Abedi Pele has backed an African team to win next year’s FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Addressing the media at a press conference in Ongwediva, the legendary African footballer said that with the World Cup taking place in Africa for the first time, the home ground advantage would benefit African countries.
“In the history of the World Cup, only one country has won it outside their own continent and that was Brazil, in Sweden in 1958 and South Korea in 2002. At other World Cups the winner has come from the same continent as the country hosting the event and I believe history will repeat itself. I believe our boys will do well – I don’t know who will win, but I’m convinced that the trophy will stay in Africa,” he said.
Pele was speaking at a press conference at Bennie’s Park in Ongwediva on the first day of the African Cup of Nations Trophy Tour to Northern Namibia which is being sponsored by Standard Bank.
Pele, who is Standard Bank’s official Ambassador for the Trophy Tour for the second time after his first tour in 2007 to promote the 2008 AFCON finals, said he was ‘overwhelmed to be in this beautiful country.’
Other dignitaries at the press conference included CAF’s assistant marketing director, Sarah El Gazar, Standard Bank Namibia’s Director of Personal and Business Banking, Mike Beaurain and Standard Bank’s Namibian ambassador and former Brave Warriors captain Bimbo Tjihero. Pele said football had grown tremendously in Africa over the past two years.
“It’s an honour and a pleasure for me to be chosen as Standard Bank’s ambassador for the trophy tour. This initiative has come because African football has grown tremendously and has been very successful over the past two years. I have seen how this tour has made contact with the fans and ordinary supporters and I have to give credit to Standard Bank for that, and also because they have signed a new long term agreement with the Confederation of African Football,” he said.
“I believe this is the moment for the fans and the corporate financiers to make contact. I believe that the trophy does not belong to the players but to the fans. Five years ago we did not have a trophy tour but now we must enjoy it, touch it and take photos with it, before the main event takes place. This is a huge step taken by Standard Bank and CAF and it shows that football in Africa is growing,” he added.
Pele said he had been impressed by the standard of Namibian football when they played Ghana at the last AFCON tournament in 2008.
“The match between Namibia and Ghana in 2008 was a wonderful game and Ghana just won narrowly in the end. I believe football in Namibia is growing, even though you did not qualify for AFCON 2010. You must work very hard to build up your structures for the benefit of your young players,” he said.
Pele added that he was impressed by the development of women’s football in Namibia.
“I’ve heard a bit about the development of women’s football in Namibia – it’s taking off very well and I’m very proud of that. Today the world is being ruled by women and in my country, Ghana, most of the women are in high positions,” he said.
A Gala Dinner will be held at the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre on Monday night, while the Trophy Tour continues to Oshikango and Oshakati on Tuesaday.
Namibia is one of seven African countries which form part of the 2008 AFCON Trophy Tour.
The tour started in Ghana on October 1, and continued to Zambia and Botswana before arriving in Namibia. After Namibia it continues to Uganda and Mozambique before arriving in Angola on November 19.
The 2010 AFCON finals will be held in Angola in January.