Mohammed Kudus, Africa's First £100 Million Man
In 2023, Kudus signed for English Premier League side West Ham United for just under 40 million pounds. Money well spent since he soon impressed with some spectacular goals becoming a fast favorite of the West Ham fans. Not surprisingly, West Ham is having a hard time in trying to keep hold of their young Ghanaian superstar. Teams such as Arsenal, Liverpool, and other European giants are looking closely into the prospect of signing him when he becomes a free agent next year. As a result, West Ham has slapped a £100 Million-pound transfer fee on his head, and it would seem that many teams are willing to pay the price.
Ola George for YAME Digital
Mohammed Kudus
West Ham has slapped a £100 Million-pound transfer fee on his head
Over the years Africa has yielded many soccer superstars such as George Weah and Mohammed Salah. Ghana, in particular, has yielded stars such as Michael Essien, Tony Yeboa, and now West Ham United's Mohammed Kudus. Like many Ghanaian youngsters, Kudus came through Ghana's soccer youth academy and plied his trade for a while in Scandinavia. Blessed with amazing speed, dribbling skills, and a fearsome shot he soon attracted scouts from all over western Europe. The Ghanaian starlet signed for Ajax of Amsterdam and soon impressed with his incredible skills scoring a hatful of goals in the Dutch soccer league.
Ghana prodigy Mohammed Kudus scores his first goal for Ajax Amsterdam
In 2023, Kudus signed for English Premier League side West Ham United for just under 40 million pounds. Money well spent since he soon impressed with some spectacular goals becoming a fast favorite of the West Ham fans. Not surprisingly, West Ham is having a hard time in trying to keep hold of their young Ghanaian superstar. Teams such as Arsenal, Liverpool, and other European giants are looking closely into the prospect of signing him when he becomes a free agent next year. As a result, West Ham has slapped a £100 Million-pound transfer fee on his head, and it would seem that many teams are willing to pay the price.
Some of Kudus’ Best Moments, Goals, Assists, and Skills
Recently Kudus has been dissatisfied with the club's managerial direction becoming so frustrated that he received a red card after getting into a brawl during a London Derby with Spurs and was suspended for several matches. He has returned to the first team in recent weeks and is still trying to work his way back into the sparkling form that attracted so many admirers last year. Ghana has struggled lately in the African Nations Cup qualifiers, and it would seem that the pressure of being the main man has impacted Kudus' form. There is no doubt that he will rebound. So, look for more to come from this unique talent.
Ola George for YAME Digital
Soccer: Killing The Golden Goose?
Soccer is the world's number one sport. Fans flock from all over the world to watch in big cities and in small villages to see their heroes in action. Influential players such as Pele, Maradona, Renaldo, and Messi have thrilled us. True fans live and die with their team's experiences in both victory and defeat. Many fans have become disenchanted with the state of the game. Astronomical costs for tickets and merchandise have skyrocketed over the years. This pricing has left many ordinary fans unable to attend games or even offer support by purchasing a team shirt. The European governing body (UEFA) has been even less conspicuous in the big money grab.
Ola George for YAME Digital
After a goal is scored, fans wait anxiously for the VAR to confirm the referee's on-field decision before celebrating a goal.
The European governing body (UEFA) has been even less conspicuous in the big money grab.
Soccer is the world's number one sport. Fans flock from all over the world to watch in big cities and in small villages to see their heroes in action. Influential players such as Pele, Maradona, Renaldo, and Messi have thrilled us over the years. True fans live and die with their team's experiences in both victory and defeat. Many fans have become disenchanted with the state of the game. Astronomical costs for tickets and merchandise have skyrocketed over the years. This pricing has left many ordinary fans unable to attend games or even offer support by purchasing a team shirt.
var (video assistant referee)
On the field, the introduction of the Video Assisted Referee (VRE) has left many fans and players disgruntled with absurd decisions and onerous changes to the offside law, and constant tinkering with the rules has left many frustrated that the game is being strangled from within. The VAR decisions have slowed the game to a crawl. After a goal is scored, fans wait anxiously for the VAR to confirm the referee's on-field decision before celebrating a goal. FIFA, the governing body of world soccer, has suffered scandals over the last few years with many top executives being caught up in the maelstrom of corruption. The soccer body has now given the USA the bloated World Cup with more teams being invited to the big show which means the quality of games would be diluted. Does anybody want to see Zimbabwe hammered by one of the top European or South American teams?
The European governing body (UEFA) has been even less conspicuous in the big money grab. We now have the bloated Champions League with even more teams vying for a piece of the pie. I remember a time when the European Cup, as it was then called, was only for the champions of their respective leagues. However, today the teams that finished in third or fourth position now qualify for the Champions League once again. After the failed attempt of the European Super League teams such as Arsenal, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Barcelona are seen as trying to manipulate their way into forming a "closed shop" where only the big boys can play and profit.
Soccer players are also feeling the pressure and the squeeze of fixture congestion. Recently Manchester City midfielder Roderi complained about fixture congestion and fatigue and was widely criticized for being a whiner. The joke was about Roderi because he recently suffered a season-ending knee injury which highlights that his fears were right on target. The soccer powers that be need to treat fans with more respect. Many fans grumble that the game as they know it is gone due to greed. Those at the helm would do well to take heed before they kill the golden goose.
Ola George for YAME DigitalFeel free to air your opinions. We encourage our readers across the spectrum to participate. We hold Space for everyone on YAME — yame[dot]space. Post your opinion anonymously/as a guest.
Los Angeles Olympian Task
In 2024, Paris put on a spectacular Olympic show that thrilled the world. Athletes who had trained for years to reach such heights excelled in sports as varied as gymnastics, breakdancing, and thrilling battles on the athletic track. Years from now, all eyes will be on Los Angeles for the 2028 games, and the wheels are already in motion to make it not only an athletic 'tour de force' but also a cultural one.
Ola George for YAME Digital
The Los Angeles Olympics
2028
In 2024, Paris put on a spectacular Olympic show that thrilled the world. Athletes who had trained for years to reach such heights excelled in sports as varied as gymnastics, breakdancing, and thrilling battles on the athletic track. Years from now, all eyes will be on Los Angeles for the 2028 games, and the wheels are already in motion to make it not only an athletic 'tour de force' but also a cultural one.
The last time Los Angeles hosted the games was in 1984. I had the pleasure of working at one of the venues during that special time.
The thrill of meeting people of all different ethnicities, cultures, and viewpoints from all around the world was exciting. However, so much has changed in Los Angeles since that time.
Today, there is some apprehension about how Los Angeles will handle the upcoming games. The city has changed significantly since the 1980s, and like many major cities, Los Angeles is grappling with social issues that need to be addressed.
The city is plagued with drugs (addiction/selling), and the mentally ill, which also add to the chronic homelessness issues which are pervasive in Los Angeles.
Experts will tell you that in the post-pandemic period, crime rates are on a downward trend. However, native Angelenos argue otherwise.
The reality is that new flash mob robberies and the accompanying violence often associated with the homeless who struggle with mental illness and drug addiction pose significant challenges. Mayor Karen Bass faces an enormous task in addressing these issues before major events such as the FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games take place in the "City of Angels."
Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon has taken the brunt of the blame for the upsurge in crime.Many critics argue that the no-cash bail reforms have resulted in a cycle of criminals committing offenses, being incarcerated, and then swiftly released back into the community.
Gascon is facing an uphill reelection bid, and it seems he will be toppled by a tough-on-crime prosecutor who feels like he let the criminals run roughshod. Whereas Mayor Karen Bass is trying to right the ship.
Millions of dollars have been poured into her ‘Inside Safe’ program which is trying to move the homeless from the streets into shelters and/or temporary housing.
Southern California has much to offer the world not only as a venue but as a multicultural hub and entertainment center.
We are hopeful that we can get the social issues under control enough for others to embrace what our state has to offer—Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Disneyland, and beautiful beaches. The unique urban areas offer a plethora of things to do and see.
Los Angeles will welcome the world in 2028, and there is no doubt in my mind it will put on a fantastic show.
Ola George for YAME DigitalFeel free to join the conversation by posting your comment! We encourage readers across the political spectrum to participate. We hold Space for everyone on YAME — yame[dot]space. You can post comments anonymously/as a guest.
Dikembe Mutombo, NBA legend and Hall of Famer, dies of brain cancer at 58
The NBA announced on Monday that Hall of Famer, humanitarian, and legendary shot blocker Dikembe Mutombo has died at 58. The cause of death was brain cancer, which he was diagnosed with back in Oct. 2022. Mutombo was surrounded by his family when he passed. Mutombo, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, became one of the best defensive players of all time over his 18-year career.
Liz Roscher | September 30, 2024 at 12:57 PM
Former Atlanta Hawks' Dikembe Mutombo speaks during a halftime ceremony retiring his number at an NBA basketball game between the Hawks and the Boston Celtics Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Liz Roscher | September 30, 2024 at 12:57 PMHall of Famer, humanitarian, and legendary shot blocker Dikembe Mutombo has died at 58, the NBA announced on Monday. The cause of death was brain cancer, which he was diagnosed with in October 2022. Mutombo was surrounded by his family when he passed.
Mutombo, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, became one of the best defensive players of all time over his 18-year career. He played for six teams total but spent most of his time with the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, and Houston Rockets. (He spent one-plus seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers and one season each with the New Jersey Nets and New York Knicks.) He was an eight-time All-Star and a four-time defensive player of the year. He led the NBA in blocks in 1994, 1995, and 1996, and led the league in rebounds in 2000 and 2001. Both the Hawks and Nuggets have retired his number, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.
Born Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacque Wamutombo in 1966, he had originally planned to become a doctor and intended to study medicine at Georgetown before he was recruited to play basketball by legendary coach John Thompson. He earned degrees in linguistics and diplomacy in 1991, but with the Nuggets drafting him with the fourth overall pick, there was no question his future was in basketball and not international relations.
Of course, you can't talk about Mutombo without mentioning the finger wag. Mutombo would break out the famous "no, no, no" finger wag when he would execute a particularly savage block.
The finger wag became bigger than life, and Mutombo was on board it. He did it in photos, he did it on the red carpet, he did it in commercials. It became part of who he was, and just like life itself, he embraced it.
Following Mutombo's retirement from the NBA in 2009, he focused on philanthropy and humanitarianism, wanting to give back to his home country and the entire continent of Africa. He created the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997 (12 years before he'd retire) to improve living conditions in the DRC, and received numerous awards from the NBA and other organizations for his work in Africa to improve conditions and reduce the spread of polio.
Mutombo's son, Ryan, posted a touching tribute to his father on Instagram.
Commissioner Adam Silver, who named Mutombo the first NBA Global Ambassador, released a statement about his friend's death.
Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life on the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.
There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA's first global ambassador. He was a humanitarian at his core. He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the continent of Africa. I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing firsthand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people. He was always accessible at NBA events over the years – with his infectious smile, deep, booming voice, and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation.
Dikembe's indomitable spirit continues in those who he helped and inspired throughout his extraordinary life. I am one of the many people whose lives were touched by big heart, and I will miss him dearly. On behalf of the entire NBA family, I send my deepest condolences to Dick's wife, Rose, and their children: his many friends; and the global basketball community, which he truly loved and which loved him back."
Mutombo is survived by his wife, Rose, their three children, and four children of Rose's deceased brothers they adopted in 1996.
150th Kentucky Derby in a Stunning Upset
Mystik Dan took the roses in a three-horse photo finish, winning the 150th Kentucky Derby in a stunning upset. Mystic Dan outran Sierra Leone and Forever Young in one of the closest finishes in Derby history, ending in a finish so close that the winner wasn't immediately obvious.
By Theo Edwards
Mystik Dan holds off Sierra Leone by a nose at Louisville, KY! Saturday, May 4, 2024
The ultimate crown in horse racing
Insane finish! All Three by a nose. Best race since the Rich Strike miracle
Mystik Dan took the roses in a three-horse photo finish, winning the 150th Kentucky Derby in a stunning upset. Mystic Dan outran Sierra Leone and Forever Young in one of the closest finishes in Derby history, ending in a finish so close that the winner wasn't immediately obvious.
Mystik Dan and jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. rode the rail down the stretch with a short lead. Forever Young from Japan and Sierra Leone gave chase and pressured the leader to the wire in front of 156,710 at Churchill Downs.
Hernandez and trainer Kenny McPeek won the Kentucky Oaks on Friday with Thorpedo Anna.
McPeek made history by being the first trainer since 1952 to win the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks.
Fierceness was the favorite of both betting interest and pressure. The purse for the 2024 Derby stood at $5 million, up from $3 million as recently as 2019.
Mystik Dan won the 150th Kentucky Derby in a photo finish, edging out Forever Young and Sierra Leone for the upset victory
The Official Kentucky Derby results:
1. Mystik Dan
2. Sierra Leone
3. Forever Young
4. Catching Freedom
5. T O Password
6. Resilience
7. Stronghold
8. Honor Marie
9. Endlessly
10. Dornoch
11. Track Phantom
12. West Saratoga
13. Domestic Product
14. Epic Ride
15. Fierceness
16. Society Man
17. Just Steel
18. Grand Mo The First
19. Catalytic
20. Just a Touch
Imagine just two minutes that have transformed the lives of horses, riders, trainers, and owners. Whether it's a moment of triumph or a crushing defeat, these two minutes will leave a lasting impact.
By Theo Edwards; May 4, 2024 at 9:41 PM (EST)
Sierra Leone Wins the 2024 Toyota Blue Grass (G1)
At least some good news: The horse named Sierra Leone won the 2024 Toyota Blue Grass Race in the U.S. The Toyota Blue Grass (G1), for 3-year-olds at 1+1/8 miles on the dirt, ran on Saturday, April 6, at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, KY.
By Theo Edwards
$1 Million Toyota Blue Grass (G1)
The Toyota Blue Grass (G1), for 3-year-olds at 1+1/8 miles on the dirt, ran on Saturday, April 6, at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, KY.
Sierra Leone made his case, overcoming early gate issues and rallying from the back of the pack to win the $1 million, Grade 1 Blue Grass at Keeneland by 1+1/2 lengths over Just a Touch, Tyler Gaffalione riding. Sierra Leone covered the 1+1/8 miles in 1:50.08 and paid $5.32 to win as the 8-5 favorite.
The Blue Grass Stakes is the track's premiere prep race in the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Obama becomes minority owner, strategic partner for NBA Africa
Obama’s investment in the league will be used to support youth and leadership programming for the Obama Foundation across the continent, reports CNN
yahoo!news (by Biba Adams)
NBA Africa oversees the Basketball Africa League
yahoo!news (by Biba Adams)
Former President Barack Obama’s investment in Basketball Africa will be used to support youth and leadership programming for the Obama Foundation across the continent.
Former President Barack Obama has hit another milestone.
America’s beloved first commander-in-chief has become a strategic partner and minority owner in the National Basketball Association (NBA)’s African league — Basketball Africa.
U.S. President Barack Obama plays basketball during the annual Easter Egg Roll on the White House tennis court April 1, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
NBA Africa oversees the Basketball Africa League which has seen investment from former basketball stars, Dikembe Mutombo, Grant Hill, and Junior Bridgeman.
Obama’s investment in the league will be used to support youth and leadership programming for the Obama Foundation across the continent, reports CNN.
The exact terms of Obama’s investment have not been disclosed.
In a statement, the former president wrote, “The NBA has always been a great ambassador for the United States—using the game to create deeper connections around the world, and in Africa, basketball has the power to promote opportunity, wellness, equality, and empowerment across the continent.
“By investing in communities, promoting gender equality, and cultivating the love of the game of basketball, I believe that NBA Africa can make a difference for so many of Africa’s young people.”
The former president’s father was from Kenya on the east of the continent.
NBA Africa’s CEO Victor Williams reportedly wants to build corporate partnerships, expand content and media rights, and support local governments seeking to build new basketball arenas.
NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams (Photo: NBA Africa)
The league is currently made up of 12 teams and games are broadcast to 215 countries and territories across the continent.
According to CNBC, 55 players in the NBA are either native Africans or first-generation immigrants from the continent. The Basketball Africa League is being viewed as a new source for scouting and developing players.
Former NBA players Luol Deng and Joakim Noah are investors in the NBA Africa league via Helios Fairfax Partners Corporation which also counts NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and NBA Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum on its board.
Silver shared a statement of glowing praise about the former president, writing, “We are honored that President Obama has become a strategic partner in NBA Africa and will support our wide-ranging efforts to grow the game of basketball on the continent.”
“In addition to his well-documented love for basketball, President Obama has a firm belief in Africa’s potential and the enormous growth opportunities that exist through sports. NBA Africa will benefit tremendously from his engagement.”
Former President Obama has long expressed his love for basketball, previously acknowledging that while he loved the sport, he did not possess the skills to go professional. Still, throughout his presidency, Obama often played basketball on White House grounds and even invited NBA stars like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant to go head-to-head with him.
Related Article: NBA Communication
Obama Foundation
NBA names Victor Williams CEO of NBA Africa
Becoming CEO of NBA Africa is a compelling opportunity to join the NBA – a widely-respected and admired globally-oriented sports enterprise, said Williams.
NBA Communications
Official Release
NBA Communications
JOHANNESBURG AND NEW YORK – The National Basketball Association (NBA) today named Victor Williams CEO of NBA Africa, effective Aug. 17, 2020, it was announced by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Williams, an accomplished investment banking executive with extensive experience growing businesses across the U.S. and Africa, will be based in the league’s Johannesburg office and report to NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum.
It allows me to blend my professional experience building businesses in Africa with my passion for the sport of basketball. I look forward to working with our colleagues in Johannesburg and Dakar to help grow basketball’s commercial and social impact in Africa and on the world stage
In this newly-created role, Williams will oversee the league’s basketball and business development initiatives in Africa and will be responsible for continuing to grow the popularity of basketball and the NBA across the continent through grassroots development, media distribution, corporate partnerships, and more.
For the last five years, Williams served as the Executive Head of Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB), Africa Regions for Standard Bank Group, where he oversaw the strategy, execution and financial performance for Standard Bank’s business with corporate, sovereign and institutional investor clients in 19 countries across sub-Saharan Africa. In this pan-continental role, Williams was responsible for growing a wide range of business lines across Africa, including global markets, investment banking, and transactional products and services, and helped lead Standard Bank’s expansion into Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.
“Adding an executive of Victor’s caliber and experience is an important step in our continued efforts to grow basketball across the continent. We look forward to Victor leading NBA Africa’s operations and helping to accelerate the use of sports as an economic engine across Africa.”
Becoming CEO of NBA Africa is a compelling opportunity to join the NBA – a widely-respected and admired globally-oriented sports enterprise, said Williams. It allows me to blend my professional experience building businesses in Africa with my passion for the sport of basketball. I look forward to working with our colleagues in Johannesburg and Dakar to help grow basketball’s commercial and social impact in Africa and on the world stage.
Williams joined Standard Bank in 2011 as Head of Corporate and Investment Banking for East Africa and subsequently led Standard Bank’s Corporate and Investment Banking business in Nigeria. Previously, he worked at Wells Fargo Securities in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he was a Managing Director focused on mergers and acquisitions. In this role, he executed more than $5 billion in merger and acquisition transactions and advised senior executives and boards of directors of corporate and private equity firms on mergers, divestitures, acquisitions, joint ventures, recapitalizations, and corporate defense.
Prior to Wells Fargo Securities, Williams was Vice President of Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs in New York City, where he provided strategic guidance to Fortune 500 companies in all aspects of merger and financing analysis and execution.
Williams, a dual citizen of Sierra Leone and the U.S., holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and bachelor’s degrees in applied math and economics from Brown University. He is a member of Harvard Business School’s Africa Advisory Board and has also served on the boards of publicly listed companies and non-profit organizations in the U.S., Nigeria, and Kenya.
Sporting Horizons
Victory over favorites England sealed a second world title for Springboks. Winning a world title on foreign soil is never easy, thus forever cementing their place in Africa sporting folklore.
YAME, Editorial Board
KUDOS TO THE springboks of South Africa after their victory at last month's rugby world cup in Japan
The Editorial Board
Victory over favorites England sealed a second world title for Springboks. Winning a world title on foreign soil is never easy, thus forever cementing their place in Africa sporting folklore.
US Woman’s soccer team (USWNT)
The US Woman’s soccer team needs to get PAID! The ladies have won multiple Olympic and world cup titles, however they are paid a fraction of what their less successful male counterparts earn.
Soccer Player
FIFA needs to issue a red card to racist fans who abuse black soccer players on match days. Lightweight fines and a few closed-door games will not suffice. Long term bans from international and club tournaments send a strong message to this blight.
A Red Card for Soccer
When a star player such as Danny Rose of Spurs and England declares his love of the game has diminished due to abuse, it should sadden all of us.
When a star player such as Danny Rose of Spurs and England declares his love of the game has diminished due to abuse, it should sadden all of us.
by Martin Tyler III
I love what Pele’ described as the “Beautiful Game.” Some of the best days of my life have been spent playing or watching the worlds’ premier sport. Soccer is life, passion and as close to religion as I get. I live and die with my team’s fortunes. I have always viewed and played the game through the lens of sportsmanship and a global unifier. Therefore, it really hurts, when my sporting nirvana beset by the specter of racism.
Soccer stadia have been long known for their boisterous crowds singing in praise of their heroes. The back and forth between fans is usually good-natured ribbing of the opposition. However, over the years the roar from the stands has taken on a more sinister tone. Recently during an international in Montenegro, black English players Raheem Sterling and Callum Odoi-Hudson were subjected to a litany of racial abuse including monkey chants.
The problem is not new however its dimensions have magnified mostly due to the resurgence of ultra-far right-wing nationalism in Europe. FIFA has taken steps to rectify that situation. Clubs and national associations have been hit with minor fines and playing matches behind closed doors.
Clearly more must be done subjecting players to racial abuse. It is morally reprehensible, dehumanizing and definitively unsporting behavior. FIFA has put weight behind campaigns such as “Kick it Out” in an attempt to address the issue, nevertheless the problem persists badly. It's clear more drastic steps need taking. FIFA is a multi-billion dollar monster and money talks. It is time that FIFA put its full economic weight behind the fight. Soccer clubs and its associations should be hit where it hurts specifically in terms of harsh financial penalties. Playing a match closed doors should be the first level of censure. The next level should be a ban from all major competitions. International cups are a source of pride for many nations. Lengthy exile would force countries to put their moral-houses in order.
Finally, team captains and referee must be given latitude to walk off the field if the abuse is not ended. Abusive fans should receive fines and if necessary lifetime bans for their intolerance. Soccer is the world’s most popular sport. And it is up to FIFA, fans and society as a whole to end the scourge of racism and prejudice. When a star player such as Danny Rose of Spurs and England declares his love of the game has diminished due to abuse, it should sadden all of us.
What is the way forward for African soccer?
The 2018 edition of the World Cup will probably be recognized as one of the best of all time.
Despite doubts about Russia hosting, we were treated to a spectacular soccer fiesta. We had heart-stopping drama, goals, and shocks as giants Germany and Argentina crashed out early. Headliners such as Messi and Neymar fell well short of the mark, and in the end, France were worthy champs.
Can Africa Capture World Cup Glory?
By Khader Mesokele
European leagues are replete with African superstars such as Mo Salah and Andre Ayew. However, not one team from Africa made it to the elimination phase.
In the past teams from Ghana, Senegal, and Cameroon have all given us a glimpse of greatness but, for all the individual talent Africa has yet to produce a truly great team.
FIFA has poured cash from its overflowing coffers into grassroots initiatives to develop and promote the fame. Also, Africa has benefited from additional World Cup berths. However, success at the youth level has not transferred to the sports highest level.
What is the way forward for African soccer?
Mohamed Salah (Mo)
Jordan Lukaku
Andre Ayew
Lukaku: Jordan & Romelu
Lukaku brothers
Kylian Mbappé
Paul Pogba
The continent is blessed with an abundance of gifted and athletic talent. This potential must be harnessed. With improved facilities, coaching and competitive leagues, perhaps the exodus of talent could be staunched. European national squads are stocked with the talent of African origins. If Mbappe, Pogba, and Lukaku had opted to play for their country of origin, what wonders could we have seen?
African federations need to clean up their acts. Nepotism and corruption must be rooted out. After all, players should not have to fight over pay and bonuses during the World Cup.
The future can be bright but only if Africa makes the right moves, on and off the pitch.
