Africa has been lagging when the FIFA World Cup competition is mentioned. European and South American countries have dominated the FIFA World Cup.
The closest an African nation has been towards lifting the trophy is the appearance in the quarterfinal of the prestigious tournament. Cameroon did this in Italy (1990), Senegal in South Korea/Japan (2002) and Ghana in South Africa (2010).
African countries may need to relook at their focus, strategies and investment in football if they are to win the FIFA World Cup. Some football fanatics say African teams may never will the prestigious trophy, but this can happen if they actualise changes in the following areas:
1. Youth structure
The youth structure of our African countries needs to be effective and readily available. The youths are the future of everything. To conquer the world, Africa must have formidable youths from different categories well-prepared for the future. The goals must be set, and they must work towards meeting the goal of winning the World Cup. They must be well facilitated to meet their objectives in preparation for the main goal.
2. Preparedness
African countries should always be prepared to muscle each other in international events. We must face the so-called superior nations in football and try to prove ourselves as worthy competitors. The different football federations should also keep tabs on international football events, such as the FIFA breaks so that they find some international teams to gauge themselves against.
3. Facilities
Football resources are very crucial for any footballing activity to be successful. We need to get the right facilities so that our footballers are well equipped with the new technology imposed in the football world. It is very sad that some African clubs cannot even own a gymnasium, which is crucial in modern-day football. Nutritionists, quality coaches, and quality playing stadiums are some common resources that might be helpful if we dream of winning the prestigious event.
4. Investment
Football is a business like any other. African countries need to invest in the game so that it attracts potential sponsors. This will enable the countries to generate revenue so that they can depend on their revenue to facilitate different activities. A well-structured league will always attract investors as long as there is transparency and accountability. Investors are always serious and want to follow up on their money and be sure that they invest where they benefit.
5. Goodwill from governments
African countries should support the various football activities in their countries. Those European and South American countries that are powerhouses in international football events have very supportive governments. Any matter deemed a concern to football is well discussed even in their parliaments, and the solutions are affected to support the football activity. Those countries know the benefit of exporting players and even generating revenue from football activity, which is why they take matters affecting football and football players very seriously.
6. Good leadership
Any event that has good leadership is projected to be successful. Our football organisation’s leadership type needs to be put in order. Leadership wrangles among the football federation officials and even government interference in footballing activity have derailed the progress of the beautiful game. These are common dramas witnessed which leads us to some ban or suspension by the football governing body-FIFA.
Opinion by Michael Omondi
Michael Omondi (Mico Moyer) is a multi-talented professional with an immeasurable passion for sports. He is a graduate of Business Management (BBM- Accounting) from Moi University. He is a national referee in Kenyan football and works in the Division One League. He writes sports news and does sports analysis. His email is michaelomondi@upeohubdigital.co.ke.
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