Raise stature of football in the continent
The full draw for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The allure of football returns with the rescheduled Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament finals in Cameroon from January 9 to February 6. It’s time for Africa to roar, rock and illuminate the world with its prowess and skill showcase.
No doubt, the continent is united by the cheer that comes with the football game. The long-awaited contest, which was to be held last year, promises to spark. New entrants like Ethiopia, Sudan and Mauritius appear poised to battle it out with the veterans.
Recent happenings and discussions in some European leagues regarding whether or not to release African elite players have a number of sides.
On a positive note, it is an acknowledgement of the skill-set and prowess of African footballers and centrality to their clubs abroad that their managers find it hard to let go of the players. On the downside, it may mean the unwillingness of the leagues to enable elite contests like Afcon to thrive in Africa as theirs do.
Football powerhouse
That notwithstanding, it is time to demonstrate to the world that Africa is the football powerhouse. We are responsible for the quality and commitment to make such a signature contest adorable and memorable like in yesteryears.
Moments like this provide an opportunity for the budding and established players to gel and contribute on an equal pedestal for their respective countries.
Talent scouts and agents will also train their eyes on the fertile ground that is during this competition for the African players to be spotted for new and better opportunities.
Kenya has been out of the contest for some years. So, let’s rally behind all the teams — not so much on who will carry the day but that the contest positions Africa, which harbours a talented critical pool of sportspeople, to chart its own sports enterprise.
Incidents in some foreign clubs also invite a demand that a clause in players’ contracts expressly allow African players to do patriotic duty by playing for the motherland.
Mr Mberia is a communication practitioner. [email protected].
