Ghanaian Footballers with Career Threatening Injuries: Exploring Lived Experiences

Abstract

The extant literature have examined the prevalence of injuries among a number of sporting disciplines using quantitative methods. Few studies have explored the lived experiences of rugby and ice hockey players, employing qualitative methods. A review of literature shows that little or no study has been conducted on the lived experiences of footballers with career threatening injuries especially within the African context. The study sought to explore the psychosocial problems male Ghanaian footballers with career threatening injuries face, how the injuries affect their wellbeing, the resources available for recovery, and how footballers cope with those problems. To achieve these aims, a qualitative research design with semi-structured interviews was adopted. Thirty one (31) male Ghanaian footballers with career threatening injuries living within Greater Accra region or Ashanti region were purposively and conveniently sampled. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used in analysing the data. Four (4) superordinate themes were extracted from the data. Participants’ responses generally clustered around mode of sustaining injury, emotions following injury, mode of treatment, and coping strategies. Ghanaian footballers believed that their injuries were due to the nature of the pitch. They sustained injuries through body contact and non-contact mediums. Moreover, the injuries caused them emotional distress and some psychological problems. In dealing with an injury, participants often resorted to medical (orthodox), herbal medicine or a mixture of treatments. Prayer, social support from friends and family, and normalising of injury helped them to cope with their injury. It is recommended that clubs urgently hire the services of psychologists and counsellors to take care of the psychological needs of players who suffer career threatening injuries. Regulatory bodies in Ghana should ensure that clubs with proper or standard pitches and medical facilities are licensed to operate.