The art of radio soccer commentary and influence on men’s mental health outcomes in Harare

Men in Zimbabwe are highly vulnerable to the risk of untreated mental illnesses. This study investigates the mental health benefits of the art of radio soccer commentary among men in Harare. Drawing from the theory of Leisure and Mental Health, a survey using a random sample of 318 participants was conducted. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and simple linear regression were conducted to explore the quantitative data. Significant positive correlations were established between radio soccer listenership and reduced anxiety (r = 0.48), negativity (r = 0.51), sadness (r = 0.55), stress (r = 0.57), and loneliness (r = 0.43). Regression models revealed that radio soccer commentary accounted for 18% to 32% of the variance in mental health indicators. Sustainability perceptions of radio soccer were also affirmed by reliability (r = 0.49) and durability (r = 0.52). Routine programming, community listening, extended broadcasts, and integration into public mental health programs are recommended to maximize the utility of radio soccer commentary