcus Rashford, grew up in tough conditions.

But this did not stop them from playing the beautiful game at the highest level possible.

So, what exactly is it about their background that makes them tick?

Presenter: Alan Kasujja

Guests: Tabitha Chawinga and Ryan Tehini

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16 minutes

Podcast