In eight days the African continent will
come to a standstill as Africa’s biggest sporting show case commences. The 29th
edition of the African Cup of nations (AFCON) to will be hosted by South
Africa is truly unique tournament as it signifies a change in the tide for the
competition. Traditionally the tournament was held every two years, with the
rotation occurring during even years (1998, 2000, 2002 and so on) after the
tournament hosted by Tunisia in 1965. This edition will take place in 2013 a
year after the reigning champions Zambia won it in 2012
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| Nigeria celebrating after qualifying for the Olympic Final in 1996 |
When you assess football dominance in
Africa it is evident that there has been a changing of the guard. Traditional
powerhouses like Nigeria and Cameroon have lost their sting, with the latter
failing to qualify for this year’s tournament. These teams were seen as
Africa’s teams, their participation in the World Cup was not only for their
country, but for the continent at large. Who could ever forget Nwaku Kanu raising the ball and falling dramatically after
the gold medal in the Olympics during the LA Games. Four years later Cameroon replicated
the performance of their rivals Nigeria and won gold in Sydney 2000. This was
followed by the dominance of Egypt who have won the trophy 7 times and have
played 90 games. These three teams combined have won the tournament 13 times,
but now the fear they used to instil into other countries has fizzled out. Back
in my days I could name the entire Nigeria and Cameroon line up, but now I cannot
even name five players for both teams combined.
Corruption, lack of patriotism and poor
administration has led to the demise of these once storied nations. Okay that’s
enough about history and facts that most fans are not interested in - as all
that’s on their mind is winning. This year’s tournament will be hosted with the
best facilities ever in the wake of the 2010 World Cup. South Africa, being the
hub of Southern Africa and the greater part of the continent possess world
class stadiums, hotels and training facilities will ensure a successful
tournament. Personally, I hope this tournament will give birth to new football powerhouses
as was the case 15 or 16 years ago. Ghana, Ivory Coast and Zambia have the
potential to do so, but until Ivory Coast win the Final game they will always
be the bridesmaid at the showcase, despite having some of the biggest names in
football at the world stage. The name Ghana invokes joy and flashbacks of 2010,
but it’s time for them to dominate the game and win their 5th Cup. Well
Zambia the second country to win the event in Southern Africa can solidify its
place as an elite team by winning it again or finishing on the podium.
Soccer might be the most loved game on the
continent, but passion is not the only factor responsible for the games
development across the continent. Scandals like the Asiagate scandal in Zimbabwe
should be resolved and avoided (SA 2010 scandal and
Nigeria). Africa is tired of only dominating AFCON, it’s time to have an
African nation hoisting the WORLD Cup, but this is only possible if nations
deal with off the field issues so as not to destruct players. In 8 days the African
drum will be beating, accompanied by dancing and on the 20th of
February one nation will in total jubilation. Let the games begin, but it’s
time to learn, grow and develop the African game.
