The FIFA World Cup Trophy is making its way across Africa. Only the heads of state (and some unintended guys) have touched it. What are the chances that the trophy will remain in Africa?
I am an ardent football fan. But I can bet that this cup is going south - Not the host country - but to South America !
So, Africans had better stop dreaming that now that South Africa is hosting the latest edition of the four-year fiesta the trophy may as well be locked in the cabinet! Take a good look at Diego Armando Maradona's outfit and prepare to watch as the South Americans spirit away the golden cup.
Which African team can win it? Is it South Africa, the host nation? No. They may have the home ground advantage but the likes of Benni McCarthy & Co. do not come near the Doctor Khumalo team that lifted the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations and brought tears of happiness to Mzee Nelson Mandela?
Will Ghana prise the trophy away from Italy? I highly doubt that. The Black Stars may have in their ranks the likes of Chelsea's Michael Esssien but haven't they been perennial underachievers since the days of Abedi Pele and Tony Yeboah?
What about Nigeria, which sneaked through by a mere point? Ask any soccer enthusiast and he will tell you the current squad pales in comparison to the team that boasted players like Daniel "The Bull" Amokachi or the gifted Jay Jay Okocha and the magnificent Sunday Oliseh.
Will it be Cameroun's time? Honestly, other than captain Samuel Eto'o, who else can take the Indomitable Lion far?
Ivory Coast was at the last World Cup. Look at the team sheet; what new faces are likely to give it the punch it lacked last time? And don't forget that, Didier Drogba, ravaged by injuries and stalked by age, will be like a toothless lion in front of a herd of buffaloes. Where will the goals come from for the Elephants? I really don't know.
Whether it is Egypt or Algeria - whichever team makes it from the penultimate game between the two sides - nothing much should be expected from either. Remember, at this year's Confederations tourney in SA, Egypt were humbled. As for Algeria, well, how realistic are their chances?
Africa, it is time we went back to the drawing board. Or maybe the whole continent should select the best footballers from each country and send two African Union teams. They might fare better!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment