The day we’ve all been waiting for

Today, the FIFA World Cup kicks off in Brazil - exactly four years since Africa hosted the tournament for the first time in its history. For patriotic Africans, the focus and prayers will be reserved for our sister countries participating - Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria and Algeria. Some of these countries, especially Nigeria, Algeria and Ghana, have ties - historically or presently - with Namibia. However, the biggest African stars are from Ivory Coast and Cameroon. Ivory Coast’s Didier Drogba is featured in Windhoek Lager adverts, while Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o is a darling of many locals. These and other reasons are why Africans in general and Namibians in particular will be glued to their TV sets to ensure that no single minute of action surpasses them. Africa has had indifferent performances at World Cup tournaments. In 1990, Cameroon with legendary Roger Millar in the squad, were the surprise package of the tournament. In 2002, Senegal was a handful. With El Hadji Diouf being their man of the moment, the West Africans shocked defending champions France with a 1-0 win, to send the whole of Africa into uncontrollable jubilation. Yours truly, then a Grade 12 learner in Ongwediva, remembers it all. On our own turf in South Africa, Ghana was Africa’s team to beat. They were on the verge of becoming the first African side to reach the semi-finals, until that ‘hand of God’ controversy involving Uruguay’s Luis Suarez and the resultant missed penalty. Today we pin our hopes on the sons of the soil representing us in Brazil, despite the tough groups they find themselves in. Passion for football in Africa is often overshadowed by many factors that, in the end, affect our performances at this critical showpiece. Age-cheating, bribery and a general lack of patriotism are just the tip of an iceberg for why Africa’s lackluster performances have been the hallmark of all our appearances at the World Cup. Last week, for example, the Cameroonian players went on a strike over payments promised to them by their football association. Psychologically, tension of that nature can affect the mood in the camp and eventually the performance of the players. While money has become an essential part of modern football, Africans must also go back to their culture and passion for playing for the jerseys and the national flag embedded on it.