By: Nina Patel
In a world where the power of sport is often reduced to medals and match scores, Champs for Change and We Will Lead Africa: A Sports Volume offer a much-needed recalibration. Co-created by Memuna Williams, Clarisse Machanguana, and Randy Soumahoro, the book presents something potentially more lasting than trophies: it offers a framework for transformation. Through 40 compelling, first-person narratives, the book highlights African sports leaders, athletes, journalists, and advocates who are using sport not just to win, but to lead, uplift, and drive social change.
This is not your typical collection of sports memoirs. Rather, it is an evolving movement in print. It delves into what happens when leadership, purpose, and passion intersect on and off the field, providing readers with an inside look at the lived experiences of individuals who have turned obstacles into opportunities and careers into sources of positive impact.
A Collaboration Rooted in Purpose
At the heart of the project are its three visionary editors: Dr. Memuna Williams, a strategist and advocate for youth leadership; Clarisse Machanguana, a former professional basketball player and global health ambassador; and Randy Soumahoro, a pan-African changemaker in sports and development. Together, they co-founded Champs for Change (C4C), a social enterprise designed to help African youth (ages 16–30) explore careers in sports beyond competition through mentorship, networking, and skill-building.
The idea behind the book emerged naturally, born out of years of mentoring, advocacy, and watching the African sports ecosystem evolve with untapped potential. “We knew that African youth needed more than motivation—they needed role models whose stories reflected their own experiences,” says Machanguana. “This book brings those role models forward.”
In partnership with the We Will Lead Africa initiative, Champs for Change became a natural extension of both organizations’ shared mission: to celebrate African leadership in action, especially leadership that disrupts, innovates, and empowers.
Stories That Cross Borders and Break Barriers
The variety of contributors is as inspiring as it is diverse. From athletes turned entrepreneurs to behind-the-scenes strategists and social advocates, the stories span nations and disciplines, reaching from South Africa and Nigeria to Morocco and Mozambique. We meet women breaking barriers in male-dominated leagues, men returning to invest in their hometowns, and youth pioneers designing sports programs addressing everything from gender equity to economic mobility.
One standout story comes from a basketball fan in Mozambique who now runs a nonprofit for disadvantaged youth, using sports as a bridge to healing and education. Another highlight is a Cameroonian sports journalist who broke into broadcasting in a field historically dominated by male voices, now mentoring the next generation of women in media.
Despite their varied journeys, a shared theme emerges: these leaders see sports not as an escape, but as a platform—a means to change narratives, build communities, and challenge injustice.
A Book That’s Also a Mirror
Champs for Change succeeds not only in amplifying underrepresented voices but also in reflecting the broader sports industry. The book questions outdated assumptions about where leadership can be found. It asks: What if the next great sports revolution doesn’t originate in Europe or the U.S., but in the grassroots clubs of Accra, the dusty basketball courts of Maputo, or a girls’ rugby league in Nairobi?
In doing so, the editors shift the narrative away from dependency, toward agency. Africa is not waiting to be saved; it is leading in its own right. “This book is evidence that excellence and innovation are flourishing across the continent,” says Williams. “We’re simply ensuring that the world takes notice.”
Designed to Inspire Action
While the book celebrates personal stories, it ultimately serves as a call for engagement. For African youth, it opens doors: the contributors share how they forged their paths, the challenges they faced, and the advice they would offer others. For sports professionals and development agencies, it provides insights into fostering sustainable, community-driven change. And for global readers, it offers a vibrant, authentic alternative to the often one-dimensional portrayals of African sports.
The book’s release was marked by a high-profile launch during the BAL (Basketball Africa League) finals in Johannesburg, drawing attention from top figures in sports leadership, including NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi and BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall. A youth leadership panel, held during the event, showcased young readers already energized by the book’s impact.
What’s Next for Champs for Change?
The book is just the beginning. Champs for Change plans to continue building its mentorship and training programs while expanding access to the stories within the book through workshops, podcasts, and youth-centered events across the continent. The long-term goal? A flourishing ecosystem where African youth not only participate in sport but also shape its future.
Soumahoro captures it best: “We’re not just sharing stories. We’re nurturing a generation of changemakers who will reshape what leadership in sports looks like for Africa—and the world.”
Champs for Change and We Will Lead Africa: A Sports Volume is available now in both print and digital formats. It is a timely, essential read for anyone interested in youth empowerment, African innovation, and the transformative potential of sport.
