The 2010 World Cup is not just South Africa’s chance to shine, but it’s a chance for Africa to celebrate together. Fittingly, this tournament will see the most number of African participants ever – six in total – as Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Algeria join Bafana Bafana in the competition. That means we will be seeing the best of African talent on display, a real treat for local fans. Here are five world class players from the continent.
SAMUEL ETO’O
 Country: Cameroon
Age: 29
Position: Striker Eto’o is not just one of the best strikers in Africa, but he is one of the top marksman in world football and currently bangs in the goals for Inter Milan in Italy’s Serie A. He is currently serving as captain of his national team. He was named African Footballer of the Year on three consecutive occasions between 2003 and 2005, the first player since the legendary Ghanaian Abedi Pele to achieve that feat. He has made two appearances in World Cup tournaments and five in African Nations Cup. His exploits for club and country make him the most African players make the continent shine successful African player ever. But for all his brilliance, he is never far from controversy and is known to have a fiery temperament, which led to him head-butting a journalist in a press conference two years ago. And his brilliance also means that added attention is paid to him by opposition supporters and he has been on the receiving end of a number of racist incidents, particularly while he was playing for Barcelona in Spain. It became so bad at one point that he refused to have his family at matches to witness the abuse. He is a talismanic figure in the Cameroon set-up, where he is adored by fans and teammates alike. The general rule of thumb is that if Eto’o plays well, Cameroon wins.
DIDIER DROGBA
 Country: Cote d’Ivoire
Age: 32
Position: Striker Like Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba is at the very top of the pile when it comes to international strikers, and is also viewed the great leader of the Cote d’Ivoire national team. Born in Abidjan, he was actually raised in France from the age of five by his uncle Michel Goba, also a professional footballer, until his parents arrived in the country seven years later. But despite having left the land of his birth early in life, he has spent the latter part of his career pumping money back into country.
Last year, he donated £3 million (about R34.4 million) to build a hospital in Abidjan, a gesture that has elevated him to the most popular figure in the West African state.
His huge generosity is matched by his skill on the field and he is a key man for English Premiership side Chelsea, as well as the highest scorer in his country’s history. He was named African Footballer of the Year in 2006 and 2009. Another similarity he has with Eto’o is that he is never far from a controversial moment, and while his passion for the game is all consuming, it does sometimes boil over, so much so that he says he doesn’t like his 12-year-old son watch him play!
 ASAMOAH GYAN
Country: Ghana
Age: 24
Position: Striker Gyan is one of the fine new breed of African strikers that are currently on show, though despite his tender age, he has been around for some time. Indeed, he scored Ghana’s first ever goal at the 2006 FIFA World Cup tournament, netting after just 68 seconds against the Czech Republic, a strike that would turn out to be the fastest of the tournament. At the time he was playing for Udinese in Italy, but he has since moved to French outfit Stade Rennes, where he has been among the top scorers this season. He was a star performer at the recent 2010 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Angola, where he led the Black Stars to the final, scoring three goals in the process. The 24-year-old is key to Ghana’s progressing in this year’s FIFA World Cup.
JOSEPH YOBO
Country: Nigeria
Age: 29
Position: Defender Yobo has been a top performer for the Nigerian Super Eagles side since making his debut at the tender age of 20, and will be a key figure in their defensive set-up at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. But the fact that he will be there at all is a remarkable story. The Everton man injured his hamstring playing against Benin at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Angola and it looked as though he would spend months on the sidelines. But a visit to the famous faith healer in Lagos, Pastor TB Joshua, appeared to give him a miracle cure. Instead of spending months on the sidelines, he was back in contention for the Nigerians just days later. Yobo began his club career in Belgium before moving to France, and finally Everton in 2001. He is one of the few African players to captain an English Premiership side, the first being our very own Lucas Radebe. A solid, dependable defender, he is likely to be the starting captain for the Nigerians in South Africa. He recently married former beauty queen Adaeze Igwe in a midnight ceremony held in Jos.
MADJID BOUGHERRA
Country: Algeria
Age: 27
Position: Defender
Bougherra was born and raised in France, but opted instead to play for Algeria, his connection to the country coming through his grandfather. He has since gone on to become a leading figure in the side and a major reason the team booked its somewhat surprise place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. It has really been the last two years that have seen him rise to prominence, after previously playing in the lower leagues in France and England. He now turns out for top Scottish side Glasgow Rangers, and has been instrumental in winning back-to-back league titles for the team. He is considered to be the inspirational leader of the side, whose fighting spirit literally pushed his teammates to an unexpected semifinal place at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in January. He is now a reported target for top Spanish side Barcelona.[e] |
